Downtown Kingston is alive and well and in the middle of a revival! This was evident at the 4th event for the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival dubbed as “Crisp” held at the newly renovated “Festival Market”.
“Downtown can luk so?” is one of the comments we heard while walking through the event that was set-up like an International Food Festival with an urban street vibe with hanging lights throughout the venue with well-lit food stations. Upon entering, the first thing I saw was a colorful directional sign leading the way for the offerings of the night.
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| Seared Beef Tenderloin with Ginger on a Tortilla Crisp with Mixed Cabbage Coleslaw |
First stop was The Steak House on the Verandah ft Butcher Block where patrons were encouraged to “come back as many times as you want“. On the menu was Seared Beef Tenderloin with Ginger on a Tortilla Crisp with Mixed Cabbage Coleslaw, which featured a delicious taco where the beef tenderloin was well seasoned, well done and well delicious. I might have visited this station 4 times and it was definitely my favorite! Chef Alex definitely proved why he is D-Greatest ?
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| Lobster Corn Dog with a Lemon Garlic Dijonnaise |
Next was the Fromage Gourmet Market/Brasserie station that featured a Lobster Corn Dog with a Lemon Garlic Dijonnaise –this summertime staple got a fancy, seafood makeover. This dish featured a succulent yet firm tail meat lobster and coated in a sugary coated batter reminiscent of “festival” to add a Jamaican twist. The Lemon Garlic Dijonnaise added an extra “kick” of flavor and brought all the ingredients together really well.
#JFDF 2018 CRISP- Who Doesn’t love a great CRUNCH?
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| Korean Fried Chicken Wings topped with Peanuts, Sesame Seeds and Pickled Carrots |
I then made my way across the venue where I sampled the Korean Fried Chicken Wings topped with Peanuts, Sesame Seeds and Pickled Carrots prepared by Chef Sara Mair. There was a bit of a wait and a long line which was well worth it in the end. This Korean version of traditionally fried chicken wings was packed with flavor and can be described in a mouthful (pun intended) as spicy, crispy, crunchy, sweet and finger licking good!
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| Chef Haleem Card |
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| Bresheh Fried Calamari served with creamed Calaloo, Beetroot Gel, and a Beer Foam |
Just a few steps away was Chef Haleem Card and his Bresheh Fried Calamari served with creamed Calaloo, Beetroot Gel, and a Beer Foam. I know Squid might sound a bit scary for the less adventurous foodies, but it is actually in high demand here in Jamaica. The result was tender pieces of squid in a light crispy batter that was seasoned to perfection! Thanks to Chef Haleem, I’m no longer a squid virgin and can say it was very tasty.
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| Fried Lasagna Roll with Peppercorn cured Salmon on Roasted Garlic and Tomato Puree |
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| Chef Amanda McCreath |
We ended the night with Chef Amanda McCreath’s Fried Lasagna Roll with Peppercorn cured Salmon on Roasted Garlic and Tomato Puree. I must admit, as soon as the menu was released, this was one of the dishes high on my list to try. This definitely put a twist on a classic Italian staple —
Fried Lasagna is now how I Roll and will never look at the classic Lasagna as my only option.
This time I chose to skip desserts as I was simply too full. When I passed the beautifully decorated Desserts table by Dawn Mitchell which featured “Fried and True” Nutella Beignets“.These were almost all gone just a little after 8pm which showed how good it must have been.
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| Chef Simon Levy |
Other noted Chefs and brands of the night included: Simon Levy, Anna Kay Tomlinson, and Akai Lindsay.
Disclaimer: I’m a really picky eater and only eat selected items which Is why I didn’t sample all foods. I also chose the events I knew I would eat food from as not to waste my Media Accreditation on foods that I’m not able to taste and give an honest review.
As we opted to skip Picante this year (spicy foods is one of the foods I don’t eat) we make our way downtown once again on Saturday, October 27, 2018, for Meet Street and the Market.
#JFDF 2018 CRISP- Who Doesn’t love a great CRUNCH?
#JFDF 2018 CRISP- Who Doesn’t love a great CRUNCH?
#JFDF 2018 CRISP- Who Doesn’t love a great CRUNCH?
#JFDF 2018 CRISP- Who Doesn’t love a great CRUNCH?
#JFDF 2018 CRISP- Who Doesn’t love a great CRUNCH?
To see the 2017 coverage of PICANTE’, Click the link below.
http://www.hautepeople.net/2017/10/jamaica-food-drink-festival-2017-was.html
Images Courtesy of Jamaica Food and Drink Festival | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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