Food and drink aficionados will once again descend upon the city of Kingston to partake in a culinary experience like no other when the ninth annual Jamaica Food and Drink Festival (JFDF) kicks off on Thursday, November 2.

The festival will get going with its signature event, Pork Palooza, with 17 different chefs such as Theo Smith from Great House Caterers, Pink Apron, Haleem Card and Andre Sewell. The drink experience is also a highlight as Absolut Vodka and Worthy Park will be serving delectable cocktails throughout the night, complemented by Live entertainment in this fully inclusive event.

On Friday, November 3, things will heat up with Picante, featuring two-time Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded chef Cesar Zapata and Ani Meinhold from Phuc Yea in Miami, Florida. Ani will lead live mixology demos while Cesar shares a popular dish from Phuc Yea’s menu, Masitas, which are tender pieces of pork, inspired by the Haitian dish Griot and Cuban Masitas de Puerco.

Also back on the Rock is Chef Wenford Simpson, representing Walkerswood with his can’t-miss Fyah shrimp. Picante boasts many local standouts too. No stranger to the culinary world, but a newbie at JFDF, Brian Lumley will surely fire things up alongside other all-star chefs such as Gariel Ferguson, Executive Chef Mark Cole from the Jamaica Pegasus hotel and Chef Garfield Jr. Think bold spices, Johnnie Walker, Bombay Saphire gin and Tequila margaritas.

After a three-year hiatus, a festival favourite returns to this year’s line-up. The family-oriented Meet Street and The Market is back, at its new home, the Historic Naval Dockyard in Port Royal, in partnership with the Port Authority of Jamaica.

Patrons will experience over 50 vendors including food trucks, restaurants and mixologists. Explore the Emporium, powered by the Tourism Enhancement Fund, which showcases several artisans and coffee seminars. Tours of Port Royal will also be offered to learn more about the rich history and patrons will also have the ability to earn rewards when they pay with their NCB Visa card.

National Baking Company returns with its Kids’ Zone, with many engaging activities for the young ones.

The festival then closes out with its premium boozy brunch, nestled in the hills of St Andrew, with breathtaking views. Guests will delight in offerings courtesy of Lisa and Chris Binns of Stush in the Bush, Oji Jaja, Trevanne Donegal, Simon Levy and Nadine Burie, with wines and bubbly being poured by Select Brands.