It is, by far, the most comprehensive, “cookbook”, No, make that Encyclopedia, ever assembled about Jamaican Culinary practices, recipes, traditions; and food. Showcasing the contemporary personalities behind the food; the food itself, the places to find the food, and a little brawta, as this is a full-colour Tome, that easily makes this Encyclopedia one fabulous “Collector’s Item”, and then some!
It’s rare to come across a Tome such as this: Detailed in its research and presentation; so comprehensive in its offerings, it’s arresting in its depth and is most definitely a Marquee piece work, that is nothing short of an acclaimed piece of Art; representing a ‘Teaching Module’, it is fulsome coverage. But curiously, in spite of its over 400-page content, it does make for an easy read!
We are not talking a full reading in one sitting here enuh, as this is not that kind of an Encyclopedia, and it’s definitely not some hairy-fairy effort, akin to the fast-Food industry, where a so-called meal, is prepared and presented in 15-minutes, complete with one-half of a paper-napkin and the attendant pliable plastic fork, as this book represents a full-seven-course dinner and then some. For the Hostess spared no resources in crafting and serving up, a most delectable masterpiece, that will long be remembered for its deliciousness. As this was clearly work done, with the eyes on the ages, and not done for the’ likes’, but rather for its substantive import, and will serve as a reference point, for the noviate as well as the seasoned gourmet.
Am-ah-telling-y’all tho, Rosemary Parkinson’s Nyam Jamaica A Culinary Tour, is nothing, if not a masterpiece, toured as she did, the 14-parishes of Jamaica, including snapshots from all, and highlighting their various culinary specialties, and the local/regional flavour, each parish brings to the national menu. With the piece de resistance being, she identifies and highlights the culinary standard bearers within each parish, whether that be a ‘Cawna-shop’ or an internationally rated 5-Star, eatery/restaurant.
Partly presented in the National Colours Yellow and Green, (The Black was omitted) of Jamaica, the tome is superbly narrated in pictures, by award-winning photographer Cookie Kinkead; whilst the celebrated Barbadian-based international food critic, artist, social commentator, and gourmet, tells the story in text, at times, using the Jamaican vernacular, in a narrative that is contextually gifted.
And, we are not just talking about Food here, as the author, as only master storytellers can, interweave, some of the Island’s History, in her artful presentation; and yet manage to make it a culinary delight. There’s a feature on Bath-Fountain, in St.Thomas, a Visit To Morant Bay and Yallahs; A charming Story on Floyd’s Pelican Bar, off-shore in St Elizabeth, and still staying in St, Elizabeth, highlighted the World acclaimed Calabash Literary Festival; and the Beauty of Alex Wisterich’s Mar Blue, Boutique Resort; and the intoxicating flavour of the Appleton Rum Estate, working Factory; journeyed through Westmorland, capturing the essence of Negril; then unto Hanover and St James, recording the beauty of the World Famous Round Hill Resort; the magic that was Pat Wright in her fashion and food; and journeyed back to the Nation’s capital, via St. Mary, where she visited Golden Eye, Firefly, The Town’s Capital and a number of preferred locales; then unto St. Catherine, and Portland, (But Not Necessarily in that sequential order.
But as she did in Bath, St. Thomas, she again managed to capture the essence of St. Catherine with a pictorial essay of its historical first capital visited the famous Linstead Market, after a beautiful sojourn in the Garden Parish of St. Ann, where she went to town, showcasing not only the tropical and culinary beauty of the Parish but introduced her audience to a number of that parish’s leading landmarks, attractions and industry.
And in Portland, she did the Villa Life, giving the sleepy old place a lift, in her coverage of the late Legendary Patrice Wymore Flynn, the widow of Screen legend Errol Flynn, the joys of Boston;
Nyam Jamaica is relatable on so many levels, it’s captivating. From the highlighting of indigenous Jamaican Fruits and Foods, the fauna and landscape, and culinary idiosyncrasies, to the history and showcasing of world-famous landmarks, the Author, was at her fabulous best and then some. In that, she honed in on her subjects and left no pot cover unopened in her bid to capture her stories and the essence of those and the communities, that birthed the stories.
The Book is simply the very best of its kind, capturing as it does, the very essence of Jamaican life, culture, and energy, as precious few have ever done. It showcases Chefs such as Mark Cole; Martin McGinley; the Story Of Winston Stona’s Busha Browne; Norma Shirley; Colin Hylton, and his famed Guilt Trip; Pat Wright. Her Wright Style Fashion and Food; and Stephen Jones and His Boone Hall Oasis.
Sadly, most of All the Chefs and Entrepreneurs Listed above, save and except for Mark Cole, now the Executive Chef At The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel and Owner and Operator Of The Seaside Dutchie Restaurant, in Salem, St. Ann; And Martin McGinley, the Executive Chef at the World Famous Round Hill, Near Montego Bay, are still with us, all the others having transitioned, since the publication of the tome. Only adding to its mystique as a collector’s item and its cache. As A Moment etched in time…And so, makes for an absolutely Fabulous Gift!
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