Red Stripe's Great Escape hit all the right notes

Garfene Grandison, Gleaner Writer

The party called 'the Great Escape' was just that, a retreat away from the hustle and bustle of Kingston, an oasis of delectable feasts, a cacophony of musical treats and a masterful display of class.

The beautiful mansion, 'The Columns', nestled in the hills of Spring Farm, Montego Bay, was transformed into a partygoer's paradise by Main Events' Sharon Blair.

Already the ideal venue with a spectacular view of the Caribbean Sea, the venue was draped in white and boasted a bundle of pristine tents that housed leather sofas for the specially invited guests.

Upon entry, guests were greeted by courteous hostesses and offered specially made Bars to Go cocktails of a Red Stripe Cooler (Red Stripe Light & Smirnoff Apple Vodka) or the Guinness Blink (Guinness & Nuvo). To add to the already wide array of liquors, Guinness Draught was on tap, imported from Dublin for this event.

For increased pampering, a make-up area labelled 'The Powder Room', manned by the affable and talented Racquel Jenkins Moss-Solomon, was also a welcomed addition for those ladies who wanted to keep 'that' look all day.

Caterer extraordinaire, Jacqui Tyson, was meticulous in her operation and ensured that each dish was properly prepared and that the presentation was flawless. Her mantra 'from thought to finish' rang true in every part of the venue, from the dessert table to the pasta station and seafood centre where patrons were queuing up.

Items like sirloin sliders, jerked pork medallions and leg of lamb were nicely complemented by shrimp pasta and chicken fettucini.

Combine all this with musical selections by Renaissance's Delano and Smoke as well as ZJ Liquid and DJ Wayne, the party kept rocking well after the 6 p.m. cut-off point.

Not even the rain could put a damper on the festivities as patrons moved inside the house to keep the party going.

Grand success

Celebrities, including Shaggy, Richie Loop and Beenie Man, were also present.

According to Jomo Cato, head of marketing for Red Stripe, the event was a grand success and he was quite happy with the turnout.

"Everyone seemed to totally enjoy the experience. We wanted to add even more excitement to the Reggae Sumfest weekend and fete our customers, hosts a few celebrities and consumers. Our consumers have had 'The Great Escape', which is going to be an annual part of our Reggae Sumfest celebration," Cato added.

grandison.garfene@gleanerjm.com