A Red Stripe Indulgent Affair
In the recently released Bob Marley: One Love movie, the inclusion of Red Stripe took centre stage, weaving a culinary narrative that pays homage to the authentic essence of Jamaican life while celebrating the legendary artiste’s enduring legacy.
Red Stripe, the official beer of Jamaica, is not merely a beverage in the film; it’s a testament to the rich tiers of flavours that define the island’s culinary landscape. From scenes depicting lively gatherings where bottles of Red Stripe are passed around showcasing the joy of togetherness, to intimate moments amplifying the spirit of Jamaica.
Mathew Ferrante, Paramount Pictures physical production executive, was keen to point out the importance of a Jamaican beer brand that is deeply rooted in Marley’s cultural and personal narrative.
“We have a few celebratory moments of the band in London finding their identity in a foreign place and there’s something about having a piece of home where you’ll see moments of persons enjoying Red Stripe,” Ferrante highlighted. “There’s no way to tell the Jamaican story without having Red Stripe being a part of it. We worked hard to integrate the Red Stripe brand.”
Buoyed no doubt by the One Love global buzz, word that the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel, Red Stripe and Chef Andre Sewell had joined forces to host an elegant evening of Indulgent, a Red Stripe-infused modern take on Jamaican cuisine, resulted in a quickly sold-out affair.
Indeed, the buzz was palpable as elegantly dressed guests stepped onto the red carpet and into the Regency Bar & Lounge where trays of tasty Red Stripe-infused appetisers and purposely crafted cocktails hinted at what lay ahead.
With the announcement of dinner, guests repaired to the Regency Room where a seating chart further informed one’s respective place at one of two elegantly set tables.
A quick welcome and introduction was made by Matthew Hann, Red Stripe Indulgent dinner curator and the guest chef Andre Sewell, who guided diners through his curated menu.
Pork, plantain and potatoes, Red Stripe-cured pork belly ballotine, callaloo and jerk pork farce, pork rinds, pommes puree, plantain cream and charred tomatoes got things off to a comforting start. The iconic beer reimagined as Red 75, a mélange of naseberry purée, Tanqueray Gin, sour mix and Red Stripe along with pork rinds were the highlight for many.
A palate cleanser of churned Greek yoghurt and Red Stripe Beer foam was followed by a pumpkin and quinoa salad finished with a Red Stripe Beer vinaigrette.
Shrimp Sampi Pasta, sumac poached jumbo shrimp, spaghetti, sautéed in Red Stripe beurre blanc and kicked up a notch with fried capers was a perfect mouthful for Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judge Mala Morrison.
The Beef Patty Lasagna, a hearty, braised oxtail and steak in demi-glace, sandwiched between patty crust sheets infused with roasted garlic Red Stripe, béchamel sauce and six cheeses with a side of arugula salad left little space for dessert, the Red Stripe Orange, which was so visually impressive that it was hard to ignore. The inside, once opened like an orange, was a burst of citrus delight: Orange Red Stripe Beer Gélee, candied orange peel, orange segments, Beer Baba, and cheesecake mousse.
Thursday Food applauds the initiative and encourages Red Stripe to host more.