Sundays are for brunching!

The aroma of braised pork belly and melting cheese on the braai wafted through the air towards the entrance where Select Brands ambassadors greeted guests with mimosas. The Jamaica Food+Drink Festival Brunch + Jazz, held on Sunday, October 30, was officially underway. The event — presented by Visa, NCB Capital Markets, and Select Brands — officially wrapped the 2022 Jamaica Food+Drink Festival, now in its eighth year.

A 40-minute drive from Papine, the Clifton Mount Estate — a well-appointed property — offers panoramic views of rolling lush green hills, Kingston, and beyond, the perfect endroit to spread tablecloths across the Trudi Hamilton-designed rustic-chic tablescape.

But it was the chefs who knocked it out of the park with their delicious creations. From Dom Pearson’s freshly baked pizzas to Simon Levy’s succulent smoked meats, to chicken and waffles taking a twist as Charissa Skyers and Christina Simonitsch tapped into their artistic repertoire creating Buttermilk Jerked Fried Chicken and Braai Broodjies (barbecue sandwiches), respectively, the offerings were the perfect mix of comfort fare and sumptuous delicacies. The experience wrapped on a sweet note with Dawn Mitchell’s decadent desserts complemented by cups of Blue Mountain coffee, expertly brewed by the property’s owner, coffee connoisseur Jason Sharp.

The bar offerings were equally impressive, with the Ruffino Prosecco serving as a sophisticated apéritif, and 7 Moons Red Blend a top choice for those indulging in Simon Levy’s smoked delights.

Photographer: Naphtali Junior