Jody-Ann Green (right) of Chocolate Dreams dips mushrooms into the chocolate fountain for guests at the HEART Foundation of Jamaica Wine and Food Festival, held at The Liguanea Club, Knutsford Boulevard, New Kingston, last Friday night. - PHOTOS BY WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
FOOD, FOOD everywhere and free samples for everybody! The Heart Foundation of Jamaica's Wine and Food Festival was another success at the Liguanea Club on Knutsford Boulevard last Friday.
"The crowd has come out earlier this year. At 8 p.m. there weren't as many people," said Stacy Beckford, a Heart Foundation volunteer.
Speaking of the volunteers, they scampered around the venue enticing to buy raffle tickets. All the booth managers we spoke to said that the responses were favourable.
Guests seemed particularly intrigued by the Walkerswood products, especially the Solomon Gundy pasta and the Sorrel Chutney.
"The response has been great. We've handed out about 2,000 plates," said Semone Allison, brand manager of Walkerswood. Another favourite, especially among the women, was Chocolate Dreams.
The sight of persons patiently waiting in line to have their mushrooms or any other food item smothered in caramel was one to behold. And why not indulge? You only live once (according to Western religious belief anyway).
With all this eating, there has to be something to 'wash it down'. So what's your preference, 1876 wines? Or perhaps you are more of a Sangster's Rum Cream fanatic? And let's not forget good old water from La Vida, except their presenters will tell "it's not just water."
MEDICAL CHECKS
Members of the Lion Club conducted medical checks while Dr. Wellness himself, Tony Vendryes, did an outside broadcast of his programme 'An Ounce of Prevention'. Veteran radio personality Don Topping moved through the booths and interviewed the guests.
The Hummingbird Steel Band handled the musical reins quite well with a wide range of selections. Spot prizes for trivia questions were also handed out.
The only potential blemish on the evening was the unscrupulous persons who continue to try and 'crash' functions. They tried all the tricks in the book; walking through the main gate with a wine glass or torn ticket claiming they were already inside, though tickets clearly stated 'No Re-Entry'. But the security was alert and so potential scams were avoided.
