All Aboard for the FOOD AWARDS
Brunch at Clarendon’s newest hidden gem, The Wharf Estate, set the tone for the launch of the 27th staging of the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards. On Sunday, June 14, judges, sponsors and industry stakeholders convened at the tranquil waterfront retreat, nestled on 18 acres along Longs Wharf Salt River Road, for an afternoon that seamlessly weaved hospitality, nature and culinary artistry.
A scenic boat ride through the tranquil estuary was among the day’s highlights. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)
The Wharf Estate principal Stephen Dunkley (left) welcomed Jamaica Observer Media Group Managing Director Dominic Beaubrun; his wife, HR consultant Angelique (second right); and Jamaica Observer Senior Associate Editor, Lifestyle and Social Content Novia McDonald-Whyte to the venue. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)
Guests participated in an immersive experience that showcased the property’s charm, from boat rides through the picturesque estuary and crafted cocktails at the Wray & Nephew bar to relaxed moments taking in the expansive waterfront views. The highlight, however, was a whimsical brunch setting by Shikima Hinds, where vibrant Jamaican Madras plaid tablecloths paid homage to a cherished Sunday tradition while celebrating the island’s rich cultural heritage. Lush arrangements of red ginger lilies, bird-of-paradise blooms and monstera leaves added a distinctly tropical flair, complemented by natural woven chargers, jewel-toned glassware and classic cane-back seating. Set on a deck overlooking the tranquil waters, the beautifully presented spread from award-winning chef Jacqui Tyson not only captivated guests and served as the perfect backdrop for the launch but left attendees impressed by The Wharf Estate’s growing appeal as one of Clarendon’s must-visit destinations.
Cake Therapy Foundation President Dr Altreisha Foster, who was on the island to present at the 2026 Foodie Seminar, caught up with Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judge Professor Lloyd Waller.(Photo: Garfield Robinson)
ATL Automotive Group Marketing Executive Sohail Powell whet his appetite with a cup of crayfish soup before the festivities got under way.(Photo: Garfield Robinson)
Among those impressed was Dalton Fowles, country manager for Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean at Mastercard.
A brief pause between mingling and merriment saw (from left) The Best Dressed Chicken Sales and Marketing Director Michael Jones; Jamaica Observer Media Group Managing Director Dominic Beaubrun; and Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judge Maurice Sloley come together for a photo at the launch.(Photo: Garfield Robinson)
“You guys surprised us. When I heard we were driving down to Clarendon, I thought we were going to a farm,” quipped Fowles. “It’s a really beautiful property and, you know, job well done.”
Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards conceptualiser Novia McDonald-Whyte (second right) and Food Awards judge Matthew Hogarth (right) shared the frame with Tourism Enhancement Fund Executive director Dr Carey Wallace and his wife, Negril Huts director Vivene Wallace.(Photo: Garfield Robinson)
Snapped at the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards 2026 launch at Wharf Estate, Salt River Road, Clarendon, on Sunday, June 14 were (seated, from left) Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judges Pauline Edie, Josina Jackson, Stacy Belnavis, Patricia Henry-Brown, and Selena Mohammed-Wilson; and (standing from left) Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards Chair Novia McDonald-Whyte; judges Oneal Johnson, Mala Morrison, Matthew Hogarth, Annaliesa Lindsay, Professor Lloyd Waller, Christopher Reckord, Adolph Raynor, Kadean Vendryes, Maurice Sloley, Norma Williams, and Dr Claudine Lewis.(Photo: Garfield Robinson)
Reflecting on the brand’s continued partnership with the awards programme, Fowles noted the natural synergy between Mastercard’s long-standing “Priceless” platform and the shared experiences that food creates.
Consultant anaesthesiologist Dr Suzanne McDonald-Fowles (left) and director of the Tourism Linkages Network Carolyn McDonald-Riley opted for light bites, helping themselves to watermelon wedges and pineapple spears during the launch.(Photo: Garfield Robinson)
Among the guests at the launch were the J Wray & Nephew team of Communications Manager Dominic Bell and Brand Activator Shanice Mitchell.(Photo: Garfield Robinson)
“We believe that a meal with friends and loved ones is, in fact, a priceless experience,” he said. “Behind every meal, there’s a lot that goes on — from the farmer to the restaurant owner to the chef pursuing their dream. The
Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards celebrates that entire ecosystem, and that’s why we’re proud to be associated with it.”
Mastercard Country Manager for Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados and Eastern Caribbean Dalton Fowles addressed the gathering.(Photo: Garfield Robinson)
Brunch beckoned, but not before a quick photo-op for (from left) Jamaica Observer Media Group Managing Director Dominic Beaubrun; consultant anaesthesiologist Dr Suzanne McDonald-Fowles; her husband Mastercard Country Manager for Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados and Eastern Caribbean Dalton Fowles, The Best Dressed Chicken Sales and Marketing Director Michael Jones; his wife Emlyn; and HR consultant Angelique Beaubrun.(Photo: Garfield Robinson)
For The Wharf Estate owner Stephen Dunkley, hosting the launch marked a significant milestone for the burgeoning destination.
Guests were introduced to a trio of signature cocktails as mixologists (from left) Chantal Wilson, Sheldon Spence and Cindy Lyons presented Rare Honey Soother, Signature X-ale and Stormy Valley, respectively.(Photo: Garfield Robinson)
“It means a lot to me because The Wharf Estate is a year old, and we realise that it has been growing rapidly. It’s expanding and a lot more people have become aware of its existence … When the
Jamaica Observer approached us about partnering to host the launch, it was a pleasure for me,” he shared.
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Chef Jacqui Tyson (left) helped Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards 2026 guest judge Selena Mohammed-Wilson navigate the buffet selections.(Photo: Garfield Robinson)
Dunkley described the waterfront destination as one of Jamaica’s best-kept secrets, noting that the event provided an ideal opportunity to showcase all that the property has to offer.
Guests were fully engaged.(Photo: Garfield Robinson)
The Wharf Estate principal Stephen Dunkley extended a warm welcome to guests at the launch of the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards( Photo: Garfield Robinson)
“I think many here would agree with me that it’s a hidden gem. The uniqueness about it is that you have the sophistication, you have the nature — everything just comes together here at The Wharf.”
