Observer Food Awards another big success

BY TANESHA MUNDLE Observer staff reporter mundlet@jamaicaobserver.com

Saturday, July 24, 2010

LATE afternoon showers did not dampen the spirit of the hundreds of food enthusiasts who turned out Thursday evening for yet another successful staging of the prestigious Observer Food Awards -- one of the country's premier events.

The event, which this year suffered a more than a month delay as a result of the State of Public Emergency which was declared on May 23, got off on the lawns of Devon House in Kingston without any glitches.

At the end of the presentations, Terra Nova Hotel was the night's biggest winner, collecting three awards.

The hotel, which has maintained a standard of winning since the inception of the awards 12 years ago, won in the categories for Best Burger, Best Place to Sip Tea and the Best Late Night Bite.

Arlene Wynter, the hotel's food and beverage and marketing manager, told the Observer that she was not surprised by the company's success at the awards.

"We at the Terra Nova Hotel have always tried our best, so to win three awards, we are not surprised. But we are just grateful and thankful. I am really happy and this win will definitely boost our ratings," she said.

Jerk sauce maven Helen Willinsky, who developed the popular Helen's Tropical-Exotics brand of seasoning, and Wisynco Group Limited, the country's leading distributing and manufacturing company, were also big winners.

Willinsky walked away with the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Andrew Mahfood of Wisynco collected the Chairman's Award on behalf of his family-run company.

"I just feel happy to be here and happy that I have been recognised by the Observer Food Awards. I am happy about the award and it's something that I can share with my children and grandchildren," said an excited Willinsky.

Among the other big winners for the night were Claudette Tenn of Homestyles, who was named Entrepreneur of the Year, and whose mackerel rundown got the award for the Best New Food item; Lorraine Fung, Caterer of the Year; Kevin Broderick of Rockhouse Hotel, Chef of the Year, and the Strawberry Hill Hotel and Spa's NOBU won the Food Event of the Year.

Ten of the island's best restaurants, which have maintained a standard of quality for the past 10 years, were also awarded with the Longevity Award. They are: Moby Dick, Hot Pot, Red Bones Blues Café, Norma's on the Terrace, Guilt Trip, Sugar Mill -- Half Moon Hotel, Evita's, the Pelican Grill, Toscannini and Passage to India.

Loshusan Supermarket, meanwhile, took the prize for Total Shopping Experience, the second year in a row; Juici Patties won the prize for Best Eat under $500; the Best Jerk was Scotchies of Drax Hall, St Ann; and the Spanish Court Hotel in Kingston took the Best Place to be Seen award.

The awards took on a festival-like atmosphere and showcased the innovativeness and creativity of the island's top food gurus at several of the booths, which were packed with a variety of culinary treats, attractively displayed.

Patrons who spoke to the Observer praised the organisers for the way in which the event was organised.

"I think the event is very well put-together. It is really a great event and the food is lovely," said Michelle Jones, host of the Vibes Cuisine Cooking Show.

Professor Ann Hicklin-Hudson, who was on vacation in the island and took the time out to attend the event, said "I think it is spectacular, and what struck me is the artistry of what I saw at the booths and the food is really tasty."

— See Sunday's Style Observer for more on the Food Awards

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Observer Food Awards another big success