Fresh off a dazzling 59-47 victory over South Africa’s Spar Proteas, Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls took a well-deserved break from the court to indulge in a gourmet luncheon hosted by The Best Dressed Chicken. The delicious timeout at Broken Plate last Thursday provided the perfect blend of celebration and strategic fuelling for the team as they prepared to dominate the final match of the Margaret Beckford Sunshine Series.

“We’re incredibly proud of the Sunshine Girls and all they represent,” says Dave Fairman, vice-president of The Best Dressed Chicken. “This luncheon was our way of showing our support and appreciation for their dedication and incredible talent.”

Chef Damion Stewart, renowned for his culinary artistry, crafted a menu to nourish body and soul. “These athletes are at the top of their game,” says Stewart. “They need food that can keep up!” He focused on dishes that were both indulgent and energising, ensuring the team felt pampered without sacrificing their competitive edge.

Imagine starting your meal with a roasted tomato and chicken bisque, its velvety texture achieved through hours of slow simmering. “Think: Comfort food with a kick!” explains Stewart, who infused the bisque with a hint of Scotch bonnet pepper and fresh thyme to taste Jamaican sunshine.

But the real show-stopper? Chef Stewart’s signature chicken mousse roulade, a dish as technically impressive as the Sunshine Girls’ on-court manoeuvres. “It’s all about timing and finesse,” says Stewart, drawing parallels between his culinary creation and the team’s athletic prowess. Served alongside a creamy spinach orzo risotto with a decadent white wine demi-glace, the roulade earned rave reviews, particularly from team captain Shamera Sterling-Humphrey.

“This lunch was exactly what we needed,” shared Sterling-Humphrey. “Every dish was so thoughtfully prepared, it felt like a real celebration of our hard work.”

And what’s a celebration without dessert? A decadent carrot toffee cake with salted caramel ice cream provided a sweet finish to the meal, a fitting reward for a team destined for greatness.

The luncheon buzzed with excitement as the players savoured each bite, strategising for their upcoming match and basking in the glow of their recent win. Fuelled by delicious food and unwavering team spirit, the Sunshine Girls secured a decisive 58-47 victory in the final match, completing their series sweep in style.

This culinary triumph, courtesy of The Best Dressed Chicken and Chef Damion Stewart, proves that the path to victory is paved with skill and exquisite taste.