On Sunday, September 15, 2024, I enjoyed attending Sips: A Boozy Tea Affair, the second pre-event for this year’s Jamaica Food and Drink Festival (JFDF). Held at the picturesque Terra Nova Hotel poolside in Kingston, the afternoon promised a chic tea party experience with a boozy twist, which certainly delivered.
CPJ Kicks Off Jamaica Food and Drink Festival with SIPS! A Boozy Tea Party
As I arrived, I was immediately struck by how well-dressed and vibrant the crowd was. Everyone came dressed to impress, embracing the elegant tea party theme with a modern flair and a beautiful mix of colours. The ambiance was set perfectly against the backdrop of the Pool house as we had to slightly deviate from the poolside to combat the heat — the AC was a much-welcome complement to the afternoon’s festivities.
The event kicked off with Bombay Sapphire cocktails, beautifully paired with an assortment of gourmet bites. My personal favorite? The Terra Nova Avocado Salad — it was fresh, flavorful, and a true standout among the many delicious dishes served. Some of the other highlights included Chicken Florentine Croquettes, Coconut Shrimp, Lemon and Ginger Chicken Satay, and Callaloo and Sun-Dried Tomato Quiche. I couldn’t resist going back for seconds on the Cucumber Sandwiches and Salmon Pinwheels! For meat lovers, the Smoked BBQ Chicken added just the right amount of bold flavor to the sophisticated spread.
Caribbean Dreams added a playful touch to the event, with their creatively boozy tea concoctions, while Häagen-Dazs was there to offer a sweet treat with their signature ice cream flavors throughout the evening.
The cocktail menu was equally impressive, with drinks like the Bombay Chai Tea Cocktail, Deviation, The Laverstoke, and Bombay & Tonic — all infused with the smoothness of Bombay Sapphire, courtesy of CPJ Beverages. Each drink was unique and expertly crafted to complement the high tea snacks.
As we sipped and enjoyed each delicious bite, DJ Rio set the perfect mood with a mix of tunes that added to the event’s relaxed yet sophisticated vibe with a touch of Soca that had guests off their feet dancing to a few familiar tunes. It was the perfect Sunday afternoon, a little escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, spent enjoying great food, drinks, and company.
This was just the beginning, as JFDF continues to build excitement leading up to the main festival from November 7-10, 2024. Sips gave us a sneak peek of the bold flavors and creativity we can expect from this year’s festival, and it’s safe to say my expectations are high!
A huge shoutout to the sponsors who made it all possible — CPJ Ltd, Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel, Serge, Gold Seal Flour, Caribbean Dreams, and Häagen-Dazs. Plus, Visa, the festival’s presenting sponsor, sweetened the deal with an exclusive presale offer for cardholders to get discounted tickets ahead of the November event.
If Sips was any indication of what’s to come, we’re all in for an unforgettable celebration of Jamaica’s culinary scene. Next up? Saveur on October 6, 2024, at Broken Plate — an evening of multi-course, wine-paired indulgence that I can’t wait to experience!
To learn more about the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival, please visit their website by clicking the link below
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