Jamaica will host a major international food festival, the Jamaica Epicurean Escape (JEE), November 29 to December 2, at Richmond Estate in Priory, St Ann. The four-day event will include varied activities attracting a wide audience.

"What is Epicurean? I have been asked," commented Marcia McDonnough, team leader of the JEE project.

"An Epicurean is someone who is fond of indulging in a luxurious way, particularly as it relates to food and drink. An Epicurean is not a class nor a race, it's not the rich, nor the poor, but it's a state of mind," she explains.

She added that everyone wants to get away to have the best chefs create their masterpieces, taste food they have never had before, and see how ordinary food can be transformed into fantastic gourmet dishes.

The JEE will bring together the best of Jamaica's international and local chefs; food; music; show-cooking demonstrations, seminars and unique art and craft. The venue will be expertly crafted featuring lounges, cafés, a farmers' market and more. The food will range from gourmet to true 'yaad' style.

The event will offer a youth village that will engage children of all ages; cater to all the young people from infants to teens and care for, entertain and educate young patrons, even in the skills of creating their own mini masterpieces in the kitchen.

Shuttle service

To facilitate attendance, shuttle service will be available at a reasonable cost from central points across the island to and from the event, as well as between the hotels in the surrounding vicinities, will be available.

Tickets will soon be available for sale online. There will be single event tickets and season tickets as well as special packages inclusive of hotel and tickets to the event.

Among the current hotel partners are Cardiff Hotel & Spa, The Jewel Dunn's River and Runaway Bay, Gran Bahia Principe, Sunset Jamaica Grande, RIU Ocho Rios, Jamaica Inn, and Mystic Ridge Resort, offering various pricing options.

The JEE is a Jamaica Tourist Board-endorsed and Jamaica 50 event. The HEART Trust will partner with the JEE team to stage the festival.