What was top of mind for Camille Darby, the recently minted Condé Nast VP of brand marketing, lifestyle, on a recent trip to Kingston? A visit to the Jamaica Food and Drink Kitchen (JFDK) plus an evening of laughter at the satirical revue Pitchy Patchy.

The Clarendon native whose parents, Vincent and Joyce Darby, taught at Kemps Hill High, Clarendon, makes it her point of duty to check out the new and exciting experiences whenever she’s on The Rock. “I think most people assume Jamaica’s resort life is the main attraction — it certainly is top of the list — but there’s so much more to see and do. My dear friend Tazhna Williams told us about a culinary experience in the heart of Kingston offered by the JFDK team and said it was a must-see, must-do. She’s never steered us wrong. “I was especially excited to visit JFDK because in my role as a brand marketer, being able to draw ideas from new experiences as a way to ultimately engage new audiences is at the crux of what I do. This experience opened up new ideas that I can go back and share, which is incredibly meaningful.

“And as for my sister, Kadia, she is a travel expert for leisure, but also in practice. She’s incredibly knowledgeable about so many desirable destinations, especially Jamaica, and has many clients clamouring to visit the island wanting to have a well-rounded itinerary. So, we both saw this as an opportunity to keep branding the island we love: Jamaica.”

Darby gave the cooking experience rave reviews. “JFDK was absolutely a fantastic experience! We enjoyed ourselves thoroughly, and I am definitely looking forward to having my parents come along for the ride when next we visit… as a matter of fact, my sister, Kadia, has already commenced making plans to visit the JFDK for her birthday in March 2023.

And Pitchy Patchy? “Pitchy Patchy was so brilliantly performed, written and produced. Seeing yourself and your culture authentically reflected back to you in the most creative, nuanced and hysterical ways is a gift… Frankly, I’ve not laughed so much in a long time!”