Jamaica Epicurean Festival promises much

Carl Gilchrist, Gleaner Writer

If the delicacies on offer were anything to go by at the launch held at Jewel Dunn's River last Saturday night, then Jamaica Epicurean Escape 2014 promises to be an awesome treat for culinary enthusiasts.

With Jewel Resorts being a major sponsor, the team ensured they pulled out all the stops to impress at the launch, with chef Ravi Anne and other chefs from the hotel chain down to take part in the two-day event, set for May 24 and 25 at Grizzly's Plantation Cove in Richmond, just outside Priory in St Ann.

Just imagine a delectable shepherd's pie with barbecued onions, served on ice cream cones, or vegetable soup served in glasses with shrimp, conch and vegetable toppings.

Over the two days, the Jamaica Epicurean Escape International Food, Wine and Music Festival promises all that and more, spread across 32 food stations and featuring chefs from Jamaica, Canada, USA, Panama and Guyana.

Music will play a major part in this year's event. Melba Moore is scheduled to headline a list of performers that also includes Suzanne Couch, Bryan Art and a Penthouse 25 segment that will feature Dalton Harris, Righteous Child and Shuga.

Moore, known for hits such as This Is It, You Stepped Into My Life, and especially for Lean On Me, which features her trademark long notes, will perform at Saturday's after party.

FUN YARD FOR KIDS

Kids will be catered to as Rainbowland will manage a Sagicor-sponsored Fun Yard that will feature games, rides, art and craft, face painting, food and refreshments. For students, there will be a cook-off among high schools.

In the Epicurean Village, cuisine samplings, chef demonstrations and cook-offs, seminars, a coffee village and farmers market will take the lime light.

The international chefs will take the limelight on Saturday, May 24 for what is termed Global Escape, with the Caribbean Escape slated for May 25.

If you're wondering about the chefs who will participate, the list includes (from Jamaica) Ravi Anne, Daniel Schweitzer, Mark Scott, Michael Danneker, Shea Stewart, Theo Smith, Jacqui Tyson, Chris Evans, and Jay-Ann Lennox, Ted Reader (from Canada), Erica Davis (from Atlanta), Aris Latham (Panama) and (from Guyana) Dane Kennedy, Dustin Dalgetty, John Reman, Nisa Walker, Samantha Nails.

For more information, visit www.jamaicaepicureanescape.com.