"Tea Down in Jamaica, Mon"


     As the rustling palm fronds quietly serenade, and the balmy tropical breezes caress your every step, you cross the threshold of the lobby and enter the charming and
intimate world of the Coyaba Beach Resort in Jamaica. Though not your typical setting for Afternoon Tea, the heavy influence of a British past sets the tone for this cultured custom. 
      Coyaba (pronounced Co-yah’bah) is from the native Arawaks and means “a place of ease and rest where time is spent feasting and dancing.”  Except for the dancing (which you might do out of joy after your dining experience), the resort name describes Afternoon Tea there to perfection. 
      Surrounded by trellises laced with thumbergia vines, Afternoon Tea is served in The Vineyard Dining Room. This plantation inspired restaurant features sunny yellow walls with arched openings to allow the Caribbean currents to waft through. Linen dressed tables and dark cane-backed chairs intermingle with lush greenery and elegant tied-back drapes. 
      The event of Afternoon Tea is an eclectic blend of British and Jamaican traditions. Guests are treated to a variety of teas along with Jamaica’s world famous Blue Mountain Coffee. 
      To begin the time honored repast, home made scones are served on custom produced “Coyaba” plates featuring a tropical fruit and floral print. A selection of tea sandwiches is then served including tuna, cucumber, cheese and egg. After you have satisfied your savory tastes, a bonanza of desserts is offered including lemon squares, brownies, and chocolate chip, peanut butter, oatmeal, raisin and cinnamon cookies. And if that is not enough to fill your sweet desires, you can top off your sugary euphoria with a slice of the famous Jamaican Coconut Rum Cake.
       All of these delightfully sinful treats are prepared by Coyaba’s Executive Chef, Oliver Oertel. Born in Germany and hailing from Canada, Chef Oertel has won a multitude of awards including “Chefs’ Greatest Achiever” and “Chef of the Year” by the Les Toques Blanche Chefs Organization of Jamaica. He has globe-trotted with culinary assignments in Australia and Canada, but Jamaica is where his heart resides now and the Coyaba Beach Resort is lucky to have him calling home there. 
      Chef Oertel has graciously provided the recipe for one of Jamaica’s famous treats. Coconut Rum Cake will carry you down to the Islands without ever leaving your kitchen. But if you have the chance, go on a culinary junket and visit Chef Oertel and the Coyaba Beach Resort. You may never want to go home, mon! 

      A debt of gratitude goes to Kevin Robertson, Manager of Coyaba Beach Resort and Chef Oliver Oertel for their invaluable assistance in the preparation of this newsletter.


Source: www.coyabaresortjamaica.com
Photos: © Coyaba Beach Resort Jamaica



                              Coconut Rum Cake