The theme of this year’s staging of the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards could not have been more prescient — ‘the stakes are higher’. And indeed they were.

If tickets going at 25K a pop and social media aflutter weren’t enough, Mother Nature unleashed a torrential downpour last Thursday afternoon that for a while had naysayers doubtful that the prestigious awards event, celebrating Year #17, would proceed at its Devon House location.

The powers of determination and resolve won out and the decision made that the show had to go on. It proved to be a good call, as thousands of ticket-holding  patrons were out to support the annual culinary valentine to acknowledge and showcase the best in the industry.

All dressed up for the mustdo event, the list of corporate movers and shakers, the ladies who lounge set, and food enthusiasts indulged in fare from over 60 exhibiting booths that presented an array of decadent taste profiles, from the sweet and sour candyinfused cocktails of Candy Craze to the authentic Indian spicy mutton korma pilaf at Nirvanna Restaurant and Santorini Sky Lounge’s lamb gyro hors d’oeuvres.

The much-coveted awards, spread across 17 categories this year, recognised Red Stripe with the Lifetime Achievement Award for the label’s influence as an international brand — specially requested by US President Barack Obama on his recent visit, no less — as well as the company’s corporate responsibility, and its ongoing economic impact on the country.

The Chairman’s Award was given to eight ladies in the hospitality industry for exemplary service — Arlene Wynter, sales and banqueting manager at the Terra Nova All- Suite Hotel; Latoya Campbell, waitress at the Spanish Court Hotel; Camille Brown, hospitality supervisor at Jacqui Tyson Catering; Lella Ricci, director at Toscanini Restaurant; Claudette Tenn, chef/patron at M10; Susie Hanna, managing director at Susie’s Bakery and Coffee Bar; Hillary Stewart, director of food and beverage at Round Hill Hotels and Villas; and Christine Thompson-Wood for her 16 years of service to the Jamaica Obser ver Table Tal k Food Awards. S O takes you to the social calendar’s hottest ticket in May!