More food at the Pan Chicken Competition

11/15/2012

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Pan Chicken Finalists
As if Restaurant Week didn't provide enough food for Kingstonians...


On November 18 the finals of the CB Pan Chicken Competition will be held on Downtown Kingston's scenic waterfront. The lovely sea side, under-appreciated venue is one great reason to go.  Then add to this the unmistakable allure of this very delicious Jamaican food  item and the fact that the event is free, and there would need to be compelling reasons not to go.


On November 18 the competition comes to a head as the ultimate winner will be chosen from among the regional finalists. The winner will get $525,000 from CB Chicken and Churches Co-operative Credit Union, a trophy, and, possibly even more important, the right to beat his or her chest and loudly proclaim victory. The event will also feature entertainment from the Fluffy Diva Miss Kitty, comedians Ity and Fancy Cat,  Singers Tifa and I-Octane, and others.


For more information on the event, visit the CB Chicken Facebook page.


For background on pan chicken and its significance to Jamaican food heritage, read this Gleaner article.


For information on our cultural tours, email us at info@jaculture.com or call 876 540 8570.

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Scotchie’s – Kingston’s New Dining Oasis

08/26/2010

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Guest blogger Saran Hutchinson shares with us her thoughts on Scotchie's Restaurant in Kingston.
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Scotchie's dining huts surrounded by plants and flowers
In the midst of the hustle and bustle of Half Way Tree, on Chelsea Avenue aggressively close to Chelsea Jerk Centre - traditionally considered THE Kingston jerk joint - has blossomed a new buzz worthy dining option.  Scotchie’s has come to Town.  This much to the great pleasure of those of us who before would yearn for a country outing in part to stop at Scotchie’s and sample their varied offerings. The restaurant had its beginning in Montego Bay, St. James many years ago and from there migrated to Drax Hall, St. Ann.  It has gained worldwide recognition, having been featured in numerous television programmes and magazine articles.  The now notorious Star Jones, formerly of ABC’s “The View” named the Montego Bay location as one of her favourite dining spots.
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Restaurant patron on his way to get his jerk
In Kingston, the venue is a well manicured area with flowers and plants which have been thoughtfully chosen it seems, to provide a kind of green retreat in the urban centre and a variation from typical dining in the metropolis.  The food is GREAT, though some have commented that it is inconsistent.  I was lucky on both my visits to get the pork - or “Arnold” as we Jamaicans like to call it - just in time, and for me the flavour and seasoning were just right.  The jerk is authentically spicy, even without the addition of the hot sauce.  For some the chicken is a viable option but considering myself a true jerk fan, it would have been unforgivable to pass on the pork.  Conch soup, breadfruit, sweet potato, corn, hard dough bread, and festival are also available on the menu and the patrons seem to be coming in droves to feed what can only be described as a Scotchie’s addiction.  When I arrived at exactly twelve noon on Saturday afternoon, there were three cars in the parking lot, including mine.  By the time I had finished and was leaving, the more than adequate parking area provided was full.  Kingstonians are down with the Scotchie’s movement!
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Paul, a cook, exposes the chicken for the camera
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