(From left) Robert Russell of Pier1, Melissa Geness, Rotary Club of Ocho Rios president, and Ilan Erlich, manager of Reggae Beach pose for the camera. - photos by Carl Gilchrist/Freelance Photographer

The inaugural Popular Personalities Cook for Charity at Reggae Beach in Tower Isle in St Mary, was a fund-raiser for the 41-year-old Rotary Club of Ocho Rios. It turned out to be a real gourmet delight. Sponsors not only donated the food, they prepared it as well.

Of course, tastebuds (and opinions) differ, but there were those that definitely stood out. Pier 1, represented by Robert Russell, with his curried goat and roti, had visitors calling for seconds; Sandcastle Restaurant's jerked chicken quesadilla, and Fusion Catering's baked chicken were also favourites.

The menu was extensive and included jerked chicken, pork, veal, shrimp, fish and festival, as well as crab with garlic and black beans, soups, pineapple beef, and much more.

The afternoon at the newly refurbished venue, was enhanced by the efficiency of the staff of Island Concierge, headed by Ilan Erlich, that now operates the beach.

Sponsors/cooks

The sponsors/cooks included: Rainforest Seafoods, National Meats Distributors, Pier 1, Sandcastles Resorts, Longville Park Farm, Scotchies, Fusion Catering, Bamboo Beach Club, businessman Don Creary, Rory Marsh, Phillip Bunting, Bryan HoSue and Robert Russell.

The idea was the brainchild of the president of the Rotary Club of Ocho Rios, Melissa Geness:

"It was very successful and I am looking forward to 2010, 2011 and onwards," Geness told The Gleaner.

Some of the projects on the club's agenda include providing furniture, building bathrooms and play areas for basic schools in St Ann and St Mary.

The next fund-raising event will be a pre-Valentine's Day party in February 2010.

Left: Roast chicken from Fusion Catering. Right: Shrimp courtesy of Rainforest Seafoods.

Left: Robert Russell's curried goat and roti. Right: Pineapple beef from National Meats.