NEW YORK – Over 15,000 people attended the Grace Jamaican Jerk festival in New York City where hot seasonings and cool rhythms were the flavors of the day. The 4th annual event, which featured the popular Jamaican jerk cuisine, a live cook-off, live music, arts-and-craft vendors and activities for kids, was headlined by VP Records recording artist Maxi Priest. Priest, who recently launched his new album Easy to Love, performed some of his beloved hits to a packed Roy Wilkins Park.
JERK FESTIVAL COMPETITION
As Jerk Cuisine took center stage at the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival, its live cooking competition was the event of the afternoon. Participants included finalists from Food Network’s popular TV show, Chopped, Chefs Max Hardy and Nelson Gason. The winner of this year’s competition, State Committee Woman Scherie Murray (left) with Chef Irie (Right) beat out the two acclaimed chefs and ecstatically shows off her trophy to crowd.
CELEBRITIES ENJOY THE COOL VIBES
Taking a break from the catwalk, model and actor Tyson Beckford attended the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival and took a moment to pose for a picture with Mr. Vegas, a performer at the festival. New York State Senator, Kevin S. Parker of the 21st Senatorial District in Brooklyn showed his support for the festival posing with the mascot for Grace Coconut Water. The mascot will be the centerpiece of a social media contest kicking off today where Grace Foods is inviting the help of the public to name the mascot. The lucky winner will be awarded a one year gym membership and an iPad Mini. For further details and to participate in the contest, log onto www.facebook.com/GraceCocoWater
A beloved segment of the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival is its annual raffle contest which gave attendees the opportunity to win exclusive prizes. This year Grace Foods CEO, Michael Ranglin announced the winners live on stage.
Top prize was a brand new Weber® Grace Barbeque Grill – the same grill featured in the summer long Grilling With Grace Contest with Hot 97. Grace was on fire by offering New Yorkers a chance to spice up their summer and win a private BBQ hosted by Hot 97 DJ’s Bobby Kondas & Jabba.
For a winning Jerk Chicken dish you can make at home, try Grace Foods recipe:
Oven Baked Jerk Chicken Wings
Preparation time: 1h 30m
Ingredients for 4 people ()
1 1/2 cups Grace Jerk Barbecue Sauce
1/4 cup soy sauce
16 whole chicken wings
Directions:
Pre-heat oven at 180°C (350°F).
In a bowl, combine Grace Jerk Barbecue Sauce and soy sauce. Add to chicken and allow to marinate for 1 1/2 hours in the refrigerator or overnight.
Place chicken in a greased baking dish. Bake for 40 minutes, basting occasionally with jerk barbecue mixture until done.
