The 23rd staging of the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards took place at the country’s first Gastronomy Centre, Devon House on Thursday, September 29. With the country still in COVID-19 restrictions up until April, May, the month usually reserved for the Awards was moved to September. What remained constant, however, were the showers of blessings that cleared up at the last minute. The glittering awards ceremony styled by Shikima Hinds of Shikima Hinds Events Concierge and Main Event, MStyle XP and hosted by Adam Stewart, executive chairman, ATL Group, was headlined by Lady Allen; US Ambassador to Jamaica Noah Nickolas “Nick” Perry; High Commissioner of Canada to Jamaica Emina Tudakovic and her husband Trevor Clack; British High Commissioner to Jamaica Judith Slater, and her husband Philip de Waal; Angie Shakira Martinez Tejera, ambassador, Embassy of the Dominican Republic; Ambassador Edward Perez Reyes, Permanent Representative of the Dominican Republic to the International Seabed Authority; CAL directors Carlton and Lisa Watson, recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award; Debra Taylor-Smith, recipient of the Chairman’s Award; and the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards scholarship recipients Naomi Blake,Felecia Forde, Danielle Berry, Ariel Barrow, Timoy Gordon and Romario Evans.

The event witnessed giants of the culinary arena; corporate titans, scores of bon vivants and hundreds of patrons enjoying choice tastings from 70 elegantly staged booths.

Thirty-six awards in 25 categories were handed out with nods to 6 for 60: Six brands that define Jamaican lifestyle, notably Red Stripe, Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum, Excelsior Water Crackers, Pickapeppa Sauce, Tastee Patties, and The Best Dressed Chicken. Gold Plate Awards for Exceptional Service of the Jamaica Observer’s weekly food supplement Thursday Food: CPJ, Select Brands, Butcher Block, Progressive Grocers of Jamaica Ltd, The Best Dressed Chicken and Nestlé; Best Packaging Design to Blackwell Rum Limited Edition 007; Inspirational Food Story of the Year to Dr Altreisha Foster; amongst others.

Post-formalities patrons tasted in glorious abandon, drank and applauded even while eagerly anticipating the staging of #24 in May 2023.