The Jamaica Food and Drink Festival (JFDF), now in its ninth year, has established itself as an annual calendar must-do for food and drink enthusiasts. The challenge continues to be which events to not attend! Thursday Food remains nonplussed and as such takes them all in. How were we expected to feign indifference Friday last, to “Destination Cocktails: It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere” hosted at the Jamaica Food and Drink Kitchen?

The impressive range of cocktails served at five different drink stations with each offering expertly crafted cocktails transported attendees to various destinations around the world. These bars included Select Brands, Seprod, CPJ, Worthy Park, and Johnnie Walker. Two of the crowd favourites included the Spirit of Cancun from CPJ and the Galhattan from Worthy Park.

While the drinks took centre stage at Destination Cocktails, the event was not short on delectable pickings: Rainforest: Japanese delights by Chef Oggie Caliguia; Dom’s Pizza: Italian delicacies by Chef Dominic Pearson; Mediterranean style by JFDF resident Chef Celeste Gordon; Thai temptations from Orchid Thai; and Mexican favourites courtesy of Taco Spots.

Travel theme paraphenalia and spot giveaways further enhanced the experience.

Nicole Pandohie, managing director of the Jamaica Food and Drink Kitchen, shared her delight with Thursday Food about this year’s JFDF. “For our ninth year we decided to come bigger and better as we count down to our 10th staging. Destination Cocktails is something we’ve always wanted to do, and having a versatile space like this has given us the impetus. We’re so blown away by the response, so far. We wanted to create an event that would not only celebrate the art of mixology but would, too, allow patrons to embark on a unique and immersive, global, culinary journey.”

It was mission accomplished!

Join Thursday Food at Hope Gardens, this evening for Pork Palooza; on Friday for Picante; and at Port Royal on Saturday for The Meet Street & Market.