A celebration of fine J'can cuisine
Published:Sunday | August 25, 2013 | 12:00 AM
Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:Cabaret royalty, Gem Myers and the Rose Hall Great House artistic group lifted the standard of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Montego Bay chapter, annual fundraiser several notches last Saturday night. With a sigh of relief, those who attended are still exclaiming, "Finally, the JHTA has put on an event packed with fun and excitement".
The excitement reached fever pitch on the historic Great House grounds, so much so that at 11:30 p.m., the event was literally rebuilding steam after a 7:30 p.m. start time. The association's promise of 12 chefs from the hospitality sector was fulfilled, so was the delivery of a culinary prowess tagged, 'A Celebration of Fine Jamaican Cuisine'.
So fine was the food that Riu Montego Bay's paella was the most popular dish for the evening and Sandals Resorts International's Red Label Wine cassava cake, the dessert of the night.
Now in its fifth staging, the JHTA showcased a classy affair, offering first-class access to a full 'Appleton' bar, while being entertained by DJ Gemini at the controls. Funds realised from the initiative will assist the Montego Bay chapter of the JHTA in fulfilling its social responsibilities, says Delwyn Rochester, the head cook and bottle washer, who flew in from Florida to ensure everything ran smoothly.
JHTA's Montego Bay chapter will continue maintenance work on House No. 10 at the SOS Children's Village in Barrett Town, St James, which has been adopted by the organisation. Additionally, the tourism group will continue its work at the Tower Hill Basic School in St James, which is being reroofed and restored in conjunction with the Kiwanis Club of Providence.
Sponsors included RIU, Rose Hall Great House, Caribbean Producers Jamaica, J. Wray & Nephew, Round Hill, Sunset Beach Resort, Half Moon Resort, Coyaba Beach Resort, Grand Palladium, HEART Trust/NTA, Wisynco and Goddard Catering.