The Grace Jamaican Jerk festival at Markham Park in Sunrise brought what had to be tens of thousands of jerk fans together for an entire day of good eating and soulful music.
After navigating a snaking line of cars that seemed to go on forever, the lines to enter the festival moved smoothly. Festivalgoers were treated to goody bags that were quickly filled with giveaways from local companies as they made their way to the food vendors.
Guided by the scent of meat cooking, we found dozens of jerk stands selling jerk chicken, fried lobster, escovitch fish, festival, and fried breadfruit. Red Stripe was offered at the Reggae Bar.
As the sun set, the music got hotter as families and friends camped out in lawn chairs to listen to soca and reggae, a Red Stripe or fresh fruit juice in hand.
Ackee and saltfish got the jerk treatment at the Jamaican Jerk Festival.
Vendors sold Jamaican necklaces and shirts.
A local couple celebrate Jamaica at the Jamaican Jerk Festival.
Oh yeah... but it's not what you're thinking.
Danielle from Island Fusion sold seasonings, sauces, and dips with a Caribbean vibe.
Joset from J&J Jerk Center displays a fish.
Fried lobster fresh from the pot at Stop Grill and Bar's tent.
Boston Grill slow-cooked jerk chicken over a fire.
Continuous live music got people swaying to the rhythm.
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Laine Doss is the food and spirits editor for Miami New Times, covering the restaurant and bar scene in South Florida. She has been featured on Cooking Channel’s Eat Street and Food Network’s Great Food Truck Race. Doss won an Alternative Weekly award for her feature on what it’s like to wait tables. In a previous life, she appeared off-Broadway and shook many a cocktail as a bartender at venues in South Florida and New York City. When she’s not writing, you can find Doss running some marathon then celebrating at the nearest watering hole.
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