The slings and arrows of naysaying factions were no match for the 17th incarnation of society calendar-fave, the Jamaica Observer’s Table Talk Food Awards, as this premier event gave more than 62 exhibitors representing The Rock’s best in food and beverage manufacturing, distribution and service, the fantastic opportunity to showcase their best. As rave reviews continue to pour in, Thursday Life issues this Part Deux from the East Lawns of Devon House.

PHOTOGRAPHERS: ANTONIO GRAHAM, BRYAN CUMMINGS, KENYON HEMANS, LIONEL ROOKWOOD, GARFIELD ROBINSON, JOSEPH WELLINGTON & KARL McLARTY

BEST NEW FOOD ITEMS

ANNILU LIMITED

Annilu Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding Mix received excellent reviews at the Food Awards. Individuals could not believe that the baked product was from a box.

Some of the comments:

* “This is the real sweet potato pudding, man,” (after being shown the packaging) “No! You mean I can get this from this box?”

* “You know how many ways I try to get the soft thing on top!”

* “When I tasted this pudding, it reminded me of my grandmother and it brought tears to my eyes.”

“Although Annilu didn’t win the award, we still felt like winners. To be a part of an event that provides a fertile ground for new entrepreneurs to showcase their products and the camaraderie that existed among the nominees was amazing.” — Luciene Morrison and Ann Marie Smith, co-directors of Annilu

REGGAETAWA

“The high energy among the patrons, and their obvious sense of epicurean delight with great food were a joy to behold. The Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards is clearly among the best shows produced in the Caribbean.” — Michelle Brown, CEO of Reggaetawa

SPRINGVALE ENTERPRISES

This year, the New Food Items pavillion offered patrons space to move about and experience what was on show. The souvenir stemware was also a novel idea. Kudos to the team who quickly laid flooring, sawdust and vacuumed the excess water after the downpour.” — Sandra McLeish, Managing Director of Springvale

UMIUM

STUSH IN THE BUSH

“The experience was simply awesome. The hard work, and thoughtfulness, which goes into putting on this event… the amazing people in front of and behind the scenes… the food, the drinks and the decor! Some of the highlights of the evening were: meeting the lovely wife of the Governor General, Lady Allen; sharing some STUSH love (aka passion fruit butter) with the ever-gracious hostess for the evening Food Awards Chair Novia McDonald-Whyte; hosting the charming South African High Commissioner to Jamaica Mathu Joyini at our booth; and seeing the down-to-earth beauty Kaci Fennel, Miss Universe Jamaica. Being at the Food Awards 2015 is a true gem in itself! We are always honoured to be a part of the premier food event of the year! Cheers!” — Lisa Binns, Zionites Farms

YAAD FLAVA

“Congratulations on a successful hosting of the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards. We at BioTru would like to express our gratitude for the excellent coverage you have given us over the past few weeks. The positive exposure you have provided via your many media segments has served as a nice introduction of our products and services to a wider audience. Our entire team appreciated the professionalism with which you handled the interviews, the luncheon and the final event — the Awards. As one of the smaller firms in the area of functional foods, we are indeed grateful for your willingness to include us as a nominee in the award ceremony and we hope to maintain this upward momentum.” — Oraine Gordon, Yaad Flava Sauces developer and manufacturer

AUNT MERLE’S FISH PLACE

GLORIA’S

JERKAZ RESTAURANT

J WRAY & NEPHEW LIMITED

M10

KALUGA KAFÉ

University of Technology, Jamaica (School of Hospitality & Tourism Management)

WALLENFORD COFFEE COMPANY

NIRVANNA

RAINFOREST SEAFOODS/FISH POT

PARISH JUDGE QUOTES

“The event was excellent and well-organised. Although it rained, that did not stop the show from going on. To me, it is possibly one of the best Food Awards in terms of the spacing and the whole layout.” — James Robertson, St Thomas Parish Judge

“All was very well-organised. Weather, of course, was a bit of an issue but beyond anyone’s control. Set-up and execution were all outstanding.” — Aram Zerunian, Hanover Parish Judge

“Very enjoyable experience — fantastic ambience, atmosphere and energy. Excellent décor — wonderful use of the Great House as a backdrop, with the lighting and props. Very good layout of booths on the lawns — ample space within booths and on the general grounds. Good cross-section of booth participants representative of the extensive selection of food and beverage establishments across the island. Impressive variety of cuisine served and exceptionally high standard of food.” — Janet Crick and Marina Delfos, Trelawny Parish Judges