Kingston Kitchen turns 2

Shanica Blair, Gleaner Writer

All the favourites in the local food emporium were scattered across the lawns of Hope Gardens on Saturday. Vibrant and authentic Jamaican food, being an intrinsic part of our culture, drew a hungry crowd of locals and tourists who came out to sample the various offerings at Kingston Kitchen's Christmas Grand Market on Saturday.

An artisan open-air food court and food market series modelled along the lines of food markets and fairs held across the United States and England, Kingston Kitchen's Christmas Grand Market showcased the local culinary talents of Jamaicans. From local sugar cane, to the coconut man and traditionally wrapped peanuts fromthe 'peanut man' to seafood, lamb burgers, samosas, French pastries, and oxtail. The event definitely had something for everybody; from the baby to the grandparents.

At nine months old, Food found Tori Jackson cradled in her father's arms while her mother took a break from the hustle and bustle of the festivities. Her mother Tamara Jackson told us that she has been going to Kingston Kitchen for the past two years. "I am very happy to be celebrating Christmas for the first time with my family this year, which is why her father and I decided to bring her (Tori) here first to start off the Christmas festivities."

With a pop-up kitchen, the Eaton's emporium, live food demonstration, a celebrity cook-off, musical entertainment and a Kid's Christmas Village with bounceabout, slides, and photo studio, the event was certainly a hit among the patrons.

The celebrity cook-off drew a crowd as the Gleaner's Lifestyle Editor Nashauna Drummond and her sous chef Theo Smith went up against Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Krystal Tomlinson and host of TVJ's Nyammings and her sous chef, executive chef and lecturer at the University of Technology Tourism and Hospitality department, Simone Walker-Barrett.

It seems the competition was over before it began. In just half an hour, the dishes were plated and everyone waited with bated breath. In the end, The Gleaner walked home with bragging rights and a cheque of $45,000 to their charity of choice.

Director, Leisha Wong told Food that, in its second year, the event has definitely grown and it has been an overwhelming experience. "Essentially, we are doing something right because it is a great family event with good food and good music. We are filling a niche in the market."

Throughout the festivities, there was a constant stream of people coming in. From families with young children to couples making the event a date night and friends coming just to hang out, sampling the food, Christmas grand market was a definite hit.