Andrea Downer, Gleaner Writer
Some of the sponsors of Kingston Restaurant Week (from left) are Belinda Williams, representing National Commercial Bank (NCB), The Gleaner's Managing Editor Jenni Campbell and Stephanie Scott of SSCO Events Management. Back row (from left): Michael Ammar Jr. of Ammar's; Kevin Bourke of Appleton; Zachary Harding, representing Wisynco; David Walton, brand manager of Appleton Special; Tara Playfair Scott, representing Cable & Wireless; Leonard Mahipalimudali of NCB; Everly Clarke of NCB, Nicola Dawson of the Shell Company West Indies Ltd. and Mark Williams. They attended yesterday's launch of Kingston Restaurant Week. - PHOTOS BY NORMAN GRINDLEY/DEPUTY CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
KINGSTON RESTAURANT Week, the much-anticipated food event of the year was officially launched yesterday, at Mac's Chop House in New Kingston, one of the restaurants participating in the inaugural event.
Scheduled to take place from November 12-19, KRW, the first of its kind in Jamaica will see 22 of the city's finest restaurants slashing their prices by 30 to 50 per cent to accommodate patrons who perhaps would not normally consider dining out.
Yes, you will be able to treat yourself and your significant other for a fraction of the usual cost for one whole week in November.
ADVENTURES IN TASTE
The week-long event celebrating culinary communities will offer adventures in taste giving locals and visitors to the island a great opportunity to sample the diverse culinary offerings Kingston has to offer.
Kingston Restaurant Week was conceptualised by SSCO Event Management and The Gleaner Company Ltd. Stephanie Scott, managing director of SSCO Event Management, who spoke at the launch, said that although Jamaica has a rich culinary tradition and authentic Jamaican dishes such as jerk which now receives international recognition, people in Jamaica do not eat out as much as people in other parts of the world. She said however, that there has been a gradual shift in that trend.
"Over the last three years, with the opening of a number of new restaurants, it seems as if our culture is shifting towards a culture of dining out and Kingston Restaurant Week is all about promoting that trend," she stated.
The Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC) has endorsed the event and Mayor of Kingston, Desmond McKenzie, said the council has waived $650,000 for all fees and licenses in relation to the event. The mayor said the KSAC will be offering all parking facilities owned by the council at minimal costs to be used by patrons of the participating restaurants during that week.
Managing editor of the Gleaner Company, title sponsor of the event Jenni Campbell, said the staging of KRW presents a win-win opportunity for all stakeholders.
"The event will not only enable the participating restaurateurs to showcase their best, it is an opportunity for them to uphold the city's tradition of fine dining," she said.
The Jamaica Tourist Board, in support of the event, sees potential spin-offs for the tourism industry and capital city Kingston as a whole.
"Kingston Restaurant Week will no doubt enhance the city's appeal as a visitor destination. It is our hope that other cities will follow suit in years to come," said Assistant Director in charge of Promotions, Janice Allen.
During Kingston Restaurant Week, participating restaurants will offer discounted fixed price dinner menus starting at J$800 - excluding beverage, tax and gratuity.
According to Ms. Scott: "If there's a restaurant you've always wanted to try - now's the time. If you've dreamed about eating out every night of the week, it's now possible. Eating out is in!"
