‘Joy-full’ dinner with DADDIES

WITH FATHER’S Day just around the corner, master blender Joy Spence, in association with Appleton Estate, recently hosted a ‘Dinner with Joy’ dedicated to daddies.

Last Sunday, five special fathers, paired with their children, enjoyed an enchanting evening filled with a fanfare of flavour. Master Blender Spence who has a passion for rum began this initiative to encourage foodies to explore palatable pairing of delectable dishes with exotic cocktails.

Those intimately gathered in the garden of a Cherry Gardens home started their ‘Joy-full’ journey courtesy of the talented Chef Amanda McCreath from Gourmet Jamaica Delicacies and Appleton Estate Jamaican Rum-inspired mixes. Spence carefully selected the perfect Appleton Estate cocktail to complement each course. First up, the mini baked brie with confit d’oignons and fruit was served with the X-Ale cocktail. It was full speed ahead for Captain Spence who guided her savoury ship through the flavour profile of both the cocktails and the food. She noted that the X-Ale is a cocktail she developed that is easy to make at home.” The pairing of the X-Ale with the brie is an explosion of beautiful flavours coming together,” she added.

By the main course, Spence went into cruise control, introducing the choices of curried goat, honey garlic salmon, guava-glazed chicken breast and single-malt roasted pork tenderloin. The cocktail selections was split between Stormy Valley, to complement the spice of the curry, and The Joy Cocktail, to accentuate the tender juiciness of the pork. The light which went out a little over five minutes didn’t stop the oohs and aahs emitting from pleased palates as they dined in darkness under the stars,

Electricity returned before dessert, sparking the desire for sweetness. The homemade lavender ice cream and mini rum cake made with Appleton Estate Reserve Blend, paired with The Brown Sugar daiquiri was exactly what they needed to end what was an enticing affair. This compelled Spence to offer a celebratory toast to all the fathers present and wish them a wonderful Father’s Day when it comes.

As an added bonus, both Gourmet Jamaica and Appleton shared one of their signature recipes, just for you to try at home.

Above: Derrick Nembhard indulges in the savoury goodness of the main course. Right: Daughter of Norris Clarke, Kael, enjoys her dinner with her father.

Gourmet Jamaica's mini-baked brie with confit d’oignons and fruit. PHOTOS BY SHORN HECTOR/ PHOTOGRAPHER

Master Blender Joy Spence offers a celebratory toast to the fathers during dessert.

Garlic honey salmon drizzled with balsamic reduction and served with white truffle duchess potatoes garnished with black truffle and grilled vegetables.

Mixologist Milton Wisdom prepares Stormy Valley cocktails for fathers and other guests.

Above: Master Blender Joy Spence engages in a light chat over dinner with father Gregory Mayne. Right: Gourmet Jamaica's Chef Amanda McCreath shared the spotlight with specially invited guest, her father, Richard.