JCDC FESTIVAL OF FOODS KICKS OFF IN ST.MARY

On Friday (May7), thousands of young and aspiring chefs will converge on the St. Mary’s Sports Club in Annotto Bay as the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) kicks of its 2010 Regional Festival of Foods Showcase. 
Participants including students, amateur chefs and chefs in –training will compete across a wide variety of culinary categories including Mains Dishes, Desserts, Napkin Folding and Table Setting for medals, recognition and other prizes.
A new addition to this year’s staging will be the inclusion of daily mini concerts and an evening showcase featuring reggae artistes Gee Whiz, Bescenta and Khago as well as other local acts. Other attractions include food displays, celebrity cook-offs and the exciting mystery basket competition at each location.
Patrons will also be able to access lunch specials between the hours of 12 noon and 3 p.m. and sample products courtesy of sponsors Excelsior, Grace Earth Chef, National Bakery and Ting.
Through the Festival of Foods, the JCDC supports the use of locally grown and manufactured products by encouraging participants to utilize these products in creating their entries.
Other stagings are planned for the Kirkvine Sports Club in Manchester on May 14, Sean Lavery Faith Hall in Westmoreland on May 20, and the Chinese Benevolent Association in Kingston on May 28. All events start at 10:00 a.m. and admission is free.
The Festival of Foods is also sponsored by Claro, Irie FM, Zip 103 FM, Links FM, Power 106, TVJ and the Gleaner Company.