A red tie affair

Absolutely fabulous! That was the overwhelming sentiment of guests who enjoyed the American Women's Group (AWG) Love Feast and Red Tie Affair. The gastronomic feast took place at Devon House's Grog Shoppe recently.

With reigning chef extraordinaire Brian Lumley in control of the kitchen, guests had no doubt that that they were in for a night of culinary superlatives. He worked magic with his team of hand-picked experts. And as wine expert Judith Douglas provided witty wine introductions, there was nothing left but to simply relax and enjoy the food and the music.

The dishes that stood out were Lumley's spicy red snapper fillet of Pedro Cay entwined with sun-ripened plantain served with a pineapple coconut sauce. And to close the feast, his dessert - a trio of guava creme brulée with nut biscotti tomato and raisin crumb tart with sorrel and ginger sauce, flambéed bread pudding with caramel rum sauce.

The wines paired with the seven courses were poured from bottles of Mapu Reserve Sauvignon Blanc (Chile), Delicato Vognier Chardonnay (California), Cecchi Chianti (Italy), Torres Gran Sangre de Toro (Spain) and Maschio Sparkling Moscato (Italy).

The seven-course meal began with a classic French leek soup, subtly seasoned, garnished with creme friache and scotch bonnet oil. The salad was a divine harmony of cherry tomatoes, slivers of fresh parmesan cheese and assorted organic lettuce wrapped with thinly sliced cucumbers aroused by citrus vinaigrette. That was followed by a canapé of freshly baked bread topped with dill cream cheese and Portland's finest smoked blue marlin and hot pepper jelly.

The mango sorbet paired with an orange scented St Bess bammy crisp, could only have been conceptualised by Lumley. Also finding favour with the palates was the chicken pennette pasta tossed and turned in a light jerk cream sauce garnished with green peas and bell peppers. Another favourite was the red wine marinated beef tenderloin accompanied by roasted mushrooms and a dasheen croquette ... Outstanding!

The AWG worked in collaboration with J. Wray & Nephew Limited to host the affair, proceeds of which will go to its scholarship fund and charities. Special guest was Pamela Bridgewater, United States Ambassador to Jamaica and her husband Rev Russell Awkard.

barbara.ellington @gleanerjm.com