#Fa2026: resilience

Just over a week ago, the 27th staging of the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards returned to the King’s House East Lawns for a second consecutive year. Held, as tradition dictates, on the last Thursday in June, this year’s event celebrated the resilience of the Jamaican people in the wake of last October’s Hurricane Melissa.

The evening’s theme came to life through an immersive design concept that transformed the venue into a vibrant celebration of Jamaica’s culinary heritage. Drawing inspiration from “Jamaica’s Bread Basket”, Shikima Hinds Events & Concierge Managing Director Shikima Hinds used thoughtful design elements to tell the story of the island’s enduring food culture — from fertile fields and family farms to its award-winning kitchens. Natural textures, handcrafted details, tropical botanicals and immersive installations combined to create an experience that celebrated not only culinary excellence, but also the people, traditions and ingenuity behind every harvest.

Beauty expert Kayla Greaves (left) joined Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judges (from second left) Patricia Henry-Brown, Christopher Reckord, and Norma Williams.Garfield RobinsonHR consultant and Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards guest judge Angelique Beaubrun (centre) was on hand to introduce her Tampa-based entrepreneur brother Marcus Valere to food safety advocate Allison Richards.Naphtali JuniorArriving together were real estate agent Tasmin Golding and Chef Mathieu Masson-Duceppe.Garfield Robinson

With more than 80 exhibitors, 26 awards presented, six students from the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) School of Hospitality and Tourism Management receiving scholarships and bursaries, and a record turnout, the evening delivered no shortage of memorable moments.

Select Brands director Tania McConnell (second left) and her daughter Leah (left) shared the frame with Uncorked co-principal and Managing Director Anna Kaye Von Dueszeln and Uncorked General Manager Troy King.Naphtali JuniorFrom left: First Ventures Ltd CEO Joey Epstein; Swizz Beads owner/designer Tiffany Tyler; her husband consultant Tom Tyler; Wingstop Restaurants Inc Head of Development — Canada & Latin America Genevieve Chenoweth; and Wingstop Restaurants Inc Vice-President of Business Development Alan Honan.Garfield RobinsonJamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards red carpet host, attorney-at-law Khadine “Miss Kitty” Wilkinson (left) joined Mayberry Investment Limited Executive Chairman Chris Berry and his wife Dr Patricia Yap for a photo.Garfield RobinsonSharing the frame on the red carpet were Food For The Poor director David Mair (second left) and his wife, JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation CEO Kim Mair (left) alongside group President and CEO of Jamaica Broilers Group Limited Christopher Levy and his wife Sally.Garfield Robinson

The Style Observer (SO) revisits the celebration with a look at a few of the sights and scenes you may have missed.

Also out for the 2026 Food Awards were Wisynco Chairman William Mahfood and his nutritionist wife Frances.Garfield RobinsonAs anticipation built, Indian High Commissioner to Jamaica Shri Mayank Joshi leafed through the 2026 Food Awards booklet ahead of the ceremony.Naphtali JuniorThe awards stage served as the evening’s dramatic focal point. Designed by Shikima Hinds, it was enveloped in lush tropical foliage and accented with coconut elements that paid homage to one of Jamaica’s most iconic natural resources. Distressed shipping pallets were thoughtfully repurposed into elegant wooden cladding along the stage base, adding warmth, texture and a subtle rustic charm that celebrated the island’s rich agricultural heritage.Naphtali Junior

The 27th staging of the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards was powered by Mastercard, and sponsored by Sagicor, Tastee, Tourism Enhancement Fund, Heineken + Drink & Live, ATL Automotive Group, The Best Dressed Chicken, Wata, Appleton Estate, Rainforest Caribbean, Urban Development Corporation, Main Event Entertainment Group Ltd, Island Car Rentals, Irie Rock, Shikima Hinds Events & Concierge, Premium Portables Ja, FYAH 105, and EDGE 105.

In a poignant tribute to the island’s strength and resilience following Hurricane Melissa, and to the farmers, chefs, food artisans, and culinary pioneers whose passion continues to nourish the nation, chief designer Shikima Hinds curated a striking interpretation of a traditional Jamaican market stall, overflowing with an abundant display of fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and local produce that became the centrepiece of the 2026 Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards’ entryway. Garfield RobinsonFirst Global Bank director Minna Israel (left) and director, Professional Services at the Mona School of Business & Management Diane Edwards came together in front of the lens.Joseph WellingtonAlso at the 2026 Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards Waterhouse Football Club Director Bruce Bicknell and his wife NicolaGarfield Robinson

Photos: Garfield Robinson & Naphtali Junior

(Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Jamaica Observer Table Talk judges Selena Mohammed-Wilson (left) and Mala Morrison (second left) joined Pure Ultra Lounge Director Brittny Ramcharan (second right) and Supreme Vision Production Main Director Koiya Pickering for a photo-op.Joseph Wellington

Fashion designer Elise Kirkpatrick (left) and Sobelio Boutique principal Sophia Shirley-Rizza were among the first to make their entrance. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) President Dr Kevin Brown (centre) and UTech Acting Scholarship Officer Terry-Ann Rhule (second left) shared the frame with Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards scholarship and busary recipients (from left) Kia Campbell, Kanye Swaby, Khalisa McLean, Yolan Davis, Tyssanne Thomas, and Anna-Kaye Doyle. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

MichDelicious Catering principal Michelle Bingham Williams once again proved that timeless style never goes unnoticed. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)