For more than 13 years, the Publix Culinary Stage has been an integral part of the annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival in South Florida.

Food enthusiasts converge on the area, eager to learn about different methods of preparing food, while witnessing first-hand culinary clashes between celebrities, social media influencers and professional chefs.

The proceedings are guided by culinary maestro, Chef Irie. June Minto is the coordinator of the Publix Culinary Stage.

“The Publix Culinary Stage has been a prominent feature of the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival for over 13 years, consistently offering cooking demonstrations, chef competitions, and culinary entertainment. The expanding popularity of the festival and the connections made within the culinary and cultural sectors have significantly impacted recruiting participants for the Publix Culinary Stage. Over the years, the event’s lively atmosphere and emphasis on Jamaican culture have attracted several prominent chefs, food influencers, and celebrities keen to participate. A robust network and connections with previous participants have been essential in recruitment,” Minto told Observer Online.

Some of the celebrities who have participated over the years include Miss Universe Jamaica 2014 Kaci Fennell, the late Todd Tonkin (TV anchor Local 10), Mayor Dwayne Messam (Miramar), DJ Irie and former beauty pageant aspirant, author and fitness enthusiast Kamila McDonald.

“These individuals have enriched the festival’s offerings, reflecting its commitment to celebrating Jamaican culture through a blend of cuisine,” Minto stated.

She also gave an insight into the cooking challenges.

“At each Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival staging, the Publix Culinary Stage hosts a variety of cooking challenges designed to entertain and engage attendees. While the exact number of challenges can vary yearly, two prominent competitions are consistently featured: the Celebrity Quick Fire Challenge and the Celebrity Chef Clash. This year, we added the Influencers’ Clash. These competitions and other culinary demonstrations contribute to the dynamic and flavourful experience of the festival,” said Minto.

Asked how the culinary aspect of the festival has grown over the years, Minto said “The Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival’s culinary stages have grown remarkably, evolving into one of its most anticipated attractions. This transformation is attributed to several key factors, including adding audience interaction to the forefront, high-profile participants, sommelier-led wine pairings, and collaborative partnerships. The culinary aspect has become an integral part of the festival, making it a must-attend event for food lovers.”

This year at the Publix Culinary Stage, Chef Alain Lemaire went up against Chef Winston Williams and emerged victorious in the Celebrity Chef Clash. The trophy that Lemaire received was named in honour of Chef Max Hardy, who passed away earlier this year.

Chef Alain Lemaire, winner of the Celebrity Chef Clash.

Local 10 Weekend anchor Alexis Fraizer was the winner in the Celebrity Quick Fire Challenge, beating Kris Anderson of NBC6, a morning news anchor.

In the Publix Influencers Clash, Monica Gonzales, a social media manager at KREAM and marketing specialist, stepped up to the plate and came out on top over Cheynne Rodney, a food blogger and content creator.

“I’m so super excited to win but a little bit shocked,” Gonzales told Observer Online.

She continued, “I prepared a Cuban country jerk with ground lamb, mashed sweet potato, and baked beans. It was very challenging with the grill that wasn’t working, as a matter of fact, a lot of things weren’t working for me, but we made it happen.”

Gonzales used several Grace products including the honey jerk sauce and the hot scotch bonnet pepper sauce.

Athlete and Grace brand ambassador Brianna Williams, greets Monica Gonzales, winner of the Publix Influencers Clash.

Rodney on the other hand prepped up her meal with Grace fish and meat seasoning, honey jerk sauce and jerk marinade.

“I used a little of everything. I had a lot of fun, and I actually had a great time. Just listening to the music and trying to get creative with my meal, which consisted of mashed sweet potato soaked in coconut milk with ground lamb on top and then I minced up the olives and put it on top of the lamb. It was a bit challenging with the win and trying to finish in time to get everything done,” Rodney said in a post-event interview.

— Kevin Jackson