Photography by Craig Harley for Panache Jamaica Magazine.
Just a few knibbles of information:
- This year they have partnered with Wysinco to have an Ocean Spray Kiddies Village, this is to give the adults some time to indulge in the food
- There are plans to have an international face present Mr BBQ was one of the two mentioned
- Mr Mike Compton will be the Judge this year.
- Emphasis was placed on the fact that it is a BBQ event and not a grill off, with that plans are in motion to have Mr Compton to host a few classes to show different BBQ techniques
- Winners this year will be invited to compete in the San Jeun and Kansas City BBQ Competitions
More from the Gleaner
Who will be this year's king/queen of the grill? Will the title return to Kingston? These questions and more will be answered come June 17 when the battle on the grills heats up, serving up some of the most unique barbecue flavours and dishes.
With the official launch taking place on Wednesday at the Fiction Lounge, organiser Craig Powell is anticipating one of the biggest stagings since its inception in 2007.
With 18 teams participating last year, Powell is aiming for a maximum of 30 this year. "That number can be accommodated and, if it happens, it will be the largest one so far."
As part of the food event's staging, there are also plans for a celebrity chef to be invited to participate. This, which has not yet been finalised, is to be facilitated by the Jamaica Tourist Board. And, according to Powell, if it happens, it will help to advertise Jamaica to the world.
A family event, patrons will be privy to samples of food from the competitors from midday to four in the afternoon. And to keep the children occupied, parents can comfortably allow their children to be part of the Ocean Spray Wata Kiddies Village, which should keep them going throughout the day.
To be staged at the Hope Gardens, grillers will be competing in the categories of chicken, beef/lamb, seafood and pork.
The winners, who will receive a cash prize and trophy, will also be guaranteed a trip to represent Jamaica in the American Royal Association's Annual World Series of Barbecue in October.
So, if you think you can grill, sign up now for the exciting, fun and sizzling Appleton Estate All Jamaica Grill Off. Get those recipes going, and patrons, be prepared to get served up some amazing barbecue flavours that will tantalise your taste buds all day. Sounds good, doesn't it? Make it a date!
