Serving up a tasty array of food at PAN 2018 Regional 2 in St Bess

A scrumptious serving of culinary delights greeted patrons at last Saturday's staging of PAN 2018 Regional 2 at Independence Park, Black River. An authentic food festival, PAN had all the elements guaranteed to please the entire family.

Upon entering the venue, one could smell the succulent CB Chicken laid out on the various grills operated by the 31 PAN competitors, filled the air. Patrons queued in long lines to get their fill of this popular delicacy served in Nupak Foil, with slices of National Hardough Bread, and adorned with Miracle Ketchup and Walkerswood Hot Pepper Sauce.

Even though it was all about chicken, patrons had their fill of other delicacies such as Bad Dawg Sausages, Copperwood Roast, Jerk and BBQ Pork, Bonafide Burgers and soups courtesy of Happy Foods, which added great offerings to families.

"We've been a part of PAN since the inception and this year is no different. We had myriad products on sample as well as various deals all day. We also supplied free bread to the PAN participants. When we heard about PAN and the fact that families will be coming out, that is good for National. We like when the community comes together," said National's marketing manager, Donnette Hines.

Serge Monster Milk Kiddies' Village

As families brought out chairs and relaxed in the afternoon sun, the children had their fun inside the popular Serge Monster Milk Kiddies' Village.

Wisynco, the official non-alcoholic beverage partner, kept patrons refreshed with a variety of flavours in its Tru Juice line, as well as Coca Cola and Wata. "An event like this brings out the community, and this is a great opportunity for us," said brand manager Lauren Mahfood.

Ice-cold Red Stripe Beer is synonymous with PAN and patrons had their fill throughout the day.

"Supporting the two PAN Regionals this season has truly been exciting for us," said Reshima Kelly, assistant brand manager of Red Stripe. "We've had the opportunity to meet so many entrepreneurial PAN men and women who continue to stand up for authentic Jamaican experiences, and this is what makes it worthwhile for us, standing up for local talent, standing up for our culture, standing up for Brand Jamaica."

PAN 2018 is a culinary extravaganza, that highlights the efforts and economic impact of the numerous PAN men and women across the island. Now in its 13th year, CB Foods continues its annual cooking contest, to crown the island's top PAN chicken man or woman.

Kemoi Burke, business development coordinator at CB Foods, reflected on the day's turn of events.

"It's been an amazing day and the patrons came out early to partake in the many offerings. We can look forward to great things at the grand final."

Thirty-one competitors from six parishes participated at Regional 2. The first-place winner from each parish won $40,000 cash, while the second-place winner walked away with $20,000 cash. Both first- and second-place winners and a wild card have advanced to the PAN Grand Final, scheduled for October 28 at the National Stadium in Kingston.

The winners in last Saturday's PAN regional round are:

Manchester:

1st place: Oral Blake

2nd place: Winsome Nelson

Westmoreland:

1st place: Basil Malcolm

2nd place: Chrishan Hamilton

Hanover:

1st place: Nicola Edwards

2nd place: Aldene Allen

Clarendon:

1st place: Lesma Huie

2nd place: Abner Mellad

St. Elizabeth:

1st place: Rohan Wright

2nd place: Jevarney Abraham

St. James

1st place: Novelette McGhie

2nd place: (tie) - Dale Clarke and Andre Lawson

Wild Card Pick: Brittania Lewis, Manchester