The Gleaner-sponsored Jamaica Epicurean Escape (JEE), set for Richmond Estate on December 1 and 2, is not just for adults. There will be several activities tailored for the younger generation and, in fact, there will be a space dedicated to their entertainment. The main focus of this area will be the Pickney Kitchen where there will be chefs teaching them how to be independent in the kitchen by learning to cook nutritious, easy-to-prepare, tasty meals that they will enjoy.

LumlEy to take charge

Chef de Cuisine Brian Lumley will lead the charge in creating an exciting and informative programme to teach the children how to handle themselves in the kitchen. "It is important for children to learn about food and how it affects their bodies at an early age, so they can make healthy choices in the food that they eat that will serve them for a lifetime," said Chef Lumley.

Food consultant to the JEE, Lorraine Fung, explained that the event was targeted at the entire family and the food and nutrition needs of children were considered especially important. "The sedentary nature of children's entertainment today, combined with the food they eat which is generally high in sugar and fat, is resulting in an unfortunate increase in obesity among our children," Fung noted.

She pointed to a newspaper report earlier this year which stated that more than 11 per cent of children, 10 to 15 years old, and 35 per cent of teenagers, between 15 and 18 years in Jamaica, are being classified as overweight. These are serious statistics as obesity leads to all kinds of chronic diseases. The JEE wants to do its part in trying to change this. Children should be able to eat tasty food and remain healthy, Fung added.

Chef Lumley worked with a group of budding chefs during the summer and, being part of JEE, it was only natural that he be placed in charge of the Pickney Kitchen. An added treat will be a presentation by one of our international guest chefs, Lorraine Washington, who will be teaching our young chefs to make easy pasta dishes.

"Food provides the opportunity to share so much with our children. It can teach them about their history various cultures, and it is a perfect way to bond with family and friends. We will be catering for the children, but will encourage parents to join us for some sessions to demonstrate how they can spend quality time with their children while teaching them important life lessons," Chef Lumley noted.

Chef Lumley said emphasis would be placed on safety in the kitchen as children needed to be taught very early on how to prevent problem situations by being able to recognise dangerous circumstances. Cleanliness and tidiness will also be highlighted.