Rosemary Parkinson, Contributor 
Stefan (left) and Eric at Boston's Little David's Jerk Centre. - Photos by Rosemary
The Food Network has caused chefs to be treated like superstars. It is sad that our powers-that-be cannot see beyond their noses to create our own Food Network (or similar well-produced programmes), that could surpass all in creativity. We have over 37 islands filled with exotic bounty; those abroad have seen the light, and come to these lands to 'discover' our chefs and their cuisine. When will we change?
However, this fabulous week has cemented not only my love for this country but the admiration I have for the grand dame of Caribbean cuisine, Ms Norma Shirley, and those who are smart enough to recognise her undying passion for Jamaica, her talent and the legacy she will leave behind. Her life in the food kingdom has been immortalised, i.e. national award for her contribution to the culinary arts of Jamaica by the Government and the award by the Kiwanis Club. But it is Food Network Canada that will glorify her to the world, and deservedly so.
The Week Begins
Just a few of the many friends gathered for the scrumptious meal filmed at Ms Shirley's home. From left Laurel and Stafford deMercado and Gloria Palomino.
Last Tuesday morning, a film crew sent by Chefs On Top Productions Inc., of Toronto, Canada, began to film the life of chef Norma Shirley. They began with an interview with me about my book Nyam Jamaica. The Chefs On Top Productions' programme on Food Network Canada, At The Table With ... has been receiving worldwide attention with over three million viewers. So, in order to calm nerves and introduce the visitors in a relaxed mode, we went to Ms May at Hellshire for that special fried fish and garlic lobster. This little jaunt served to introduce a little Jamaican feel - food, sand and sea - to the crew consisting of Canadian Eric Geringas (writer/director of Red Herring Productions, Inc.), Finland's Stefan Randstrom (director/camera/writer of Hoppa Films), under the watchful eye of Jamaican production assistant Annabelle Todd, with David Osbourne as sound man.
Hellshire was absolutely perfect, the team mesmerised as expected, the good food touching right into their foreign hearts with Stefan announcing that perhaps he should immediately apply for citizenship!
Hello There!
When Associate Producer Leslie Valpy phoned from Canada and said, "I do believe this is going to be one of the most exciting programmes we have had so far," I don't think she understood the depth of her perception. So I am sending her a message: "Leslie, this will be the best show your team has put together, the most fabulous that Food Network has ever seen and Jamaica awaits its showing in the fall with bated breath, for this woman has done the island proud!" And readers, jump out of the box and imagine what Ms Shirley will be achieving for Jamaica by having agreed to allow this look into this life she has devoted to taking Caribbean food t unknown.
On Tuesday night, a fine dinner was had at Norma's On The Terrace. While cameras flashed, the action was on Jamaican Jason Sharpe and his Coffee Traders business interests from Russia (all wanted Norma's autographed menus); Hugh Hart and his table of friends, and the many other regulars of the restaurant. Even the kitchen staff got some of the attention.
Wednesday morning was Norma's time to shine on camera. With the confidence of a true pro, she not only divulged some of her life's secrets but did an amazing job on talking, "Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica". What an ambassador for the country! But before that, a good Jamaican breakfast of Johnny cakes, ackee and saltfish and fruits that had Eric and Stefan clamouring for more, was served.
Lunch was at Norma's restaurant at Devon House and the crew sampled more delicious food, different tastes, colourful presentations, and the chat about our land and that we so take for granted Delius (Norma's son) and his partner Cindy Hutson, both of the celebrated Ortanique On The Mile Restaurant, had already been interviewed in Miami, they arrived to be part of what was yet to come.
On Thursday, long-time friends Sonia Mills and daughter Mishca spoke of their admiration and friendship with this true Jamaican daughter. Norma and Cindy prepared a feast for close friends (also filmed) who later dined under the stars at Norma's residence, The following day, filming was done at Norma's Cooking School at Furniture Land on Constant Spring Road. That night, the restaurant - once again in the limelight - was packed to capacity with those who were celebrating Norma's contributions to the dining experience of Kingston.
Saturday Fever
Dian Watson of Contemporary Art Gallery, Celta Kirkland (another long-time friend), Norma and I, followed closely by a car filled with the film crew, travelled through the early morning deliciousness of Stony Hill and Junction into St Mary, ending our journey at the Errol Flynn Marina and Norma's at the Marina.
Portland shone specially for us, its forests of greens, its waters crystal clear with hues of blue that hurt the eyes. Once the final shooting and interviews were done, we returned to Kingston through St Thomas. A dip in the deep waters of the Blue Lagoon was a must before Boston's Little David's where all sampled the best in jerk chicken and pork sausage, roasted yam, breadfruit and festival - all dipped in the spiciness of a perfect jerk sauce - washed down with copious amounts of fresh coconut water, June plum and soursop juice. As we drove along the coast, the majestic mountains keeping an eye, the crew jumped in and out of the car with cameras rolling profusely.
Long Bay saw Stefan joining in a game of beach football before he and Annabelle took to the rolling waves for a surf. Needless to say, a stop at Manchioneal with its picturesque fishing boats brought those cameras out again, as did the rolling hills of cane softened by the glorious glow of a sunset that was ensuring that these cameras caught it all. Sunday was spent basking out at Lime Cay before an evening of more Jamaican food and the Super Bowl!
Rosemary Parkinson leaves you to ponder on the feelings Eric and Stefan had when faced with having to leave Jah's island.
