Kingston Kitchen return with their third annual Christmas Grand Market

Following the recent successful launch of their premium events brand, Signature Series, alongside Bravo TV's reality star Chef Roblé, Kingston Kitchen will be back at Hope Gardens on Saturday, December 14, with their 3rd annual Christmas Grand Market event.

"We loved raising the bar with our Signature Series event," said Leisha Wong, co-director, Kingston Kitchen, "but the markets are really where our heart is. We love the vibe of our markets. We love seeing everyone from babies to grandparents out together, and love that everyone has come out to eat good local food, support our local food scene, and have fun."

Launched in December 2011, Kingston Kitchen set out on a mission to promote the local food industry, while creating an event that would fill the void of quality family entertainment. Fashioned after food markets such as Borough Market in London, England, and Smorgasburg in Brooklyn, New York, the markets were a platform for food purveyors, chefs, and caterers to network and meet with their customers, and essentially create a platform for them to showcase and promote their products.

It is an event that caters for all, from vegans and raw foodies, to ribs, chocolate, and Indian lovers. And with a minimal entrance fee of $500 for adults, it is an economical trip out for the family. "It was important for the event to be accessible to everyone," says Melanie Miller, another co-director of the event. "In addition, we kept the admission so low, because we wanted the patrons to go out and support the vendors directly. And in response, the vendors subsidise their menu items so that it remains equally affordable."

The last staging of the market event in August this year marked the move to a reduced production of two events each year. "We decided to make the move to two events, from six in 2012, because we realised that it was hard for the vendors to recoup between each event, as well as it was a strain on our sponsors. In addition, the frequency meant that our patrons were not as eager to come to each event, as they could simply go to the next one," says Jacqui Sinclair, also a co-director of Kingston Kitchen. "We wanted to make it a real experience that people would plan for, look forward to, even travel to Jamaica for. In essence, we wanted to focus the energies into two events that would be true destination experience."

The move paid off, and their last event saw a crowd of some 3,000 patrons and 40 vendors spread between the pop-up kitchens section (standalone tents) and the Eaton's Emporium (a large tent dedicated to small batch vendors selling everything from breads and cupcakes, to jams, chutneys and other sauces).

Food aside, the event has entertainment for all ages. From live cooking demonstrations and live musical-entertainment to a kid's village with rides and face painting, the young ones can play in a safe atmosphere while their parents also enjoy the event. The Christmas edition will also feature some new and exciting entertainment, including a show kitchen sponsored by Appliance Traders Limited and a charity cooking competition.

With such sponsors on board as The Best Dressed Chicken, Fly Jamaica, Gas Pro, Pure Country and Island Gem water, there will be great giveaways and prizes all night, with DJ Sparks as the MC and host. The event is also supported by The Gleaner Company, The Herald Printers, Fame FM, Novelty Party Rentals, Sparkles Productions, Caribbean Fencing, and endorsed by The Jamaica Tourist Board.