Rosemary Parkinson, Contributor

Dessert was a delightful bread pudding.

As Air Jamaica began its descent, the mountains that envelop Montego Bay came into sight and tears flowed. Brian Jardim, (Margaritaville, Marguerites, Rain Forest Products etc.), sitting not far, said: 'Excited eh?' He hit the nail on the head.

Cradled in my arms since take-off from Barbados, was the first copy of Nyam Jamaica, sent to me by my printers. My ode to Jamaica was making its way to Kingston to the Grand Dame of Caribbean Cuisine, Norma Shirley, and international photographer, Cookie Kinkead. Kinkead's extraordinary work and friendship made it easier for me to put this tome together. Thanks to the ladies at the Air Jamaica's customer service desk, I was swiftly placed on a flight to Kingston. I must also give praise to Immigration for not giving me any hassle over the little piece of paper I am traveling with - all my documentation in the hands of one of our many Caribbean vagrants. May he enjoy being me!

SPOILT ROTTEN

I have been thoroughly spoilt. Great nosh at Norma's On The Terrace, a Sunday morning visit to Miss May at Hellshire for that long awaited fried fish and lobster smothered in garlic. Wonderful brunch at Dian Watson's new gallery (had Christmas lunch there - and what a feast!), visits to Jewel of India, East Japanese (both at Market Place), and an afternoon showing of Nyam Jamaica at Norma's Christmas Tea.

All the hard work put into 'Nyam Jamaica' has finally paid off.

The joy of hearing a friend's voice brings warmth that carries no price.

I must publicly thank Kamaal Azan from Azan's Super Centre who, at the last minute, cleared 300 books sent by air to prove that Nyam Jamaica would, in fact, be in Kingston before Christmas, as promised (available at Norma's On The Terrace). The rest are in the port and a New Year launch is imminent.

And then, there were friends. The joy of hearing a friend's voice brings warmth that carries no price. And then, there was the long-awaited scouring ofdowntown shopping, definitely home at last. The noise, the bustle, the music on the streets, the vendors with every imaginable 'someting' - from shoes, underwear to hats and everything for the home. And then, at the other extreme, there was the Terra Nova Hotel.

NEW FEELING

Mrs. Hussey, her daughter Michelle, Joseph at the front desk and all the other wonderful staff (too numerous to mention) put the lid on my spoiling. I am whole again. A quick visit to the Monte Carlo Casino brought me a delightful breakfast in bed the following morning and an amazing dinner in The Regency Room. This last bastion of colonial architecture, steeped in history, has been brought back to the glory it deserves with Christmas adding a fabulous new dimension with the hotel's Christmas Tree, gardens of poinsettia and huge arrangements of anthuriums brought in from Hawaii.

Everyone can enjoy a great evening at the Terra Nova on the last night of 2007. The Regency Room will be open for dining and there will be an awesome buffet on the Terrace. Hearing the menu from their Food and Beverage Manager, and as I have already partaken of one of the many dishes to be served - Chateaubriand for Two - I can recommend. But, let me start at the beginning. My evening under crystal chandeliers and silver candelabra.

THE REGENCY ROOM

For an appetizer, I had the mussels. My mussels, once a touch of salt was released on them, were lovely and I enjoyed the 'bath' - a mixture of herbs and spices - they came in. But what really blew both our minds was the Chateaubriand for Two. Totally, totally, unexpected. I normally try my best to stay away from roast beef when in the Caribbean (we tend to overcook) but trusting in Chef Roland and his team to deliver turned out to one of my better decisions. Presented on a large platter surrounded by garlic baby potatoes and carrots, roasted asparagus, large, ripe, grilled tomatoes opened like flowers and smothered in herbs and fresh mushrooms. Once the Maitre D' had our nod of approval, the beef was carved before our eyes, and what a delightful sight - well done on the outer sides, medium to rare next, and in the middle that perfect red surrounded by a hmm of dark-brown, well-cooked crust, obviously, especially for me! This dish is worth going to the Terra Nova New Year's Eve Buffet for.

Having worked my little butt off in foreign parts (my lovely Caribbean), I felt I deserved decadence. Now, it's back to work - well, after New Year's, of course! To you, I say, go on spoil yourself, book your room at the Terra Nova and experience Chateaubriand for dinner and breakfast!

GOODBYE 2007, WELCOME 2008

To all of Jamaica, I wish this New Year to bring us peace, to give us all the good things that such a glorious land deserves.To those who quietly suffer, I wish you health and happiness. To all the farmers (the salt of the earth) I wish you success as you continue to bring to our markets, our restaurants and hotels, the best in local produce at, sometimes, unbelievably harsh odds. Bless up. I shall lift a glass as Olde Lang Syne is sung. Jamaica, land we love.

Cajun shrimp in a bed of greens.