New Yorkers get a taste of Jamaica for Valentine’s Day

On Valentine’s Day, which was celebrated last Monday, New Yorkers had to endure bone-chilling temperatures in the low -20s. But Jamaica came to the rescue with a television segment on PIX 11, warming the hearts of tri-state residents with a dazzling array of romantic food and beverage selections inspired by Jamaican food stylist, Ann Marie Senior.

Among the dishes on display were Cornish hen stuffed with wild rice and peas; spicy lamb chops smothered in Manchester mint; jerked whole lobsters and Jamaican turn cornmeal cooked with coconut milk and roasted pumpkin. On the beverage side, the presentation table showcased Grace Tropical Rhythms, coconut water and the Joy Spence-curated eight-year-old Appleton rum.

“For this travel and food feature, I wanted to create a yard vibe with the food, but moving away from the predictable jerk chicken and oxtail dishes,” food stylist Senior told The Gleaner.

“I also wanted to turn up the temperature in the studio with tropical blooms, so I brought in anthuriums, bird of paradise, elephant ear, ginger lily and banana buds.”

The culinary treat was part of a winter partnership among the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), Couples Resorts and PIX 11 television in New York. JTB’s business development manager, Victoria Harper, shared the allure of Jamaica’s resort areas, while marketing specialist Dave Rodney proclaimed the Jamaican cuisine as the most exciting on the planet. And for the next three weeks, Couples resort is offering premium all-inclusive vacation packages to three lucky PIX 11 couples who will spend four nights at Couples Tower Isle in St Mary, Jamaica.