Dining under the stars Farm to table 2012

Two years, over 10 delicious family style meals and many bottles of amazing wines (courtesy of Wray and Nephew) later, and the Jakes Farm to Table Dinners are back for 2012.

Now hosted by Laura and Jason Henzell, these dinners continue to be an enjoyable way for Jamaicans and visitors to fall in love all over again with the bounty that we have in our own backyard.

Riding on the wave of the organic/eat local movement that is spreading around the world, Jakes Farm to Table dinners were conceptualised in 2009 by organic-farming consultant Liz Solms and hotelier Jason Henzell. It was a way of highlighting local produce and bringing renewed interest to the Pedro Plains, which is the breadbasket of Jamaica.

Set in a field below farmer Dule McLean's organic farm at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains, a family-style table is laid under a mango tree and starry skies of the plains. Often working alongside local and visiting guest chefs, the Jakes country kitchen staff with head chef Dockery Lloyd at the helm, create a hearty and delicious four-course meal on site. Paired with great consideration by Raihn Sibblies, international wine brand manager at J. Wray and Nephew, each dish has its own wine. Adding to the uniqueness of the event is the spontaneous camaraderie of strangers, often meeting for the first time at the table. It's the kind of laughter that can only take place while breaking bread. Here are some highlights from the last dinner held on December 10.