THE evening, organised by the Caribbean Business Clubhouse, offered as the invite suggested A Taste of Jamaica. There was more, however, like the cosy yet vibrant ‘island feel’ juxtaposed against the sterility of Knutsford Boulevard’s steel, concrete and glass, and traditional fare executed in a not-so-traditional manner by chefs Dennis McIntosh of Walkerswood Caribbean Foods and Karl Hart, using the tasty offerings of Linstead Market (CANCO LTD). Catering by Arlene’s offered an interesting twist on ‘Rasta pasta’ and a mouth-watering sautéed chicken in coconut sauce.

Compère Fae Ellington helped the gathering to navigate between the various stalls and offerings, getting the chefs (and the food company reps) to explain about ingredients and preparation, and naturally a little about themselves.

To slake the thirst generated by such undoubtedly rich fare, there was iced coffee courtesy of Jablum and, inside the Patrick Waldemar-designed modernist precincts of the Caribbean Business Clubhouse (an absolute must-see by the way), a line of blended coolers, as well as sorrel (yes, in late March) and the usual libations.

With the formal presentations and demos over, Renaissance Disco seized the moment to provide some stirring (and shaking) grooves from the ’70s & ’80s – to help absorb the additional calories, and bring the evening to a satisfyingly carefree end.