Rosemary Parkinson, Gleaner Writer
LEFT: W. A. 'Billy' McConnell (left) and David Marcovitch share a glass of
bubbly surounded by bottles of this magnificent champagne.
RIGHT:
Sharon Sterling (right) category manager J. Wray and Nephew shares a toast with Karen Lanigan, general manager Couples Negril. - PHOTOS BY ROSMARY PARKINSON
FOR THOSE of you who think that I have a charmed life as a food reviewer, I have news for you: You are absolutely right! And I was charmed when I entered the portals of Jamaica's finest hotel - The Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall in Montego Bay - where their Salon 1 Ball Room was painted yellow and transformed into a totally whimsical champagne experience by talented Jamaican designer Frances Mais. She completed the feat in about an hour, having trod through thick rain all the way from the capital, Kingston.
But Mrs. Mais knew this event was not just about any ordinary champagne. It was being held under the auspices of J. Wray and Nephew with Messrs. W. 'Billy' McConnell, managing director Lascelles de Mercado Group, owner of J Wray and Nephew Ltd.; Davide Marcovitch, president Moet Hennessy Latin America and The Caribbean; and, Pascal Bony, marketing manager Moet Hennessy, Latin America and the Caribbean.
A couple of charming ladies - Tanya Miller, marketing manager and Sharon Sterling, category manager for Imported Wines & Spirits both J. Wray & Nephew - wanted us all to do nothing else but bask in the tastings of Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Champagne. Their Brut Yellow Label non-vintage (1996 vintage) being poured with impunity while, on occasion, the La Grand Dame 1996 bottle sneaked many glories. The experience, to say the least, turned out to be a divine intervention.
I can only imagine that Sharon Sterling and Tanya Miller must feel pleased in a job well done, for looking around the room at all the fine women present, it appeared to me that they understood that we of the female persuasion are, in fact, the key to good taste. Okay, okay - there were some wonderful men there too and they did appear to be quite at ease savouring this most divine elixir.
Naturally, wherever there is fine champagne to be had, tasty morsels should be present and the Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall ensured that these were to hand - to the joyous sounds of Mark Stephenson's violin. There was an array of local and international cheeses with crackers to choose from; scrumptious jerk shrimp on skewers to be dipped at our leisure in a smooth scotch bonnet cream; the interactive station with Jamaican Curry Chicken; and, a medley of freshly stir-fried vegetables wrapped in fine tortillas and topped with raisins, roasted grated coconut and our very own Jamaican special - sorrel chutney - not to be outdone.
CLINKING GLASSES LIKE THERE WAS NO TOMORROW
Speeches were short and sweet with Mr. McConnell thanking all those who had braved the stormy weather of Montego Bay - and who would not for Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin - in order to clink glasses like there was no tomorrow. The most lovable Monsieur Marcovitch, who having learned all the necessary Jamaican hand movements of respect and love from Madame Karlene (Miss Roots) Walters, consultant to J. Wray & Nephew, had all present enjoying his delight at learning all things Jamaica.
The night also belonged to the most affable Pascal Bony who is on the verge of receiving an official Jamaican passport, having visited this island four times without sleep (he loves a party!). Pascal is certainly no stranger to those in the tourism sector for on previous visits, he has achieved significant exposure for the brand, holding training sessions at Sandals, SuperClubs, Marguerites, Blue Beat, for those who are involved not only in the ordering but in the serving of Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin. Bony has made visits to Royal Plantation and Half Moon hotels, committing himself to return on December 5 (Oh! he must be writhing in pain!) to train the already fabulous staff at the Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall - a training that apparently will include how to open a bottle of champagne with a saber - a touch of dexterity that I would like to learn.
SECRETS OF THE VEUVE
For those of you who are not aware, Moet Hennessy is a part of the Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy Group and our very own J. Wray & Nephew is the exclusive distributor for Moet Hennessy products in Jamaica. This association began in 1996 with their appointment as the distributor for Hennessy (one of the finest of cognacs) and Moet & Chandon - a much-loved champagne around these parts.
So, with the Christmas joyous season just around the corner, it is time to stock up on their various products - Hennessy Cognacs, Moet & Chandon, Dom Perignon and Krug champagnes and naturally, the Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin family from the Champagne Valley of France. And with many cheers to be had, look out for Food's coverage on the do's and don'ts of bubbly and a special story on the secrets of the Veuve.
A whisper to delight in - Veuve means 'widow'. For some like myself, a good situation to be in, if left with a cellar of fine champagne once the bliss is done!
One love.
After all, what is your host's purpose in having a party? Surely not for you to enjoy yourself. If that were their sole purpose, they'd have simply sent champagne and women over to your place by taxi. The immortal words of P. J. O'Rourke.
