Jamaica Sizzles at Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival with Award-Winning Culinary Talent
MIAMI – The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) worked with the Tourism Enhancement Fund. They offered “Taste of Jamaica.” This event highlighted Jamaican food and drinks at the 2020 Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival.
The event was hosted by James Beard award-winning chef, JJ Johnson, and two-time Food Network Chopped Champion Andre Fowles, on February 21 at the historic National Hotel.
The night was a success as “Taste Jamaica” offered iconic Jamaican flavors and an entertainment experience that overflowed with soulful rhythm and energy.
Jamaica’s global impact on the culinary world is undeniable as it brought together more than a dozen chefs, restaurants, and vendors from across the island and the U.S., to showcase their remarkable talent and creativity.
Each curated dish was a vivid representation of Jamaica’s distinct history, heritage and culture – attendees enjoyed an eclectic menu including signature jerk dishes, oxtail, dumplings and stews.
Red Stripe and Appleton Estate Rum served up refreshing and creative libations, while Miami’s own DJ Irie provided the soundtrack for the evening with a mash-up of reggae and dancehall hits.
Taste of Jamaica Participating Chefs
The chefs who took part included Samantha Davis, Culinary Director and Co-Owner of FieldTrip. Winston Grant is the CEO and Head Chef of Aunt I’s Jamaican Restaurant. Charissa Henry-Skyers represents Pink Apron Jamaica. Oji Jaja is from Ashebre The Virtual Restaurant. Dennis Kerr works at Dukunoo Jamaican Kitchen. Kalisa Martin is with The Runaway Experience. Goff Lee is from Makka & Mana Poke. Matthew McDonald is the Executive Chef of the National Hotel. Delius Shirley and Cindy Hutson are co-owners of Ortanique on the Mile. Cindy Hutson is also the Executive Chef. Christina Simonitsch is from Simo’s Bread and Catering. Wenford Simpson is the Chef Ambassador of Walkerswood Caribbean Foods. Hugh Sinclair is the Executive Chef of Irie Spice.
The Food Network and Cooking Channel host the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. This event is organized by Florida International University and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. The Miami Beach Visitors & Convention Authority helps. The Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs also provides support.
All proceeds from the Festival benefit the students at the Florida International University Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management.
JTB’s partnership with SOBEWFF is smart. It highlights Jamaica’s bold and tasty food to a large audience. This helps make Jamaica one of the top culinary destinations in the world.
