PAN 2018 fired up and ready.

IN AN effort to highlight the economic impact of the numerous pan vendors across the island, CB Foods continues its annual initiative in search of the island’s top pan chicken vendor.

On Saturday, August 25, Folly Oval in Portland brings the heat with 35 pan chicken vendors from the parishes of St Thomas, Kingston and St Andrew, St Catherine, St Ann, St Mary, Portland and Trelawny. Each will showcase their culinary skills at Regional 1 of PAN 2018 with the hopes of advancing to the grand final.

“PAN returns to Portland for the third time, and it’s symbolic, considering Portland is the home of jerk. We’re happy to be back and have lots in store for our patrons. They can expect amazing food and entertainment for the entire family,” explained Kemoi Burke, business development coordinator, CB Foods.

Red Stripe has been a longstanding PAN partner, and this year promises to be another memorable one for the beer brand.

“We don’t want to give too much away at this point, but we promise that it will be another memorable year for PAN patrons. Expect ice-cold beer, good vibes and an experience to remember,” said Red Stripe’s assistant brand manager, Reshima Kelly.

PREPARATION PROCESS

Pan chicken is not complete without jerk seasoning, and Walkerswood ensures that participants are using nothing but the best in their preparation process.

“This year, we continue with our support by providing all contestants with Walkerswood jerk seasoning, as well as our Firestick hot sauce. In addition, we will be sharing a sneak peak of some new Walkerswood flavours that we are working on”, said Sean Garbutt, group marketing manager, Associated Manufacturers Limited.

The PAN finalists will compete in a live 60-minute cook-off. A winner and runner-up will be chosen to advance to the grand final. Each parish winner will receive $40,000 in cash, in addition to numerous prizes from several partners, including National Baking Company, Miracle Tomato Ketchup, Nupak Foil and Walkerswood. The runner-up will also receive $20,000, among other prizes.

For the past three years, Miracle Ketchup has been a partner, and participants will create their signature Miracle sauce for a chance to win cash and prizes.

All competitors are vetted and selected through the Social Development Commission.

The participants in Regional 1 of PAN 2018 are:

St Thomas: Tricia Nicholas, Cordolyn McLaughlin, Paula Drysdale, Anna Kay Lee and Delroy Graham.

Kingston & St Andrew: Davy Beckford, Kimali Livermore, Engrel Gayle, Donna Marie Burton, Antonio Morrison.

St Catherine: Elaine Luke, Chadwick McDonald, Jason Whyte, Chevaun Arlando Mendez, Victor Johnson.

St Ann: Jerome Barrett, Jahmuki Barnes, Kerrian Coombs, Denzil Green, Andrew McNeil.

St Mary: Kareen Johnson, Marilyn Blake, Kenroy James, Omar Walker, Ronique Brown.

Portland: Keron Lewis, David Watson, Patricia Banton, Shernette Bernard, Samantha Daley.

Trelawny: Richard Grant, Mario Bailey, Lovelett Moodie, Marshall Miller, Zweli Reid.

In true PAN fashion, there will be something for everyone attending the event. Aside from the entertainment delights for the adults, the young at heart eagerly anticipate the Monster Milk kiddies’ village, which has been a hit since its inception.

Patrons will enjoy succulent and specially priced pan chicken at only $400 throughout the day and bar deals courtesy of PAN partners Wisynco (through its Wata, Tru Juice and Coca Cola brands) and Red Stripe.

Comedians Dufton ‘Duffy’ Shepherd and the Fluffy Diva Miss Kitty will guide the day’s proceedings with on-stage activities and giveaways courtesy of PAN partners.

The event starts at noon and runs until 8 p.m.. Admission is free.