KINGSTON
Love that guy at the corner of Northside Plaza and Hope Road, Liguanea. Great pan jerk and many a connoisseur say he's the only one worth visiting in the wee hours of the morning after a rough-tough-drinking-storm. I'm sure that at that point in time everyting taste sweet.
It was almost four years ago that I complained to said 'Northplaza' gentleman that his chicken seemed small and he retorted: "Nex' time mi gi yu yard fahwl." Being new to the island I didn't understand one word, much to the merriment of his motley crew. Hence my nickname for him is yard fahwl.
I love Everything Fresh Jerk Centre on South Avenue, off Constant Spring Road. Terrific.
Knutsford Boulevard, New Kingston, has its lot of jerkers (no pun intended) on weekends but see me, mi nah go there.
I am still a little concerned
about the over-abundance of
rats that look like cats that look like dogs that could end up being jerked around...get the place a little cleaner and the 'predators' out of the way and
I shall do a tasting.
Although Island Grill's Jerk Fish was a favourite, Mother's have taken over with its amazing Jerk Chicken and Fish -- the flavours are unique and, as far
as I can tell, probably closest to the original jerk recipe.
If it's jerk with a difference you're looking for, try Arosa's Jerk Pork Slices and Sausages from Le Gourmet, Red Hills Road.
ST. THOMAS
I love Yallahs Jerk. On Fridays it seems that everyone in Yallahs becomes a jerk expert. I have no real special vendor but coming from Kingston side, on the left, there's a guy who's noticeable because of his white attire and chef's hat. I usually jerk with him. And he's cute too. Sorry, you just have to look because for the life of me I cannot remember his name.
ST. CATHERINE
Just before you get on to
the new highway to Old Harbour/May Pen (on the left, coming from Kingston) a stop at the HiWay Jerk Centre is a must. The marinade being a bust. Jeez, dat is good sauce.
WESTMORELAND
Just outside of Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, there is The Ranch. Good jerk, but make sure to ask for pieces that are not overdone.
Negril has Peppapot, a lovely, colourful little stop with comfortable eating spaces and a good bar. The pits outside are authentic and as long as you (again) ask for those pieces not long on the fire you can have some great nosh.
NORTH COAST
Montego Bay and its jerk offerings have so far not cut it for me, but if you are on your way to Ochi from there, near Discovery Bay and opposite the Green Grotto, you will find my favourite -- The Ultimate Jerk Centre.
By the way, the competition for the best sauce is between him and the HiWay, believe you me.
Ochi itself has not provided me with the taste I look for but, on your way to Kingston and just after Ewarton is the B & B Jerk Centre. I cannot pass without stopping. They have the most delicious jerk sausage in the world and every day too. Don't let the tiny hut or the dark interior fool you, this place jerks a fresh pig every day and cannot be outdone.
Of course, there is Boston Jerk in Portland. Fi mi, too touristy, too many grabbing and shouting people as you stop di car but I still like to buy my sauce from the little old gentleman who sits across the street from the madding crowd. He's harmless and only grunts when asked a question.
I like the jerk place on the side of the road in Blueberry Hill outside Buff Bay.
