The buzz was palpable inside the ballroom of the Grand Marriott Beach Resort on the morning of Thursday, March 26 the launch of the much-anticipated Table Talk Food Awards – The Cayman Islands Edition presented by The Best Dressed Chicken.

Who were the judges? When would it take place? Why Cayman? were just a few of the many questions posed by the probing press who came out in their numbers to be a part of culinary history.

Christopher Levy, President and CEO of Jamaica Broilers Group, whose flagship brand The Best Dressed Chicken is the presenting sponsor shared with those in attendance that ” there really is no better way to underscore our interest and support of the food industry than by presenting The Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards. This event has always delivered in a big way as an outstanding food experience, and this is also an important opportunity for us to recognise the considerable talents and efforts of those involved in the Cayman food industry.”

Now in its 17th year, The Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards is recognised as the most prestigious one-night celebration of food in Jamaica. The distinguished event has long set its sight on recognising Caribbean culinary talent, having hosted and acknowledged chefs and restaurateurs from across the region. The Cayman Islands is the second Caribbean island outside of Jamaica to host the Awards, following Trinidad and Tobago in 2013.

“Even as we acknowledge the differences in each island, our shared heritage compels us to define one identity for Caribbean cuisine. In many ways this is the mission of The Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards and we are delighted that with the support of The Best Dressed Chicken we are able to welcome The Cayman Islands into the fold”, said Novia McDonald-Whyte, senior associate editor-lifestyle and social content at the Jamaica Observer and the Table Talk Food Awards conceptualiser.

The Awards will take place on Friday, October 16 2015

Sunday Finance shares highlights from the launch

(Photos: Naphtali Junior)

# 2312 Whatever it was that Table Talk Food Awards Cayman Islands Edition judge Catherine Guilbard (left) shared with Dr Claudette Cooke (right), vice president human resource development and public relations and Joan Forrest-Henry, divisional sales manager, The Best Dressed Chicken certainly tickled their funny bone.

# 2364 Best Dressed Chicken Cayman consultant Billy Reid (right) is introduced to Food Awards Cayman Islands judge attorney-at-law Richard Barton to the delight of Best Dressed Chicken execs Joan Forrest-Henry (second left)) Karis-Ann Gordon (centre) and Avadaugn Sinclair.

# 2383 The Table Talk Food Awards Cayman Island Edition MC, Vicky Wheaton in discussion with executive chef and culinary ambassador for the Department of Tourism (Cayman) Keith Griffin.

# 2394 Celebrated Jamaican chef and restaurateur Mario Machado (left) in discussion with Christopher Levy, president and CEO Jamaica Broilers

#2399 Dr Claudette Cooke, vice-president human resource development and public relations enjoys the company of Table Talk Food Awards Cayman Islands judges from left: Jeremy Stephen Hurst, broker-owner of International Realty Group Limited, Alan Markoff, journalist at Pinnacle Media Limited and attorney-at-law Richard Barton.

# 2406 Table Talk Food Awards Cayman Islands judges from left Catherine and Sebastien Guilbard, Pamela Small, Olivia Scott Ramirez and Eric Bush.

# 2410 Table Talk Food Awards Cayman Edition Chief Judge Jo-Anne Stephens and David Stephens, managing director Apex Perimeter Protection Limited in convo with Danielle Vernon, marketing coordinator National Trust.

# 2370 Danville Walker, managing director Jamaica Observer, Natalie Chin-Watkins (centre) advertising and marketing manager Jamaica Observer in discussion with Table Talk Food Awards-Cayman Islands judge Catherine Guilbard.

# 2662 Best Dressed team members from left Avadaugn Sinclair, Joan-Forrest Henry and Karis-Ann Gordon with Fred Dallas, operations manager-Popeyes Cayman

# 2665 Table Talk Food Awards conceptualiser Novia McDonald-Whyte addresses the gathering