Smoking competition at Kraft All Jamaica Grill Off
Published:Thursday | July 10, 2014 | 12:00 AM
Krysta Anderson, Lifestyle Writer
Picture family and friends enjoying fun in the sun coupled with flavourful indulgence 'hot off the grill'. All that and so much more was in store for those who came out on Sunday afternoon for the annual All Jamaica Grill Off.
Hope Botanical Gardens was given a breath of seasoned air, as culinary booths got to grilling the likes of delectable chicken, pork, ribs, beef, and even rabbit. Aspiring to satisfy insatiable appetites with every bite, several stations pulled out all the stops in providing the ultimate 'foodie' experience.
The tour included a total of 11 food teams who participated in supplying the feast. Killing two birds with one stone, they also competed to become the champion Jamaican Griller. Grill 299 (LIME) Substance Grill, Salada, Nasha Grillers, JJ's Catering, title sponsors Kraft, Smokin Barrel, Your Choice Team, Famous Grill and veterans Jo Jo's Jerk Pit would make up the exclusive 10. The BBQ Pit, catered by Backyard BBQ Caterers, located in the heart of the Grill Off, stole the hearts of many food lovers who diligently joined lines to a self-serve buffet of grilled goodness sweetened by delectable sauces, topping off the 11.
SLIGHT PROTESTS
While some made slight protests about the long wait and the quality of the food served from a few of the tents, many returned for seconds and thirds at their favourite stations, basking in the food festival's surrounding activities.
A Coca-Cola-branded bar - home to the beverages for the afternoon - was kept busy in replenishing those who worked up a thirst. Maxwell House provided iced coffee and Chas E. Ramson gave out free Kiskos and yogurt. Children were in for a gaming treat at the Mott's for Tots kiddies area, and adults were not to be left out as those young at heart were able to channel their 'inner gamer' at the Red Bull gaming tent. Miss Birdie had scores of individuals walking away with the famous biscuits, while Reggae Jammin', who hosted a children culinary competition last year, ditched the kitchen for photography, capturing happy moments among patrons, courtesy of Freeze Frame photo booth.
As dusk begun to set in, it was time for the competitors' main event. The People's Choice Award went to Jo Jo's Jerk Pit, and Your Choice won the best booth. The baked beans category went to Famous Grill, who soon after returned to the stage to collect winnings in the sauce category.
Seafood saw Famous Grill finishing third, Substance Grill came in second, and first timers JJ's Catering soared above the rest in first place. For the chicken category, Nasha Grillers placed third, Jo Jo's Jerk Pit placed second, while in first place was Salada Foods. Jo Jo's Jerk Pit dominated the beef and pork categories with second and third place in the beef category going to Your Choice and Famous Grillers, and Grill 299 and Smokin Barrel in the pork category.
In the end, the second-place reserved grand champion went to Famous Grill, and the overall victor and Kraft All Jamaica Grill Off Champion for 2014 was awarded to the experienced Jo Jo's Jerk Pit, who had previously won the competition in 2009.