Janice Allen has joined us at the judges’ table for our Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards outing to Mystic India in Montego Bay. It’s been a while since we shared company (last time being one of our fab Scandal viewing parties), and Allen, special advisor to the minister of tourism and entertainment Dr Wykeham McNeill, is rocking a new blond ‘do and is still celebrating her big 4-0! In-between courses of fantastic Indian fare last Sunday, we discuss the relevance of feminism, the outlook for The Rock’s tourism product and why her parents continue to motivate her.

What is your wine of choice?

It really depends on my mood. When I am feeling for red, I do like to have a Malbec and recently I tried the Trivento and loved it.

How was your dining experience sitting at the judges’ table for our Food Awards trip to Mystic India?

It was amazing… a lot more fun than I expected and now I understand what my friend Rochelle experiences each week. To have such great food and amazing company is in indeed priceless. I loved the history lesson we received from Kareena, our host. I sensed her passion and it translated to the food and made it memorable.

Where are your favourite dining spots?

I do like Opa! Greek Restaurant, the scene of my fabulous birthday dinner my friends and sister hosted for me just two weeks ago. I love to dine at places where I feel the personal touch of the owner. Alex made an excellent host and I had the same experience with Kareena at Mystic India. Spanish Court is also a favourite of mine. It is my lunchtime getaway when I want a peaceful, relaxing lunch by myself.

As special advisor to the minister of tourism, what are your essential job functions?

I am the main point of contact for the minister for all the tourism agencies and other agencies that fall under the ministry and ensure that his priority areas for those agencies are monitored. I, therefore, keep abreast of projects being carried out by them by almost daily contact with the chairmen and executive directors to provide briefs to the minister. I am the liaison, if you will, between the minister’s office and our private sector partners with whom we have an excellent relationship.

Clue us in to the ministry’s current direction in making Jamaica’s tourism product more diverse and attractive to prospective visitors.

The ministry’s focus at this time is firstly to deepen and broaden the linkages with other sectors of the economy. It is for this reason that Minister McNeill established the Linkages council to work with agriculture, manufacturing and entertainment so that we can have not just dialogue but also tangible results, allowing more Jamaicans to benefit from this industry. Because most visitors to Jamaica come to experience our culture, food, our heritage and our people, the ministry is embarking on the establishment of a Community Tourism policy, which will put in place the structures to allow visitors to go out into more communities to experience all we have (at the same time making it viable for more Jamaicans to invest in the industry).

What perfume are you spraying?

Armani Code.

Who does your hair?

My new look is courtesy of Vonessa’s. I am loving it.

Who does your nails?

The Face Place. I go there and they just take absolutely great care of me. I don’t even choose my polish, I leave it to them.

What’s in your handbag?

My Samsung S 4 and BlackBerry phones, car keys, credit card, Blak ruby red lipstick, and Black Opal foundation.

What’s presently playing on your iPod or car stereo?

I have been enjoying Chronixx, Emeli Sande … and Beres Hammond is ALWAYS on for me as he is my absolute favourite.

What five words best describe Janice Allen?

Loyal. Jovial. Kind. Homebody. Ambitious.

Do you believe feminism still has a relevant place in today’s society where women have broken the glass ceiling?

Have we really broken the glass ceiling? I am not so sure we have in all areas because I still see how differently a woman is treated even if she is at the “top”. A lot of strides have been made but until a woman is judged the same way a man is in the same role and is paid the same money for the same work, there will still be a struggle.

What’s your idea of the perfect man?

He has to be kind (to me, to himself and to strangers). A perfect man is honest. I detest a liar. A perfect man will make it easy and comfortable for me to be open with him.

What’s your idea of the perfect date?

I love to laugh. I love a good meal. I love good conversation and it could be about anything, even about a new app I found out about. When those three essentials combine I believe that’s a perfect date.

Where is your go-to place to escape from the pressures of work?

The place that is about to become my “go to place” is Tensing Pen. I went there recently and I was able to recharge. The West End in Negril is just a whole other level of casual. Negril is truly the ‘Capital of Casual’. I also love the South Coast… Jake’s and Marblue. I trust you see a trend here. I love rustic, boutique experiences.

Who inspires you?

My parents! They are amazing. They take on any and every challenge and they see the possibility in everything. When they were my age they had already owned three restaurants in Montego Bay. Now my father at 73 has taken on running and even entered the MoBay City Run last week. Would you believe he bettered my time in the 10K? Yes, I m putting it out there. My parents will never retire and I love that attitude they have.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

My mother recently reminded me of a memory verse she learned as a child…”There are four things that come not back: The spoken word, the spent arrow, the passed time, the neglected opportunity”. I believe if I can live by those words I will be good!

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

I see myself trying my hand again at being an independent consultant. Just a few days ago I had a conversation with my friend Rochelle and it clicked to me exactly the area I am suited for. I am not ready to reveal it but suffice it to say, I am beginning to do the groundwork.