Melecoa Roberts, Select Brand ambassador, pours Nicole Pandohie, co-director of the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival, a glass. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)
One of the most highly-anticipated events of the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival’s (JFDF) calendar unfolded on Sunday as scores of food and wine lovers descended on the Jamaica Food and Drink Kitchen fully prepared to ascend into gastronomical heaven.
With the promise of some of the most exquisite wine and food pairings, D’Vine served up an exclusive culinary experience that had guests swirling, sipping, and savouring every moment.
According to Nicole Pandohie, co-festival director, D’Vine would usually take the format of a seated dinner, but this year the JFDF team wanted to create an intimate, engaging environment that would allow guests to mingle while enjoying global wines and gourmet bites.
“Every year we have a wine event and D’Vine is a new format this year. We used to do this formal, seated, plated dinner, and there’s always not enough engagement, dancing, and hanging out and enjoying, so this year we said we’re gonna serve the food and just let guests talk, dance and enjoy themselves,” she said. “Tonight we had 10 courses from our chefs Oji Jaja and Celeste Gordon and wine from Select Brands, and every station and course is being paired with a different wine. This year Select Brands paid special interest in bringing premium wines to the table and she and the chefs took time to really curate the menus so as to pair it admirably with all the wines.”
Guests unlocked different flavours all evening long as everything from the spread at the Raw Bar and the Grazing station to the various passed courses, was served with an extraordinary selection of wines. From bold reds to crisp whites and sparkling pours, there was a celebration in every glass.
Deborah Taylor-Smith, luxury portfolio manager at Select Brands, said JFDF has a celebrated history of palate pleasing, which is one of the main reasons her team has been with the festival for the past 11 years.
“[W]e saw the vision when they came to us from day one and we have grown year after year. There is such a synergy between food and wine that it was seamless and we didn’t require a second thought. If JFDF is happening we have to be a part of it,” she said. “There is just this feeling when you taste the wine and have the right food with it, you’re taken to gastronomy heaven. There is a wine for everyone, and so for us this is a great opportunity for us to showcase the breadth and depth of our portfolio in a fun, approachable way.”
The first three courses of the evening set the tone as the Tangerine Glazed Crispy Tofu, Jalapeño Polenta Cake, Beetroot Smoked Scallops, Chicken Dumplings, Pan-seared Smoked Salmon and Slow Braised Oxtails were paired seamlessly with a mix of exquisite red and white wines, among them Matua Sauvignon Blanc, Stag’s Leap Viognier, and Penfolds Bin 389.
Grilled Lobster tails and a Moroccan Spiced Lamb Rack were also served up on the night paired with Daou Cabernet Sauvignon. For dessert, guests savoured every bite of a Lychee Raspberry White Chocolate Tart, Passionfruit, Lemon and Mandarin Mousse and Dark Chocolate Espresso Smoked Salt Dulce De Leche Gâteau paired with a Ruffino Prosecco Rosé from the expert hands of Chef Trevanne Donegal.
Even after the last glass was poured, guests lingered about the venue still savouring the D’Vine experience.
Debra Taylor-Smith, luxury portfolio manager, Select Brands, addresses guests at last Sunday’s staging of D’Vine held at the Jamaica Food and Drink Kitchen. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)
Violinist Kamoy Gordon keeps guests entertained. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)
Simone Hudson , CEO of Fuducia Investment Services, enjoys one of the passed courses served at the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival’s wine pairing event, D’Vine. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)
From left: Tania McConell, corporate marketing director; Nicole Pandohie, director of the Jamaica Food & Drink Festival; Ainsworth Leach, branch manager, Scotiabank, New Kingston; Tiffany Holt, regional sales director, Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits; Debra Taylor-Smith, luxury portfolio manager, Select Brands; and Alicia Bogues, Jamaica Food and Drink Festival director (Photo: Naphtali Junior)
The Beetroot Cured Smoked Scallops was perfectly paired with glasses of Stag’s Leap Viognier.(Photo: Naphtali Junior)