Jamaica Observer Chef of the Year 2010 and 2011 Kevin Broderick, who also has the enviable job of being the executive chef of the multi-award-winning, ultra boutique hotel the Rockhouse, Negril (Travel & Leisure Editor’s Choice 2010 World’s Best Hotel Value 2011, Condé Nast Best in the World: Readers’ Choice Awards) led his team in preparing an intimate celebratory dinner two weeks ago. It was hosted by the property’s general manager Charlotte Wallace and hotel director Damian Salmon to celebrate Broderick’s recent accolade. Jamaica Observer Lifestyle Editor Novia McDonald-Whyte was the evening’s guest of honour. Other guests included: Essence magazine’s Fashion Director Ellianna Placas; General Manager, Beaches, Sandy Bay, Brian Sang; Aqua Negril B & B owners Ken and Liz Sealey; Executive Chef Couples Resort International Stefan Spath; hotelier and budding politico Carey Wallace.

Our beautifully set table was perched on the edge of one of the most breathtaking spots in the world and buoyed by this we all set out to solve the world’s issues, but naturally ours took centre stage.

Spectacular settings have been known to serve the most banal dishes but not this time around. Broderick impressed from the get-go with his appetiser of Jumbo Misty Seafood Martini presented on a bed of crushed ice in an oversized martini glass while mini wash pans held the accompanying spicy relish and granny pickle.

The seafood fest continued with a ‘wild’ presentation of Seafood “Extravaganza” Ceviche, served on a sheet of glass covering an aquarium with a live goldfish (hold the letters, not a single goldfish was hurt in the process). The other option was their signature “Bushman Stew” served in a roti cone — genius!

The love affair continued with the creamiest roasted pumpkin soup, served in a coconut shell, followed by a grilled vegetable salad, drizzled with basil oil. Conversation now in full swing, and with half the world’s problems now solved, we ate with our eyes as much as with our mouths.

The entrée choices included The Real Jerk Chicken presented in a mini drum pan (impressive would be an understatement); Pimento-smoked Jerk Pork with naseberry jerk sauce and pumpkin escallion mousse, a succulent Banana-crusted Lamb with Red Stripe lamb sauce and mango mint salsa (confession: this non-meat eater sucked the bones white, but with some amount of finesse). Even the controversial fish of the moment, the Lionfish, made an appearance (wrapped in banana leaf then steamed).

The Veuve Clicquot flowed, and flowed… it was a celebration of achievement.

The spectacular desserts arrived on a foot-long platter aptly called “A Celebration of Flavours” and afforded guests callaloo cake, Guinness teardrop chocolate mousse, sweet potato pudding with guava glaze and sorrel ice cream… all calorie-free, of course.

Amazing food, fine wines, picture-perfect setting and as Walter Benjamin says, “Taking food alone tends to make one hard and coarse. Those accustomed to it must lead a Spartan life if they are not to go downhill. Hermits have observed, if for only this reason, a frugal diet. For it is only in company that eating is done justice; food must be divided and distributed if it is to be well received.”

Justice was indeed dispensed and a good time was had by all.