Food & Fellowship

After five years, we have come to anticipate that this page would have shared with readers exciting images from the Restaurant Week kick-off. But this year's launch - our sixth, planned for Tuesday, October 5 - was preceded by Tropical Storm Nicole. The news of the devasting losses faced by our fellow Jamaicans: our farmers who bring food to our, our restaurant professionals and our restaurants too, cannot be ignored.

And so, the organisers of Restaurant Week, SSCO event management along with The Gleaner Company, and in consultation with nine committed and caring sponsors have decided to 'wheel and come again' and instead of the usual fanfare and celebration that prevails with a Restaurant Week launch, we will reach out to those hardest hit by the recent heavy weather.

In an effort to extend our hands and lend a modicum of comfort and support - SSCO, the Gleaner Company and sponsors of Restaurant Week, have planned an afternoon treat for the members of the Sandy Park community which has been badly affected, and in particular with the children who have been traumatisedby the events of the past week.

We acknowledge the national crisis which Jamaicans faces in the wake of Tropical Storm Nicole,and our hearts go out to those who have experienced severe damage and traagic loss.