Grill-off returns

Saturday, June 5 sees the return of Jamaica's ultimate grilling showdown: the 2010 Appleton Estate All Jamaica Grill-off. Jamaicans everywhere are preparing themselves for a day of savoury, mouth-watering and sizzling meats being cooked over open flames and wafting along, temptingly.

This year's competition promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a line-up that is sure to produce many exciting and succulent moments for the judges, organisers and loyal patrons. The new and dynamic format of the competition has been designed to attract Jamaica's best recreational and professional grilling chefs for an elimination-style, winner-take-all competition. This year's competition sees 20 teams entering, many of which have entered before. The level of experience among the head chefs in this year's field means the culinary offerings this year will be out-of-this-world!

Returning Grand Champions

The 2007 champions, Country Boyz, will return, vowing to claim top honours. Also returning are last year's winners Jo-Jo's Jerk Pit and More, brimming with the experience they gained last year in winning the local grill-off, and moving on to place very competitively in the 2009 American Royale competition in Kansas City.

Rory Marsh, head chef of Country Boyz, plans to launch an assault on the competition, pulling out all the stops to claim the grand prize. Marsh says, "I can only wish good luck to everybody who would like to try to achieve what we achieved in the past, but this year, may the best grilling team win!"

Meanwhile, Anna Chin and team Jo-Jo's Jerk Pit and More, are confident that they are more than ready to defend their crown.

Not to be left out are Bad Dawg and Goodyear Grillers, as well as new teams such as Walkerswood, Team Alibi and Team Nasha Grillers, hailing all the way from Galina Point, St Mary.

Judging

Caribbean Barbecue Association, the largest grilling organisation in the region, has selected Michael Compton to be the head judge of the competition.

All judging will be conducted under the watchful eye of international auditing firm KPMG. Contestants will be judged on their performance in four major categories: beef, pork, chicken and shrimp. Judges will be looking at the appearance, texture and taste of the meats.

Sponsorship Partnerships

The Gleaner is the event's official print sponsor. The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), Jamaica Trade & Invest and the Caribbean BBQ Association as well as Caribbean Passion, Reggae Jammin, Rainforest Seafoods, and title-sponsor, Appleton Estate, round out the list.