As we get ready to celebrate two decades of excellence in food service, delivery and presentation, we are stepping out boldly and starting our countdown this year by encouraging all to take a long, hard look at our culinary landscape — how far we have come, and, naturally, the possibilities.

Our initial focus has been on our chefs, the master architects of our island’s intoxicating flavours who are charged to introduce our island fare to us and visitors to our shores.The Caribbean, with its fresh fruits and natural organic soil, is still not an in-demand destination for food. Why? Because we have not given it our all… Let’s do so now as we declare Jamaica the epicentre of food and generate a global buzz while we eat our way around our beloved country. Giving it our all means identifying a minimum of one restaurant each week and lending financial support. The Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards committee leads by example, so from our Parish Gems to Stirring The Pot we ask you to join us, or start your own tour. Share your findings with us and, when we meet on Thursday, May 25, 2017 at the Formal Gardens of Devon House, let us all compare notes with the scores of the judges.The 2017 Stirring The Pot Tour is sponsored by Serge Island and iCool.What to do when you attract more customers and begin to run out of space? Applaud the formula, of course, and in the case of Rainforest Seafood Market, located in Freeport, St James, rebrand and make your customers a lot more comfortable. This they’ve accomplished with 2,325 sq ft that afford seating inside and out for 35 and ample elbow room for those taking out. The rebranding was successfully completed last October and from the looks of things the formula is working, for in the midst of a torrential downpour Thursday last, Jamaicans (not fans of rain) were out in their numbers in search of comfort fare. Indeed, when our Stirring The Pot team arrived for what could be considered late lunch, 1:30 pm, business was brisk. Hot soups like the shrimp chowder, fish pumpkin and the vegetarian pumpkin bisque were naturally in demand. Hunger pangs satiated, patrons contemplated the salad and sandwich bar where Robert Edwards creates visually appealing sandwiches or the hot food area where curried goat, barbecue oxtail and honey-glazed lemon salmon are available.Truth be told, there’s something for everyone inside this well-appointed establishment, whether you choose to dine inside or out.The food is very good and Chef Dennis Brown is a name to note. Regulars like Aderene Brown, for example, who asks for her rice and peas to be drizzled with his oxtail gravy, raves about the food and the customer service. She’s not the only one. Curtis Stanley has nothing but praise, as do Stephanie Raymond and Suzeth Samuels. The customer service is evident from the umbrella service provided to the professionalism of the cashiers and contact staff. Time quickly passes inside the cosy interior and it’s not difficult to try as many offerings as possible.Recommended by Dr Claudine Lewis, our judge for the parish of St James, we now await your feedback. Rainforest Seafood Market23-25 Coconut Way, Freeport, Montego BayOpening Hours: Monday – Friday8:00 am – 6:00 pmSaturday 9:00 am – 4:00 pmReservations: 953-6857