The culinary sister duo of Jacqui and Janice Tyson are firm believers in the renaissance of downtown Kingston. Their successful catering business From Thought To Finish is headquartered at the Jamaica Conference Centre and they also operate a restaurant at the popular meeting facility. The enterprising twosome feel there is even more intrinsic value to downtown given its scenic oceanfront appeal, and with this in mind, last Sunday afternoon, they launched Brunch & Rhythm — to be hosted on the last Sunday of each month. The foodie event is being held in collaboration with Dr Dennis Howard and the Urban Development Corporation.

With the sun already high and radiant in the morning sky, the scores of patrons who came out for the inaugural foodie event entered a nicely appointed venue that sat directly on the picturesque waterfront, affording spectacular views of the Kingston Harbour, boating vessels and planes taking off and landing in the distance. Brunch patrons took seats on a six-foot-long white deck under red and white umbrellas at tables spread with crisp white tablecloths. Black and white striped flooring were beneath their feet.

With the Tysons at the helm, expectations for the day’s cuisine were high and palates were not disappointed. Grilled foods were in demand and hamburgers, strawberry-glazed chops, and the ever increasingly popular mango-glazed pig’s tail were all a ubiquitous sight on people’s plates. Not to mention lamb chops with orange chutney, ackee and saltfish, and oxtail and beans to whet appetites. Guests quenched their thirst with an assortment of frozen smoothies and daiquiris as well as cocktails (from a bar service). To complete brunch, patrons tucked into such desserts as bread pudding and strawberry-topped chocolate mousse.

Janice Tyson, giving Thursday Food the rationale behind the new venture, explains that with the rebirth of downtown currently underway: “The fact is that the waterfront is now premium real estate and we decided to be where it’s happening.”

Likening downtown’s dining-out waterfront possibilities to that of South Beach in Florida, she adds: “We want to demonstrate that this area is a great location to be enjoyed.” Tyson notes that music will form a major component of the newly launched foodie event, as was evidenced by the presence of the live band, Nambo Robinson and Idrens Workshop Sunday last. “We want to make music a part of the event, hence the name Brunch and Rhythm. We will be having musicians here and will use it as a platform to introduce new talent as well.”

While they have not arrived at a fix on the number of patrons being targeted, she says the venue can comfortably accommodate 300 persons and is available for private bookings. She tells us that there is also a view to explore having patrons being able to fish and having yacht owners dock and come ashore to enjoy the dining experience. We’ve already pencilled the next brunch in February on our to-do list.