On a sun-dappled Sunday, June 14, the 27th iteration of the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards kicked off with a celebratory brunch at The Wharf Estate, Clarendon’s fastest rising undiscovered coastal destination. Tucked along 18 sprawling acres of waterfront land on Longs Wharf Salt River Road, this tranquil riverside retreat brought together event judges, sponsoring partners, food industry leaders and media stakeholders for an afternoon that blended warm Jamaican hospitality, immersive natural beauty, and world-class culinary craft.
From the moment guests arrived, the event curated a full sensory experience that highlighted the one-year-old property’s unique charm. Attendees kicked off the day with gentle, scenic boat cruises through the property’s peaceful estuary, where mangrove forests and calm waters framed postcard-perfect views of the Jamaican countryside. Later, guests sampled handcrafted signature cocktails at the custom Wray & Nephew pop-up bar, with mixologists presenting three original creations: Rare Honey Soother, Signature X-ale, and Stormy Valley. Between sips and conversations, many attendees wandered the property’s deck spaces, pausing to take in the sweeping unobstructed views of the Caribbean coastline.
The undisputed centerpiece of the afternoon was the whimsically styled brunch curated by event planner Shikima Hinds, which paid loving tribute to Jamaica’s deep cultural roots and beloved Sunday brunch traditions. Vibrant Jamaican Madras plaid tablecloves anchored each setting, accented by lush tropical floral arrangements of red ginger lilies, dramatic bird-of-paradise blooms, and broad monstera leaves that brought the island’s natural beauty directly to the table. Natural woven chargers, rich jewel-toned glassware, and classic cane-back dining chairs completed the warm, welcoming aesthetic, all set on an open deck overlooking the glassy estuary waters.
The extensive brunch spread, crafted by award-winning Jamaican chef Jacqui Tyson, wowed attendees with its flavorful offerings and beautiful presentation, cementing The Wharf Estate’s reputation as a must-visit destination for special events and luxury getaways in central Jamaica.
Among the impressed guests was Dalton Fowles, Country Manager for Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean at Mastercard, a long-standing supporting partner of the Food Awards. In a playful remark on the property, Fowles shared, “You guys surprised us. When I heard we were driving down to Clarendon, I thought we were going to a farm. It’s a really beautiful property and, you know, job well done.”
Speaking on Mastercard’s continued partnership with the awards program, Fowles highlighted the natural alignment between the brand’s iconic “Priceless” marketing platform and the shared, meaningful connections that food creates. “We believe that a meal with friends and loved ones is, in fact, a priceless experience,” he said. “Behind every meal, there’s a lot that goes on — from the farmer to the restaurant owner to the chef pursuing their dream. The Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards celebrates that entire ecosystem, and that’s why we’re proud to be associated with it.”
For Stephen Dunkley, principal and owner of The Wharf Estate, hosting the 2026 awards launch marked a major milestone for the young property, which has seen rapid growth and rising popularity since it opened just one year ago. “It means a lot to me because The Wharf Estate is a year old, and we realise that it has been growing rapidly. It’s expanding and a lot more people have become aware of its existence… When the Jamaica Observer approached us about partnering to host the launch, it was a pleasure for me,” he explained.
Dunkley framed the launch event as the perfect opportunity to introduce the hidden waterfront destination to Jamaica’s food and hospitality industry, noting that the property’s unique blend of refined luxury and unspoiled natural scenery sets it apart from other event venues across the island. “I think many here would agree with me that it’s a hidden gem. The uniqueness about it is that you have the sophistication, you have the nature — everything just comes together here at The Wharf,” he said.
The launch event brought together dozens of key stakeholders, including members of the Jamaica Observer leadership team, the full panel of Food Awards judges, representatives from sponsoring brands including J Wray & Nephew, The Best Dressed Chicken, and ATL Automotive Group, and leaders from Jamaica’s tourism and hospitality sector. With the launch complete, the 27th Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards will move forward with judging and nominations, culminating in the main awards event that celebrates the best of Jamaican culinary talent.