Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer
Rabbit meat can also be jerked, and it tastes good too. - photo by Nathaniel Stewart/Freelance Photographer
The fifth staging of the Ewarton Jerk Festival was a resounding success.
Food visited the Windalco Sports Club in St. Catherine on Sunday to find a sea of jerked products on display. And the over 30 booths did not lack variety to please the most discriminating taste.
Meats included lobster, fish, goat, sausage, rabbit and the famous pork (wild and tame) that was a hit with almost everyone present.
Prices of between $700 and $1,700 did not deter the hundreds from dining on their favourites. Side orders comprised boiled corn, bread, roast yam and the ever popular roast breadfruit, and for those who were not jerk enthusiasts, there were other foods and liquor available at the festival.
Several visitors expressed glee at jerk heaven on the grounds and, for those who did not know how to jerk, vendors helpfully gave hints and sold several seasonings that would make the task easier for amateurs.
"Yes man, the jerk dis year really a seh one ah mi nah ramp fe deal wid it, mi try the fish the chicken and now seet deh mi deh pon di wild goat,"remarked Dennis a parton, while he eat a plate, consisted of the jerk goat.
The consensus was that this year was a very good one for organisers of the festival. In previous years rain has always hampered the staging, thus keeping out several patrons. They were blessed with good weather this year and thousands turned out to enjoy what was offered.
"Yes man, the jerk dis year really a seh one ah mi nah ramp fe deal wid it, mi try the fish, the chicken and now seet deh mi deh pon di wild goat," remarked Dennis, a patron, while he ate a plate of jerk goat.
