A silver anniversary is always hard to top, but with its 26th iteration this year the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards proved without a doubt that it’s only up from here.

Held on Thursday, June 26 on the East Lawns of King’s House in St Andrew, the event brought together the country’s most innovative, established and up-and-coming players in gastronomy, and the food connoisseurs who appreciate them, for a night of flavour and bonhomie that proved the event a staple in the nation’s food industry and established its dominance for years to come.

“[The awards are] absolutely important. Food is a growing sector in our economy, but it’s more than food, it is the spirit; food adds value, it adds passion, it adds confidence so when you cook it’s bringing people together but you’re not just sharing a meal you’re sharing culture, passion, creativity,” Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness said.

“So for me, this is absolutely important in building out our creative industry in food and in acknowledging those who continue to build the Jamaican cuisine, which continues to build our brand,” added Holness.

The prime minister was one of hundreds of guests at the awards treated to safari-chic décor created by the Shikima Hinds-led team from Shikima Hinds Events Concierge complete with pampas grass and real cacti, with design inspiration pulled from the Serengeti Desert. Main Events handled stage, lighting and sound.

The 70-plus booths were show-stopping in their own right; each one an expression of artistry.