Fri | Dec 1, 2023

JFDKitchen takes palates in flight with Destination Cocktails

Published:Thursday | November 2, 2023 | 12:08 AMKrysta Anderson/Staff Reporter
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Have you ever tried street style Thai dumplings? If not, you should! They are incredible!
Rudolph Brown
Have you ever tried street style Thai dumplings? If not, you should! They are incredible!
The sushi selections from Rainforest Seafoods had passengers rocking and rolling all night.
Rudolph Brown
The sushi selections from Rainforest Seafoods had passengers rocking and rolling all night.
From left: Jody-Ann Williams, Suzan Chisholm and Anelia Nelson enjoyed sipping and savouring the countries’ flavours at Destination Cocktails.
Rudolph Brown
From left: Jody-Ann Williams, Suzan Chisholm and Anelia Nelson enjoyed sipping and savouring the countries’ flavours at Destination Cocktails.
Cheers to a good flight with good food, drinks and friends, featuring (from left) Lori-Ann Leach, Aneissa Mair and Janay Duncan.
Rudolph Brown
Cheers to a good flight with good food, drinks and friends, featuring (from left) Lori-Ann Leach, Aneissa Mair and Janay Duncan.
A closer look at the mouth-watering spinach and feta phyllo cigar rolls from the Mediterranean.
Rudolph Brown
A closer look at the mouth-watering spinach and feta phyllo cigar rolls from the Mediterranean.
The mini Greek-style lamb pita sandwich with garlic mint yoghurt from the Mediterranean was incredible.
Rudolph Brown
The mini Greek-style lamb pita sandwich with garlic mint yoghurt from the Mediterranean was incredible.
Pizza anyone? Many said yes to Italy, taking a slice of deliciousness to savour.
Rudolph Brown
Pizza anyone? Many said yes to Italy, taking a slice of deliciousness to savour.
Mixologist Maurice Chung presents the Bybrook mudslide.
Rudolph Brown
Mixologist Maurice Chung presents the Bybrook mudslide.
Mexico gave passengers a refreshing taste of tacos.
Rudolph Brown
Mexico gave passengers a refreshing taste of tacos.
The crab rangoon from Orchid Thai had passengers returning for more, especially when they indulged in the delight paired with the choice of sweet chili or peanut sauce.
Rudolph Brown
The crab rangoon from Orchid Thai had passengers returning for more, especially when they indulged in the delight paired with the choice of sweet chili or peanut sauce.
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What do food, drink and travel have in common? An exciting and culturally awakening experience! Jamaica Food And Drink Kitchen (JFDK) delivered that and more as invited guests soared to flavourful heights at Flight Destination Cocktails last Friday night.

The weekend was off to a rainy start but this didn’t stop palate-pleasing passengers from making their way to the JFDK ‘Airport’ with their boarding passes in hand. The journey, set to be spectacular, gave a taste of what is to come at the upcoming JFDK Food Festival.

Once the plane was ready for take off, flight and crew members swiftly flew off to the ‘muy caliente’ (very hot) country of Mexico.

Roger Suarez and Melissa Ruelas of the Taco Spot did a live demonstration of how to prepare tacos al pastor. The first bite was surprisingly refreshing, further enhancing the sensory experience. Additionally, they offered delicious options like quesadillas and tatemados.

From there, the selected few made their way to the Mediterranean, where they sank their teeth into the scrumptious delights of the Moroccan couscous with seafood and chermoula, mini Greek-style lamb pita sandwich with garlic mint yoghurt, along with spinach and feta phyllo cigar rolls.

But, the culinary delight didn’t end there. Orchid Thai Restaurant treated taste buds to the tantalising street-style Thai dumplings, crab rangoon and chicken satay, complete with the choice of sweet and chili or peanut sauce.

Plus, no one could miss the unforgettable Japanese spread. Passengers enjoyed a wide selection of sushi, from the vibrant rock and roll to salmon nigiri and tuna nigiri. For those who preferred cooked options, Rainforest Seafoods offered delicious choices like the shrimp tempura roll or dynamite roll.

The fourth and final destination on the food flight was Italy. And, who can resist a delicious pizza? Chef Dominic Pearson introduced us to his Detroit-style pizza, Sicilian-style pizza and stromboli.

Of course, no savoury journey is complete without some sweets and Seprod and Leanna’s Sweet Tooth had that covered. White Russian panna cotta, tequila sunrise cupcakes and Jamaican brownie mousse bars made a smooth landing into Destination Cocktails.

Captain DJ Nova blasted speakers with a continuous stream of hit songs while passengers took off once more, exploring the delightful six sipping sites.

Worthy Park Select offered a selection of rums in the form of Vale Punch, Worthy Park Swizzle from Trinidad and Tobago and Gal-Hattan from the Big Apple. For those who fancied white rum, and love creamy cocktails, Seprod Limited’s Bybrook Mudslide delivered pure delight to their taste buds.

If are are a fan of gin or tequila, CPJ was the place to be. You could pick from options like the Cali Baby, the Stoke, or the Laverstoke for gin enthusiasts. Tequila lovers, on the other hand, could savour the flavours of Cabo, Cancun, and Tulum at midnight.

Providing top-notch Scotch, Johnnie Walker took passengers to Scotland with a Whisky Berry, China with Black Peach and London with the Top Hat. And, Select Brands fused Vodka and wine to create an Absolut Garden, Absolut Candy, Coronation Peach and a Sassy Sangria.

And because this flight emphasised responsible drinking, Highland Spring Water provided both still and sparkling water options to ensure passengers stayed safe.

Capturing the essence of the event, lifestyle, travel and wellness influencer, Chantal DaCosta, had this to say, “The food was sublime, the drinks were refreshing and the music and vibes were next level. I was overwhelmed at how the theme was seamlessly integrated into the entire experience from invitation to entry and exit.”

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com