Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter
Left:It's hot work for this chef at the CB Pan Chicken Championship Final held on Knustford Boulevard. Right: "Want a taste?" seems to be what this contestant is saying to our photographer at the CB Pan Chicken Championship Finals held on Knustford Boulevard last Sunday. - PHOTOS BY CARLINGTON WILMOT/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
NORMALLY WHEN there's this much smoke in New Kingston, we need the fire brigade. But two Sundays ago, the smoke was acceptable as it came from the drums of the island's best pan chicken practitioners. The event was the finals of the CB Pan Chicken Championships and those who had made it that far, had the crowd that ventured to the Knutsford Boulevard strip hungry and ready to try their chicken.
The chefs had to 'tun dem han' faster than usual, as the patrons waited for their meals. There were stalls from every parish but Portland seemed to be doing the best. Guests were more than happy to shell out the mere $100 for their meal. Some took their pieces with bread and plenty of sauce or just the good old 'fowl.'
Apart from the chicken, which was the obvious attraction, there was plenty else to do and enjoy, especially for the children. Bounce-about, basketball games and mechanical bull-riding kept them satisfied. Jewellery as well paintings and other pieces of fine art were also on sale, giving you the perfect chance to add to, or start your collection. Samples of Fruti Frenzi and other products were also available.
Entertainment was provided by the antics of the always comedic duo of Ity and Fancy Cat, interspersed with various performances. Popular Song winner for 2005, Khalil Irshad, the Tivoli Dance Troupe, the Drews Avenue Primary Dancers and the Selassie Marching Band were among the performers.
After the smoke cleared, literally in this case, Oliver Bailey of St. Elizabeth was declared champion and walked away with a $100,000. He's no 'Chicken Little'.
