MIAMI, FL – The Jamaica Tourist Board partnered with the Tourism Enhancement Fund to unleash the flavors of Jamaica at the 2019 Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival. Making its Festival debut, ‘Taste Jamaica’ hosted by Caribbean cuisine chefs Cindy Hutson and Delius Shirley, gathered some of the best Jamaican chefs to dish up a delectable culinary experience at the historic National Hotel on Friday, February 22.
Chef Gariel Ferguson serves pimento wet sugar glazed pork bellyThe event brought together more than a dozen chefs, restaurants and vendors from across the island and the U.S. to highlight Jamaica’s elevated gastronomy. The evening’s menu paid homage to the classic flavors of the island while introducing new takes on its traditional cuisine and flavor profiles beyond the famed Jerk-style dishes. Participating chef’s included Colin Hylton Culinary &Lifestyle Consultant (Kingston), Gariel Ferguson of The Rib Kage Grill (Kingston), Jonhoi Reid of Zest at The Cliff (Negirl), Andre Fowles, two-time Food Network ‘Chopped’ champion and “Everything Food”, Ryan Cross of Golden Krust (New York) and Karl Gordon of Donna’s Caribbean Restaurant (Miami), Noam Yemini of Naomi’s Garden Restaurant & Lounge (Miami), Anson Chin & Alfred Kong of Jamaica Kitchen (Miami), Tally Wallen of Chef Tally World Famous Jerk (Miami), Patrick Simpson with Walkerswood, Matthew MacDonald of National Hotel (Miami), and Wilkinson “Ken” Sejour of Chef Creole (Miami).
The Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival is produced by Florida International University and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, with the support of the Miami Beach Visitors & Convention Authority and the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs. All proceeds from the Festival benefit the students of the Florida International University Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management.
