By Lyndon Taylor
NEW YORK, NY — It was a night of Jamaican flavours, culture and celebration as the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival made its first international launch in New York City.
Left: Consul General of Jamaica Oliver Mair pose with Alicia Bogues, Jamaica Food and Drink Festival Director and Nicole Maraj-Pandohie, Managing Director, Jamaica Food & Drink Kitchen.
Four international chefs of Jamaican descent: Scotley Innis, India Doris, Patrick Simpson and Andre Fowles took centre stage, each bringing their own culinary interpretation rooted in Jamaican heritage. Guests also enjoyed rum cocktails courtesy of Worthy Park, while music throughout the evening was provided by DJ Max Glazer of Federation Sound.
According to Alicia Bouges, Director of the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival, Brooklyn was a natural choice for the festival’s first international stop. “Brooklyn had to be the first stop for the event’s international launch and we were delighted to partner with Aliyah to showcase these four international chefs who each provided their take on food leaning into their Jamaican roots,” Bouges said.
She noted that the timing of the international launch is significant as Jamaican cuisine continues to gain recognition globally. “The world is starting to recognize that Jamaican food is more than just jerk and street food and is now elevated,” Bouges said.
Left: Victoria Harper, Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) District Sales Manager, Northeast USA shares lens with sisters Keisha Phipps, Director, Give to Jamaica and Dr. Candice Phipps, Veterinarian. Right: DJ Max Glazer of Federation Sounds keeps guests entertained throughout the launch event
The international launch also served as an invitation for food lovers to make plans for the next staging of the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival, scheduled for March 4–7, 2027, in Kingston. “We invite persons to book their tickets early and come experience Jamaica in a different way. As many of you know, we’re more than sun, sand and sea,” Bouges noted.
The festival’s partners include VISA, the Jamaica Tourist Board, Victoria Mutual Group, Worthy Park, Aliyah, Walkerswood, Supligen and Best Dressed Plate.
With its combination of culinary creativity, Jamaican heritage, music and hospitality, the New York launch provided a taste of what patrons can expect when the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival is held in Kingston, March 4-7, 2027.