Spicy curried crab cake accompanied by Trelawny papaya salsa, served on a bed of lettuce. - photos by Denise Reid

All year long, Cecile Levee's Wine With Me guest chef series, 'With Love', has hosted fine wine-and- dine experiences. Last weekend saw its culmination with a two-night journey of savoury dishes courtesy of Norma Shirley of Norma's on the Terrace.

Shirley is, perhaps, the most celebrated chef in the Caribbean. It may be the creativity with which she concocts the dishes on her menu, the way her food is carefully presented or the way it is accented by the flavour of herbs and spices; but it's all simply delectable.

Highlights of feast

The highlight of last Friday's feast was a tomato bisque and a Hellshire fish accompanied by codfish and avocado salsa which bowled over everyone. A simply divine reserve Malbec 2005 Terrazas provided by J. Wray and Nephew, which had rich fruity notes, impressed everyone.

Saturday evening was dubbed 'Norma's night of love and light', and the menu consisted of dishes such as curried crab cake with Trelawny papaya salsa and roasted quail served with 'athletic' yellow yam.

Needless to say, the food was delicious, and Shirley's oxtail, which by now everyone considers her signature dish, did not disappoint. In fact, it converted those who had never tasted it and reminded those who have had it before, just why they love it so much.

Although using the traditional recipe, the addition of mushrooms, being cooked in wine, and the way it was served only enhanced the dish. The meat is prepared in such a way that it comes off the bone easily and the beans are added just before ser-ving, ensuring they are not too soft.

Oxtail experience

One guest commented, "Norma Shirley takes oxtail up a notch. Nowadays, you are allowed to suck bones at the table, whereas before, you never were. If you suck one of those bones, you feel as if you've died and gone to heaven as the juices have gone right through the bone."

Paired with the dishes were fine wines, complements of Lascelles Wines and Spirits. In choosing wines, Lascelles' Debra Taylor paired each dish with wines from France, 'the country of love'.

The list included a sparkling Barton and Guestier rosé and a crisp Moreau Chablis that had a slightly sweet taste. Blue Mountain Coffee, courtesy of Coffee Traders, brought an end to the evening.

Before the end of the night, the award winning documentary At the table with Norma Shirley which made its debut on the Food Network in Canada, on November 4, was shown. The video high-lighted Shirley's use of Jamaican flavours and how she has merged them into international cuisine. Highlighting her struggles and triumphs, it was inspirational.

This year chefs who participated were Stefan Spath, Scott Robbins and Sara Mair.