Marianna’s meets Worthy Park Estate’s Rum in delicious vegan pairing

Step into Marianna’s Community Kitchen, nestled within the vibrant Marketplace on Constant Spring Road, and prepare to be embraced by the enchanting presence of Marianna Farag, the visionary behind this vegan culinary haven. Her warm demeanour immediately sets the tone as she extends an invitation to sample a tantalising concoction: tamarind rose water. This blissful elixir brought respite on this scorching summer evening.

With grace and flair, Farag revealed that the commercial manager of Worthy Park Estate, Alexander Kong, bestowed her with a bottle of Worthy Park Select. Inspired by this offering, she curated an exquisite menu for the night, designed exclusively for her esteemed guests. The ambience exudes an air of effortless elegance as a diverse tapestry of companions gather around the kitchen, eager to embark on a gustatory adventure guided by Worthy Park Estate’s Senior Blender, Craig Nicholson.

In his presence, an outstanding selection of Jamaican-made multi-award-winning aged rums from Worthy Park Estate unfolds before our eyes. Each bottle is handled with the utmost care, as Nicholson imparts his wisdom through what he affectionately dubs “rum education”. He enlightens the gathering, elucidating the intricate dance between the environment, temperature, and climate, affectionately referred to as the “terroir” that Worthy Park Estate meticulously considers.

The evening’s culinary symphony commences, and Nicholson takes the stage, unravelling the secrets concealed within each rum. The first to make its grand entrance is the Worthy Park 109, accompanied by a sublime sweet and savoury antipasto. The seductive aroma of olive oil-rubbed bread wafts through the air, harmoniously blending with the housemade vegan nduja adorned with pineapple salsa and fresh tarragon. Delicate greens sourced from Farag’s trusted local farmers complete this masterpiece, stimulating the senses and paving the way for an extraordinary epicurean journey.

With each guest graciously partaking in a sip of the liquid gold, he skilfully orchestrates a symphony of sensory exploration. Inquisitively, he implores them to unravel the enigmatic tapestry woven within their glasses, beckoning forth the harmonious dance of flavours. As whispers of pineapple and banana grace their palates, the air becomes infused with an intoxicating blend of woodsy essence and delicate floral undertones.

VEGAN CUISINE IS FLEXIBLE

When asked about her rationale behind the menu, Farag, a true culinary sage, explains, “Flavour is just flavour, a playground for the food curious. Go ahead and explore unlikely combinations; vegan cuisine is more flexible than most might think.”

We are seduced by the pièce de résistance: the crispy umami gratin, an epicurean masterpiece that harmoniously unites locally sourced shiitake mushrooms and vibrant red-skinned potatoes. As it gracefully graces our palates, a crescendo of flavours envelops our senses, elevated by the ethereal embrace of velvety coconut cream. Each bite is an eruption of gastronomic ecstasy, perfectly paired with the exquisite Worthy Park Single Estate Reserve, its enigmatic essence intensifying the symphony of tastes that dance upon our tongues.

The juxtaposition of the robust, meaty shiitake mushrooms against the backdrop of this sophisticated dish evokes a profound sense of satisfaction. A tantalising interplay of textures and depths unravels with every delectable morsel, leaving us yearning for yet another indulgent encounter. The Worthy Park Single Estate Reserve, an elixir of intoxicating toasty sweetness, interweaves with the ensemble, further enlivening the symphony unfolding within our mouths.

We are dazzled by the next culinary masterpiece: the zesty ceviche, an exuberant fusion of flavours that ignites the palate. In this enchanting creation, the vibrant essence of breadfruit, meticulously intertwined with fragrant cilantro and French thyme, finds harmony with the tangy embrace of lime. Raw vegetables add an irresistible crunch, while delicate plantain crisps lend the ensemble a touch of artful elegance. And what better companion for this delectable symphony than the crowned jewel of the menu, the Worthy Park Select?

As each bite unfolds, a mesmerising dance ensues – a ballet of sweet and sour flavours pirouetting upon the taste buds. The spirited interplay between the succulent breadfruit and the verdant herbaceous notes of cilantro and French thyme sets the stage for a compelling encounter. The refreshing zest of lime adds a playful twist, teasing the senses with its citrusy allure. Textures and tastes intertwine with finesse in this harmonious union, creating a sensory tapestry that leaves us utterly captivated. With the Worthy Park Select as its companion, this remarkable duo beckons you to partake in an extraordinary sensory escapade.

As twilight surrenders to the night, we find ourselves at the crescendo of this extraordinary culinary affair. The grand finale awaits, unveiling a dessert masterpiece that will captivate both the eye and the palate: a coconut cake adorned with a celestial crown of passion fruit and drizzled with a golden elixir of turmeric honey coulis. This opulent creation beckons us to indulge in a sensory symphony that transcends the realm of ordinary pleasures.

With each forkful, the tender coconut cake transports us to a realm of bliss where decadence and subtlety coexist perfectly. The tantalising tang of passion fruit ignites the senses, adding a vibrant burst of tropical allure to the ensemble. And as the luscious turmeric honey coulis cascades upon the plate, a golden river of liquid sunshine infuses the cake with a beguiling richness that leaves us spellbound.

We are graced with Worthy Park Estate’s 12-year-old aged rum to complement this extraordinary dessert. A nectar of unparalleled refinement, it unveils a symphony of flavours that marries seamlessly with the coconut cake’s rich tapestry. Each sip is an invitation to a world of complexity and depth, where notes of oak and caramel intertwine, enveloping our palates in a luxurious embrace.

In this beautiful culmination, we discover that dessert is not merely a finale but a captivating journey in its own right.