Saluti: A Wine-Paired Journey Through Italy
Antipasti: Tagliere di Salumi (Olive Marinate, Formaggi, Confetture, Uva e Pane) (Photo: Naphtali Junior)
Food, Lifestyle, Thursday Food
October 12, 2023

Saluti: A Wine-Paired Journey Through Italy

The Jamaica Food and Drink Festival (JFDF) hosted Saluti!, a plated, seven-course, wine-paired menu last Wednesday at Buzo Osteria Italiana restaurant. The event, which headlines this year’s JFDF calendar, took those in attendance across Italy, naturally on the iconic Vespa.

At the range were buzo Executive Chef Romar Ford and guest chef Alexa Von Strolley.

The evening’s well-received pours of Ruffino Wines were from the cellars of Select Brands.

Styling: Trudi Alexis Design Studio

Other upcoming events on the JFDF Calendar include:

Shaken + Stirred: The Champagne Edition (October 11, 2023)

Shaken + Stirred: Tequilla Mockingbird (October 18, 2023)

Destination Cocktails: It’s 5’O Clock Somewhere (October 27, 2023)

The Worthy Experience: Rum Tour + Alfresco Dining (October 28, 2023)

Pork Palooza (November 2, 2023)

Picante (November 3, 2023)

Meet Street & The Market (November 4, 2023)

Brunch (November 5, 2023)

Soup:Crema Di Zucca Arrosto (nutmeg cream, toasted pumpkin seeds) was paired with the Ruffino Prosecco Rosé. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)
The Arrostita Zucca Panzanella (Goat Cheese, Fried Sage, Balsamic Reduction) was enjoyed with the Ruffino Orvieto Classico. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)
Risotto Ai Frutti Di Mare (Mussels, Shrimp, Clam, and Dill) paired with the Ruffino Chianti Riserva Ducale, Chianti Classico (Photo: Naphtali Junior)
The Ruffino/ Select Brands table of (from left) Kathryn Archie, analytics manager, JPS; Carleen Rhole, buyer, PriceSmart; Andrew Desnoes, managing director, Select Brands; his wife Natalie; Select Brands Luxury Portfolio Manager Debra Taylor-Smith; Tiffany Holt, regional sales director, Webb-Banks; Ismael Martinez, commercial sales manager, Constellation Brands; Tania McConnell, corporate marketing manager, Select Brands; Jaime Smith, marketing manager, Select Brands; and David McConnell, managing director, Select Brands, raised a toast. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)
A special welcome for NCB Private Banking clients (Photo: Naphtali Junior)
Sorbetto alla Guava (Photo: Naphtali Junior)
Sorbetto alla Mango (Photo: Naphtali Junior)
Filetto di Manzo (Seared Foie Gras,Toasted Hazelnuts, and sautéed Leeks). This dish was complemented by the Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino Riserva. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)
Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (Photo: Naphtali Junior)
Sweet/DessertZuppa Inglese (crema di caffe dessert), was paired with the Ruffino Moscato d’Asti. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)
Guest Chef Alexa Von Strolley and Buzo executive chef Romar Ford (Photo: Naphtali Junior)
Tiffany Holt, regional sales director, Webb-Banks and Ruffino representative, was thrilled to take the guests on a journey of Ruffino wines. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)
It’s a picture-perfect finish for (from left) Jaime Smith, marketing manager, Select Brands; Tania McConnell, corporate marketing manager, Select Brands; Kenesha Thomas, marketing manager, English Caribbean, Visa; Chef Alexa Von Strolley; Jamaica Food and Drink Kitchen Managing Director Nicole Pandohie; Select Brands Luxury Portfolio Manager Debra Taylor-Smith; and Head of Private Banking at National Commercial Bank (NCB) Jamaica Limited Audrey McIntosh. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)
(Photo: Naphtali Junior)
(Photo: Naphtali Junior)
(Photo: Naphtali Junior)
Sorbetto alla Strawberry (Photo: Naphtali Junior)
Disaronno Sour (welcome cocktail) (Photo: Naphtali Junior)
jafoodanddrink.com

img img
0 Comments · Make a comment

ALSO ON JAMAICA OBSERVER

Venezuela’s Maduro arrives in US after abduction
International News, Latest News
Venezuela’s Maduro arrives in US after abduction
January 3, 2026
NEWBURGH, United States (AFP) -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro arrived Saturday evening at a military base in the United States after his captur...
Caribbean Airlines monitoring regional developments
Latest News, Regional
Caribbean Airlines monitoring regional developments
January 3, 2026
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — Regional carrier Caribbean Airlines says while there have been no disruptions to its services on Saturday, it will con...
Retired soldier dedicated to a life of service
Latest News, News
Retired soldier dedicated to a life of service
Dana Malcolm | Observer Online Reporter | Malcolmd@jamaicaobserver.com 
January 3, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica — At 92 years old, veteran Sergeant Peter Xavier Williams, also called “Poppy Man” remains firmly grounded in service, discipline an...

HOUSE RULES

  1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper; email addresses will not be published.
  2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.
  3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.
  4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.
  5. Please don't use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed: advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.
  6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.
  7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy

Polls

Recent Posts

Archives

Logo Jamaica Observer
Breaking news from the premier Jamaican newspaper, the Jamaica Observer. Follow Jamaican news online for free and stay informed on what's happening in the Caribbean
Featured Tags
Categories
Ads
img
Jamaica Observer, © All Rights Reserved