Raise your glasses one and all as we begin the countdown to a highly anticipated, three-week long celebration of wine and food — both catered and on the go — set to unfold on Sunday, October 23. Caterers, fast food restaurants and wine suppliers will have their moment in the spotlight as The Jamaica Observer unveils Salut! — three glorious weeks of exciting dining options titled Fast, Fun & Tasty, Dine In, and Wine and Champagne, respectively. The signature events, sponsored by the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), Victoria Mutual Building Society (VMBS) and Best Dressed Chicken will afford both the average consumer and food connoisseur opportunities to reacquaint themselves with their favourite fast food, relish a fabulous meal catered in (by their favourite caterer), or enjoy sips (or bottles) of divine bubbly or vino.

Addressing the audience of sponsors, caterers, wine suppliers and fast food executives at the launch of Salut!, which took place in the Observer’s boardroom yesterday, Observer chief executive officer Ed Khoury welcomed guests; thanking them for throwing their support behind the unique, three-week long series of events. “We’re elated you have joined hands with us to bring yet another innovative series of products to the table for food lovers and we are always grateful when you invest your faith in us.”

Vivienne Bayley-Hay, vice-president of group marketing and corporate affairs at VMBS, a repeat sponsor of this year’s Jamaica Observer Food Awards, said the financial institution was pleased to partner in the novel initiative.

“We are pleased to be associated with Salut ,” Bayley-Hay noted, adding that this multifaceted undertaking will provide foodies the opportunity of enjoying a variety of cuisine — from hot wings to gourmet meals. She also encouraged the caterers who were present to consider availing themselves of the financial options from VMBS, whether it be sourcing property to house their businesses or for the acquisition of added financing.

Meanwhile Tony Ray, director of external affairs at JPS, signalled the power company’s satisfaction in being on board as a sponsor of Salut!

“We have long been a supporter, quietly behind the scenes, of the Observer Food Awards, and with this new exciting activity from the Observer, we are particularly happy to help in promoting the use of caterers for the Dine In component of the event. The level of professionalism has raised tremendously over the years in the local catering community and we want to encourage those in the profession,” Ray said.

Welcoming the new initiative in a humour-laden speech, Oliver Mair, marketing manager of Best Dressed Foods expressed his company’s delight to partner with The Observer on the event. “We’re happy to participate in this venture and are pleased to give our support,” Mair noted. Best Dressed Chicken will work alongside each caterer.

Also in attendance at the Salut! launch were caterers from younger blood such as Brian Lumley, Christian Sweeney and Celeste Gordon to their seasoned individuals like Lorraine Fung, Jacqui Tyson, Michele Williams, Colin Hylton, Annakay Lazarus and Gariel Ferguson sharing sincerely told stories of their culinary journeys. Guests at the launch enjoyed delectable nouvelle cuisine catered by Jacqui Tyson’s From Thought To Finish company. The menu — 876 From Yardstyle to Gourmet included The Remix of ‘876’ ackee and saltfish sushi style roll, tun up cornmeal served with a concasse of mackerel rundown; mix up and blenda — a trio of pig’s tail served on forks; oxtail and mashed potato samosas; frank’s French toast; french style crepes filled with jerk chicken strips; authentic Christmas cake lollipops kissed with brandy sauce and sorrel mimosas.

Food lovers, prepare to whet your appetites. Fast, Fun & Tasty will be held from October 23 to 30; Order In — October 31 to November 6; and Wine and Champagne Celebration from November 7 to November 12.