http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/ JamaicaObserver.com, the most concise and in-depth website for news coverage on Jamaica and the Caribbean. Updated daily 7 days a week, 24 hours a day en-us copyright Jamaica Observer, 2011 http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/food/And-The-Chef-On-The-Rise-Nominees-2012-Are---_11465854 Brian Lumley Local Lifestyle Thu, 24 May 2012 02:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/food/UTech-Students-Volunteer-for-Food-Awards_11525489 Forty students from the University of Technology's (UTech) School of Hospitality and Tourism Management have been selected as volunteer stewards at this year's Jamaica Observer Food Awards to be held next Thursday on the lawns of Devon House. Local Food Thu, 24 May 2012 02:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/food/Pasta-Salads_11524980 Over the past week or so we have been experiencing some serious heat and humidity. Has summer come a little earlier this year? If you are like me, when it is extra warm I want to use the stove as little as possible and not even go near the oven. Of course, come lunch or dinner time you do want something substantial, and pasta salads sometimes do the trick for me. Light, but with a little gumption. Local Lifestyle Thu, 24 May 2012 02:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/food/Sponsoring-wine_11525089 Globally, sponsorship is big business and if a company's brand or products are associated with the right event, venue, team or individual, it can mean huge payoffs in many different ways. Local Lifestyle Thu, 24 May 2012 02:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/food/And-The-Chef-of-the-Year-Nominees-2012-Are---_11494780 Steve Sowa Local Lifestyle Thu, 24 May 2012 02:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/food/Taste-of-the-Continents_11482249 With just 14 days to go before the highly anticipated Jamaica Observer Food Awards unfolds on the lawns of the historic Devon House, the judges reconvened at the Spanish Court Hotel last Monday for another exciting round of presentations. The evening had a welcome international theme as Chinese fare (from ascendant fast-food mogul Paul Yao), decadent sweet treats (by Chinese born-now-Rock-resident master pastry chef, Jing Shi), Argentine-inspired desserts (whipped up by South American beauty Mercedes Pino) and Jamaican coffee (the aromatic, delicious Marley Coffee) were served. Food Awards Thu, 17 May 2012 02:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/food/-Talawah----Priced-To-Satisfy_11487006 Are you a beer lover, but just can't keep up with the high prices? No sweat! How about one created just for you and only for a cool $100! Local Food Thu, 17 May 2012 02:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/food/All-in-the-Crust_11482152 I have a deep fondness for pastries, especially those with an extra buttery crust. My weaknesses are tarts and quiches. It's a real pleasure sinking my teeth into a deep-crust pie with all of the flakes and crumbs. I find that savoury pastries such as quiches can make a great midweek meal once you have some prepared dough ready at hand, fresh eggs, milk or cream, cheese and whatever meat or vegetable combination you desire to eat. A lovely salad on the side and you are quickly sorted out for a meal both adults and children enjoy. Local Lifestyle Thu, 17 May 2012 02:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/food/Wine-tasting-notes_11482287 We are exactly two weeks away from the Jamaica Observer Food Awards and remain on a quest to find out what Jamaica's favourite wines are. But let's pause a while to reflect on just how we choose a wine from off the shelf. Do we take into consideration the wine-tasting notes on the back of the label? Local Food Thu, 17 May 2012 02:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/food/OMG--It-s-Good-_11432791 A five-month-old establishment, located in the Cobblestone Professional Centre, Mandeville, is the next out-of-town stop for the Jamaica Observer Food Awards judges. It was a veritable OMG moment. Local Lifestyle Thu, 10 May 2012 02:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/food/Bon-Appetit-_11426612 The Spanish Court Hotel's kitchen was abuzz Monday last as a revolving door of food characters — a go-getting pastry artisan, the Solomon gundy dip-maker tied to a family recipe, a bubbly pasta-sauce and soup creator — debuted their creations to the Jamaica Observer Food Awards judging panel. The evening also saw Grace Foods presenting a four-course menu, utilising the company's range of products, and JP Tropical Foods showcasing its juicy pineapple that has its origins in Hawaii. A smorgasbord of culinary delights awaited the 11 judges and as usual, they were raring to go. Local Lifestyle Thu, 10 May 2012 02:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/food/Our-Wine-Picks-for-a-Happy-Mother-s-Day_11432864 The most important job in the world is parenting, and Mum is usually the boss in the parenting department at home. I wondered what gems I could find on the supermarket shelves to recommend for Mother's Day. I popped into MegaMart this week to take a look at the shelves for about four red and four white wines that were delightful to taste, easy to drink and good value for money. Local Lifestyle Thu, 10 May 2012 02:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/food/Whip-Up-Something-Special-For-Mum_11429716 Do let your mothers know just how much they are loved and appreciated this Mother's Day. I'm looking forward to showering my own mum with lots of love as the time spent with her is so precious; I am sure you could say the same. Let's remember, too, those we know who no longer have their mothers with them; reach out to them this Sunday, as it can be a bittersweet time. Make mum the centre of attention on her special day by tailoring something for her specific personality and needs. I'm sure she will appreciate a change from her regular routine. For example, if she spends a lot of hours in the kitchen, then I believe you should take her out to one of the many Mother's Day brunches or dinners to give her a welcome and refreshing change of atmosphere. Local Lifestyle Thu, 10 May 2012 02:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/food/Chef-Karl-Thomas_11432869 In culinary circles, Chef Karl Thomas is one of the most respected on The Rock. A certified executive chef, lecturer in the School of Hospitality at University of Technology, and selected by GraceKennedy as head chef of Jamaica's athletes participating in this summer's London Olympic games. Thursday Food caught up with Thomas last Monday after he completed chef duties as part of the Grace Foods team making a presentation to the Jamaica Observer Food Awards judging panel. We asked what were his five must-bring Grace products and the five must-do items of his chef's checklist. Local Lifestyle Thu, 10 May 2012 02:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/food/Tuesday-Night-At-The-Pegasus_11392365 Under new management, a new executive chef and a just-appointed general manager, the Jamaica Pegasus is a hotel in transition. The storied Knutsford Boulevard-located landmark, recently acquired by Kevin Hendrickson's Quivin Holdings, has welcomed Mark Cole, assuming executive chef duties, and hotel industry veteran Peter Hilary as general manager. Food Thu, 03 May 2012 02:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/food/Chillies--Various-degrees-of-heat_11333613 Jamaicans are familiar with Scotch bonnet, country and bird peppers, but there is a whole world of capsicums out there. Local Lifestyle Thu, 03 May 2012 02:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/food/Eleita-s-The-Spot_11385709 The rhythmic sounds of Kelly Rowland's Motivation greeted our Thursday Food team as we approached Eleita's Soup and Grill. It is happy hour at the backyard-inspired restaurant. Almond trees tower over metallic tables and chairs, which are already filled with customers. The restaurant's owner, gospel-recording artiste Calvin 'Prodigal Son' Whilby, welcomes us and shares with us the story of the eatery's genesis. Food Thu, 03 May 2012 02:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/food/Taste-The-Caribbean_11391460 The Scotia Private Client Group sponsored Jamaica Open — Taste of the Caribbean which took place last Sunday at the Kingston Polo Club, afforded guests great polo moments drizzled with exquisite regional fare. Appetites were whet and palates appeased with delectable dishes from St Lucia's The Edge, St Kitts' The Beach House, Caribbean Villa Chefs from Barbados as well as top local chefs like Dennis McIntosh and Jacqui Tyson. With Desserts from Colin Hylton's Guilt Trip and Alecia James' Signature Cakes & Desserts adding to the mix, the day became polo-loving foodie event. Thursday Food shares highlights. Local Lifestyle Thu, 03 May 2012 02:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/food/KFC-Introduces-the-Zing_11332371 The Zing is the latest delicious addition to the KFC sandwich line. Based on the famous, popular Zinger sandwich, that has been a core menu item for over 11 years, the Zing has the same big Zinger flavour, with a new great price. At only $370, customers get the Zing combo, which includes fries and a drink. The Zing is available in both Hot and Spicy and Spicy BBQ and is served with a juicy tomato slice on top of crispy lettuce, mayo and an option of cheese, all in a warm toasted bun together with regular fries and a 457 ml drink. Local Lifestyle Thu, 03 May 2012 02:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/food/Malbec-World-Day-2012-in-Jamaica_11384979 It's genesis, many believe, was on April 17, 1853, when with the support of Mendoza's, Governor Pedro Pascual Segura, a bill for the foundation of a Quinta Normal and School of Agriculture was submitted to the Provincial Legislature in Argentina. The House of Representatives enacted it as law that same year. Argentine wine historians believe that this was a pivotal moment in the history of the Malbec grape varietal in that country, hence the reason that Wines of Argentina - an organisation responsible for promoting the image of Argentine wines around the world, decided to establish April 17 as Malbec World Day to honour the country's emblematic variety. Local Lifestyle Thu, 03 May 2012 02:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/food/British-Airways-marks-85-years-of-in-flight-service_11391597 Last Tuesday, May 1, marked an important milestone for British Airways as it has been 85 years since the first in-flight meal service on a commercial aircraft. The food in the air industry has come a long way since then. Local Lifestyle Thu, 03 May 2012 02:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/food/Counting-Down-To-The-Awards_11332334 Fresh-from-the-farm veggies, chocolate treats and grilled sausages enlivened taste buds at last Monday's three-course Jamaica Observer Food Awards judging session. Journeying into Kingston from Potosi farm in Trelawny were Adam Miller and Marika Kessler who brought variety boxes of just-picked vegetables, herbs and roots, as well as healthy fixings of salads to the table. Caribbean Broilers' new Bad Dawg sausage was the second course, with the unanimous verdict being the grilled pork product was "juicy" and "plump". Chocolatier Michelle Smith tidily wrapped up the evening with calorie-rich, sinfully delicious dessert offerings. Thursday Food pulls out a seat for you at the judging table at the Spanish Court Hotel. Food Thu, 26 Apr 2012 02:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/food/Best-Kept-Secret---3-Ristorante-Corallo_11268248 Owned by Sherold Limited, the newly renovated Royal Reef hotel in Greenwood, Trelawny, now has a restaurant. Ristorante Corallo ("corallo" meaning coral in Italian) is managed by Ugo Cerri, who moved to Jamaica in August 2011. After being introduced to this enchanting country by his sister Manuela Goren and her husband James some five years ago, and establishing a business relationship selling marble to an architect, it didn't take long for this Milano to meet his soulmate Barbara, another Italian who worked for the forwarding agent who was shipping his marble to Jamaica. Food Thu, 26 Apr 2012 02:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/food/Wine-and-food-pairing-challenges---Salty-Food_11333621 Recently I received a call from Chef Gariel Ferguson of G's BBQ Restaurant to discuss the challenge of pairing wine with his delicious barbecued pig's tail. He suggested that one of the issues had to do with the bitter aftertaste that the very rich marinade produced. Never one to back down from a food and wine-pairing challenge, I suggested that there must be a wine match for the pig's tail, and that if he would do the honour of preparing the plates, I would bring a variety of wines -- and an ideal wine would result by the end of the meal. Local Lifestyle Thu, 26 Apr 2012 02:00:00 GMT http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/food/Trattoria-Tantalises_11339553 It was a gourmet state of mind for the Jamaica Observer Food Awards judges last Tuesday evening. The Wyndham Kingston Hotel laid out a chef's table at its Trattoria Baci restaurant, welcoming the dinner party of judges to dine. The Italian eatery, located directly above the hotel's lobby, unveiled an impressive showcase of selected menu items for the seven-course dinner. Food Thu, 26 Apr 2012 02:00:00 GMT