Tuesday, November 13 was a special day for 16 primary school students from Pembroke Hall, Duhaney Park, Shortwood Practicing and St Anne’s primary schools. They had a special luncheon hosted for them by NCB Foundation in the executive boardroom of The Atrium. The luncheon was a part of the fifth-annual Jamaica Observer Limited-led Applaud It! series. Applaud It! is a “week-long initiative that provides a unique opportunity for industry leaders to meet the next generation exactly where they are at and guide them through an awesome experience that exposes them to social and dining skills”.

The students’ hosts, chair of NCB Foundation Thalia Lyn, deputy chair Andrew Pairman, NCB head of group service delivery Sharon Williams and NCB manager of group marketing and communications Nichole Brackett Walters engaged Chef Christian Sweeney to create a special four-course menu for the youngsters.

The luncheon began with an avocado and breadfruit salad with local field greens. A few students asked Chef Sweeney where he got his ingredients. He told them that he went to the market and received a few things from local farmers in the countryside. This was followed by a cream of red peas soup with warm rolls and butter. The students cleaned their bowls.

For their mains, the students had a choice of stuffed breast of chicken with cheese and callaloo or blackened Mahi fillet which were both served with mashed potatoes, callaloo sauce and sautéed vegetables. The students embraced the dish that was unusual to them and appreciated the flavours and textures. Lunch ended with sponge cake topped with mixed berries, whipped cream and coconut flakes.

The students enjoyed much more than delicious food. They enjoyed sitting at a table around which captains of industry often sit and engaging in inspiring conversation with people interested in their future.