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PAN 2017 Finals

Published:Tuesday | October 31, 2017 | 12:00 AMRocheda Bartley
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Manchesterians Jerome Ferguason (left) and Ramone Harris indulging in delicious pan chicken.
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From left: Lisa Tomlinson, Chikky, third place winner Nicola Brown, and Kemoi Burke.
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An ecstatic Eric Beaver (centre) celebrates his PAN champion title with from left: Kemoi Burke, Gillian Hyde general manager Jamaica National Small Business Loan, Reshima Kelly assistant brand manager Red Stripe and Patrice Williams brand executive Seprod.
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First Runner up Jamie Martin (second right) celebrates with from left: Lisa Tomlinson promotions manager at national baking company, and CB mascot chikky.
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Delicious pan chicken was the order of the day at Sunday's finals.
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PAN 2017 finals promised a delicious tasting affair foods and intense fun and excitement. And that is exactly what it delivered on Sunday.

With 30 competitors vying for the PAN title, mouths were watering in anticipating of the most creative and appetising pan chicken bursting with flavours -- all the contestants putting their own delightful twist on the Jamaican favourite.

Despite the inclement weather, hundreds of patrons came out to the Half -Way Tree Transport Centre, desperate for their share of some of the delectable, finger licking and lip smacking pan chicken.

While the heat from the pans intensified, the PAN men and women worked tirelessly to appease the crowd in ways they have never thought of.

As patrons indulged in mouth watering chicken, they were kept entertained by the dynamic Dufton 'Duffy' Shepherd during the day, and the energetic Khadine 'Miss Kitty' Hilton in the evening. Even the little ones had an exhilarating time been spoilt in the Kiddies Village.

Throughout the food extravaganza, patrons had numerous opportunities to win goody bags and participated in a myriad of trivia including bread eating contest.

In the evening the crowd was kept energised with the performances of artists such as Christopher Martin, Agent Sasco and Sizzler.

Kemoi Burke, events and promotions coordinator for the CB Groups told FOOD, "the major element we judged for is creativity. This year is not much different from last year in terms of the set up. Last year worked well so we didn't have to change it, but we have added a few lighting elements to make it better."

In the end, Eric Beaver from St Ann captured the well desired PAN title, and 1.5 million dollars in cash and prizes. The 46 year old who has been doing pan chicken for 20 years, is the second person from St Ann to win the championship.

Earlier he boasted to Food how he planned to win the title. "I try to season the chicken and make it moist. I add some secret ingredients, which I cannot share. I plan to take home the trophy," Beaver said.

The Miracle sauce competition was won by Juney Raffington also from St Ann.