Fresh Food from the Farm…in Jamaica?
January 20, 2012 by Susan McKee
A resort and a chef collaborate to produce “Farm Dinners” on the Caribbean island of Jamaica.
The resort is Jakes, an eclectic collection of beach-front cottages. The chef is Liz Solms, who’s also a local sustainable agriculture expert. The program supports the small independent farmers of Pedro Plains, the “breadbasket” of Jamaica.
Held at sunset on the Saturday closest to the full moon, the dinners feature organic dishes prepared and served on-site at local farms, with wine pairings by Caribbean Producers Jamaica.
Despite the rustic setting, the dinners are quite chic: Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a cocktail whipped up using fresh fruit from that very farm. The table is elegantly set with white linens in the middle of a working field, with lanterns hung from curling rows of yam vines.
Dinner is cooked table-side, from a rotating menu incorporating seasonal local produce and 100 percent organic ingredients are served-up family style. The dinners also feature tastings by local honey experts and wine sommeliers.
There are two more scheduled this winter: February 11, 2012, and March 17, 2012. Cost per person of $95 includes transfers from the resort to the farm.
(Photo courtesy of Jakes Hotel)
