Observer Food Awards

What was it that prompted the Observer to start the Food Awards?

We started the Awards 11 years ago when I approached then director Dr George
Phillip and told him that we needed a Grammy Evening in Food to truly
celebrate the individuals behind excellence in food presentation, delivery
and service.

How many years have the Awards been held?

The Awards is now in its 11th year

Describe the Food Awards experience. What can patrons look forward to in attending?

The Awards is the single most spectacular event held in the Caribbean. It
continues to generate excitement because of the high standard of
presentation. It is not your typical event and we truly stress high standard
of delivery. We're speaking of some 60-odd booths.

What has been your most memorable moment from hosting the Awards over the years?

I've had several memorable moments but nothing beats the look of absolute
joy on the faces of our scholarship holders. We charge an entrance fee to
facilitate the UTech scholarships

How do you think the Food Awards has impacted the local food industry?

Presenting these annual awards has definitely raised the bar here in
Jamaica. We are each year able to show what's hot, new and different in the
industry.

From left: Dancehall duo Wayne Marshall and Tami Chynn with Wisynco’s Kim Lawson and Chris Hardy.

What's your vision for the future of the Food Awards?

We need to fully embrace the entire Caribbean. We've made steps and have
already included St Lucia and Barbados. And of course there are more
scholarships to be offered to the faculty of Hospitality Utech

Jamaica Observer director Jaime Stewart-McConnell (left) and Sandals CEO Adam Stewart (third right) share lens time after presenting (from second left) Rochelle Grindley, Annjeane Terrelonge and Kemar Morris with their confirmation letters. Enjoying their success is UTech senior lecturer Karlene Gordon.

Who were this year's biggest winners, and what were some highlights from this year's event?

The big winners this year were: Grace Kitchens who received the Chairman's
Award, and Nancy McLean who got the Lifetime Achievement Award.
There were many highlights but here are a few: (1) Rainforest Seafood's
formidable seafood display; (2) Our national team of chefs who scored big in Puerto Rico tested their menu offerings on the hundreds of patrons; and (3) ATL, Sandals, Beaches, Royal Plantation and Honda a massive show from a truly massive company

Winston Stona and Novia McDonald-Whyte handled the evening's proceedings.