Decade | Jamaica Food & Drink Festival

It feels like a decade since I've wanted to go to one of the all-inclusive nights of Jamaica Food & Drink Festival every year, I've seen it advertise but over 10k JMD for a ticket always spooked me. BUT this year was my year, and I knew I was meant to go as they placed all four of their usual signature nights into one to celebrate their ten-year anniversary- Decade, talk about divine timing.

Dressed up in my most comfy shoes and loose jeans as I was gonna bang mi belly (translation: eat a lot) I headed off to UWI Mona.

You know Jamaicans are a foodies because the venue was packed- not like sardines but enough people to intimidate me from getting content. Anyhow, we started off in the Chopstix area and got a drink from the Absolut Bar to calm my socially awkward nerves. The first item I tried was a MISS- crispy pork belly with some sort of fishy chip- no thank you, I felt bad for binning it right by the chef, but it wasn't for me, and I was now scared this would've been the theme for the night. To my lovely surprise the next thing I tried was a Tandoori Style Salmon with Mango Chutney and Garam Masala and Spiced Cornbread it was the right blend of sweet and salty that got me excited to carry on. Another honorary mention from this area was some Chinese dumplings, I wish I could've told you what's in there, but I went back for seconds and thirds!

I'm not really a fan of Pork, but I still went into the Pork Palooza by Copperwood area. I must say their decor was A1, I love that the entire event was decorated to really give off a premium ambiance, every booth could host a photo opt and fostered enjoyment and capturing memories, but Copperwood really stood out to me. I had the Guava Jerk Pork Belly with Coconut Polenta and Plantain Salsa- not my favorite, the polenta was flavorless and pork belly not my thing. I also tried a roasted/ jerk pork and fried bammy, the bammy could a stone dog to how it tough! It's fair to say Pork aint for me.

On to Crisp by Heineken. I don't like Heineken beer, but they had some nice cocktails going using the beer and it was a definite hit. Their food was good to- I tried the Oxtail and Feta Cheese stuffed Arancini with Truffle Pumpkin Jam and Beer Battered Crab and Shrimp Cake with Maple Caper Tartar Drizzle which the latter I loved! I also had a Crispy Curry Goat Wonton- chefs kiss.

Picante by Walkers wood was good too I had the yummiest, most flavorful and succulent escovitch fish fillet and a nice spicy pulled pork taco with papaya slaw, it was the first I was squeezing a lime on a taco, and they are on to something with that one.

I had gotten early bird tickets for $13,000 JMD and I was moved by the price, but it was worth it. The foods were in sampling sized but were unlimited and definitely premium dishes. The chefs definitely turned out and showed out with their culinary skills, but I have to give a special big up to the bars! The drinks were bussing and flowing, and the vibes were up there. So, I definitely would say my money was well spent.

Would you spend $13,000JMD for this experience? Let me know in the comments and for my visuals be sure to head over to my Instagram.