The second annual Table Talk Food Awards — Trinidad & Tobago edition, sponsored by Scotiabank (T&T), Caribbean Airlines, Bacardi and Estate 101 and hosted by the Jamaica Observer Managing Director Danville Walker, took place at the exclusive Estate 101 on Tuesday, August 4.

The invitation-only event, which attracted in excess of 200 patrons including the movers and shakers of the twin republic’s culinary landscape, gave those in the industry yet another opportunity to applaud the contributions of their peers.

Referenced as the “Oscar night of the culinary industry” by the Awards Chair Novia McDonald-Whyte and a veritable coming together in the kitchen… “where all cultures meet”, McDonald-Whyte spoke of her desire to see the Caribbean elevated to that of a serious food destination where those in search of exquisite fare “would pack their bags ostensibly to restaurant crawl”.

“It was a wonderful experience,” shared Table Talk Food Awards Chief Judge Paul Prudent, “visiting restaurants and seeing them full, seeing people happy and chefs and restaurant owners going the extra mile to make the experience a truly memorable one… we have become a dining nation.”

Table Talk Food Awards judge and Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute, Tourism faculty member, Jala Bernard while applauding the passion and enthusiasm of the culinary industry spoke to the importance of nurturing and developing “to ensure continuity”.

Anya Schnoor, senior vice-president and managing director Scotiabank Trinidad & Tobago, spoke to her bank’s pride at being the event’s platinum sponsor and to her delight at being part of the “celebrations of the diverse local food industry.”

Sixteen awards were presented including the coveted Chairman’s Award, the Lifetime Achievement Award, Chef of the Year and Restaurant of the Year.

Guests, post awards, enjoyed top-shelf libations courtesy of Bacardi and the superb fare of Estate 101 Executive Chef Merrick Wilmot (formerly of Sandals International); congratulated both the nominees and awardees and raised toasts to the second staging of the Table Talk Food Awards, gave a nod to the third and like T&T Guardian Features & Special Publications Editor Franka Philip hold to the belief that… “We can compete with the rest of the world”.