The 8th Staging of Rotaract Club of Kingston’s Annual Inner City Art Competition

The Rotaract Club of Kingston hosted their 8th Annual Inner City Art Competition on Sunday, March 16, 2014 at Frame Centre Gallery on Ardenne Road. The event exhibited a melting pot of expressions via painting, sculpting, drawing and the newly added category, photography, from several artists who displayed their talents, relating to this year’s theme “Set Me Free”. The Inner City Art Competition was implemented to create opportunities to educate untrained artists, ages 18 to 30 from inner city communities, as well as to publicize their artistic talents.

Ms. Amashika Lorne, Project Manager of JN Foundation’s Resolution Project facilitated the entry of a few photographic pieces from persons that are a part of the project. The Resolution Project’s main goal is the promotion of advocacy through the art of Photography amongst high school students in rural Jamaica. It was a pleasure to have them enter this year and they will be returning next year.

Patrons were entertained throughout the evening by the soothing sounds of saxophonist, Kevin Bonfield and the lively, Reggae Redemption band. They also enjoyed wine and tasteful delights provided by Steve’s catering.

The competitors were judged by Mrs. Charmaine McIntosh, curator of Frame Centre Gallery and Mr. Kori Thompson, freelance artist.

At the end of the night the winners of the competition were announced with Jason Hall’s graphic painting depicting that ‘Drugs Kill’ taking 1st place, Deneka Gooden’s photo in 2nd and Romando Roxburgh’s photo taking 3rd place. All received certificates. Jason Hall received a scholarship for a course at a tertiary institution. He will be given the option to do a course at the Edna Manley School for the Performing and Visual Arts or the Creative Production and Training Centre (CPTC) to gain further knowledge and enhance his natural artistic skills. He received a cash prize of $10,0000JMD as well. 2nd place took home a cash prize of $5000JMD and a gift basket was given to the 3rd place winner, Romando.

Past contestant, Mr. Marvin Thompson from 2011’s competition, who placed second, was accepted into the Bachelor’s Degree Programme of Arts Education at the Edna Manley School for the Performing and Visual Arts following his summer course on scholarship from the Rotaract Club of Kingston. He is doing very well and has one year remaining. The Rotaract Club of Kingston looks forward to hearing more successful, positive stories from their past contestants and prize winners.

Club President, Sean Morgan and Director of Community Service, Pierce Ramsay were proud with the turnout of this year’s event, giving thanks to the main sponsor, Frame Centre Gallery who assisted in making the night a success.

Piña Colada, Garlic Chicken Pasta

Di Grill Shack

Piña Colada, Garlic Chicken Pasta
Piña Colada, Garlic Chicken Pasta

 

Di Grill Shack has expanded its franchise from an eatery at Sovereign Centre’s food court to a dine-in restaurant and bar at The Courtyard. It is now situated where Grill 71 used to be, so what is the difference? Di Grill Shack has already developed its customer base, gaining popularity as a gourmet fast-food eatery. The dining areas are now expanded with more seating indoors and outdoors to facilitate preferences for patrons who I am sure would prefer the ambience to Sovereign’s food court. The decor has changed, adding vibrant colours, though the paintings may not reflect the same perspective. The setting and new location seems great for family outings and the prices are reasonable for the quality and quantity of food offered.

A few persons expressed dissatisfaction with service, food availability and quality during the opening week of the restaurant, however teething pains are expected. I went to Di Grill Shack almost two weeks ago and had a great experience. The service was excellent. So I encourage persons that had a negative experience to return. Though I am a fan of their Salmon Burger, I had the Garlic Chicken Pasta that was superb and so was my Piña Colada. Usually bars are polite with the alcoholic content of Daiquiris and Piña Coladas, but mine certainly had a kick to it. My beau was pleased with his Cajun Chicken Pasta and Chef Siri Brown, who also dined that day enjoyed her Raspberry and Strawberry Daiquiris. Note that the most expensive cocktail is a Long Island Iced Tea for $535JMD. Impressive.

It was a bit chilly while dining indoors, but the temperature of the air conditioning was quickly adjusted after notifying the waitress. Other than that, the staff were pleasant and attentive, the food came 15 minutes after ordering and the serving size was more than satisfying.

Di Grill Shack has extended its opening hours, Monday to Thursday 11am to 10pm, Friday to Saturday 11am to midnight or until, Sundays from 12pm to 9pm or until as well, depending on the weekend crowd. So if their good service, management, food quality and quantity are consistent, along with extended opening hours, wide variety of items on the menu, comfortable seating, reasonable prices and most importantly old and new customers, Di Grill Shack should last longer than Grill 71 at The Courtyard.

Ph#: 876-978-6665

Address: The Courtyard, 71 Lady Musgrave Road. Kingston 10

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★☆

Ambience: ★★★★☆

Decor: ★★★☆☆

Comfort: ★★★★★

Service: ★★★★★

Speed: ★★★★★

Food quality: ★★★★☆

Serving amount: ★★★★★

Plating: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★★★

SuGa Endorsement: ★★★★☆