Shelly-Ann Thompson, Freelance Writer
Jamaican guitar legend Ernie Ranglin chose Shaw Park Beach Hotel in Ocho Rios to toast his wife Joan at lunch on Mother's Day last Sunday. - CONTRIBUTED
THE RAIN might have dampened the festivities at Elegant Wedding's 'Old Time Sinting Real Jamaican Cooking' on Mother's Day but the showers surely didn't soak away the appetising and delicious taste of the food provided.
The threatening rain that diminished the number of patrons expected, was a blessing for those who attended the event were able to return for seconds and in some cases, thirds.
It was well worth the price tag as the menu of Jamaican foods included saltfish with either ackee, susumba or okra, mackerel
rundown; corned pork; boil bananas; cassava dumplings; roast breadfruit and chocolate 'tea'. There was also:curried goat; sliced escoveitch fish; jerk chicken; rice and peas; cornmeal and potato blue draws (dukunnu); coconut drops; roti; and seasoned turn cornmeal with gungo peas.
Liquid refreshment was not left out. Patrons had a choice of three types of juices - lemonade with Seville orange, sorrel and ginger beer - all made by Debbie Montgomery, Elegant Wedding's florist. And to tempt the palates of the children were treats such as cheese curls; hot dogs; fried and French fried chicken, cheese trix; potato chips and nachos.
Mothers and their families were all of one accord, the food was appealing and authentic.
"The food is so much and it tastes so. The turn cornmeal is good, the breadfruit is well roasted and the curried goat is excellent. I'm now going back for my second plate," said Paul Martin.
ENJOYED EVERYTHING
And another patron agreed, "I enjoyed everything about the food. The menu is quite extensive as there is a wide variety." the patron added.
"I enjoyed the cornmeal blue draws, (salt mackerel) rundown and cassava dumpling. It was real Jamaican food," said Michelle McDonald.
Under large white tents decorated with yellow and pink balloons patrons chatted, and played board and card games. Some patrons collected their food and left but many of those who remained kept entertained by socialising among their friends and relatives.
Stokey Love from Kool 97 selected the music that was kept with the theme of 'Old Time Sinting' and played tunes from the repertoire of Beres Hammond, Brook Benton and Jerry Butler.
