Cover Story
Added Miller: “There are a lot of Jamaicans who will see a certain type of restaurant and just be intimidated, like, ‘I wouldn’t go there. I can’t afford it.’ So we’re trying to have people come here and give everybody a positive experience without being in a restaurant. Just taste the food and give the producers a chance to get more customers, get the average person who wouldn’t come to the restaurant.” Kingston Kitchen will be divided into two main sections: the emporium, where the small batch producers will display and sell their products and an outdoor food court, where larger institutions and chefs who will prepare and sell food. “It’s a traditional walk-through market kind of feel,” Wong explained. Another component of Kingston Kitchen will be a food bank to assist residents of nearby communities and children’s homes. “I think we’re from a culture where we have so many things coming out of the ground that people don’t have access to, not everyone,” said Miller. “We eat well, so we want to give everybody the opportunity to eat well. What we’re trying to do is see if our visitors will, on a certain day, contribute something. We’re going to have a day where we just go to a certain area and have a day out just feeding [people], whether it’s a soup kitchen or canned goods. That’s our way of giving back.” The name aside, Kingston Kitchen will not only be about food. The women want to create a fun-filled atmosphere for families to come out and enjoy themselves together. There will be activities for children, who will have acres of space to run and play, plus live music and entertainment. Patrons can also get www.ezineslimited.com
copies of Kingston Kitchen Magazine, which will be distributed free of cost. “The magazine really is just about what’s going on in Jamaica food-wise. It will have recipes and stuff, ideas on hosting and entertaining,” Sinclair said. “We’re going to speak to some of Jamaica’s food bloggers. There are so many food bloggers and I don’t think they are out there enough, so we’re going to have a promotion with them about what’s going on in the Jamaican food industry.” As members of the team behind the Jamaica Observer Food Awards, the Kitchenettes have all played a part in helping to expand the local industry. “There are a lot more options now, a lot more choices than when I moved back five years ago,” Wong stated. “There are a lot of different foods, fairs and festivals. Food is getting there, getting the prominence it deserves, especially in Jamaica. Jamaica’s food heritage is so strong and really worth being highlighted.” Your Style eZine 13