30 pan chicken men and women ready for PAN 2018 Regional 2 in St. Elizabeth

At the heart of a truly Jamaican food experience is pan chicken. Dating back from as far as the 1960s, men and women developed the pan style as a quicker and more convenient means to recreate mouth-watering slow-cooked pimento jerk dishes. In essence, it is a novel and cost-effective way to get the flavour without the jerk pit.

PAN 2018 will continue to preserve this tradition and further enhance our culture. Hosted by CB Foods, PAN is not only committed to the improvement and expansion of the pan-chicken industry, but above all, celebrates the heroes behind the pans. These bold men and women represent the indomitable spirit of enterprising business owners and entrepreneurs.

Regional 2 returns to the Breadbasket Parish of St Elizabeth on Saturday, September 29, at Independence Park, Black River. Thirty pan-chicken men from the parishes of Manchester, Westmoreland, Hanover, Clarendon, St Elizabeth and St James will compete for a spot in the grand final of PAN 2018.

"Each year, we challenge ourselves to create a meaningful experience not only for the patrons, but also the participants. We want them to walk away with increased knowledge of various aspects of food preparation, flavours and business management. At its core, PAN supports homegrown talent, entrepreneurship, and education," shared CB Foods Regional Development Manager Alicia Bogues.

PAN 2018 is a culinary extravaganza where pan chefs compete in a live 60-minute cook-off. A winner and runner-up are chosen from each parish to advance to the grand final on October 28 at the National Stadium and vie for the coveted title of PAN 2018 grand champion.

Parish winners will each receive $40,000 cash and gifts from sponsors, while the runners-up will receive $20,000 cash, as well as other prizes.

Comedians Dufton 'Duffy' Shepherd and 'Fluffy Diva' Miss Kitty will guide the day's proceedings, which will boast a Monster Milk kiddies' village and bucket deals and beverages courtesy of PAN partners Red Stripe and Wisynco. Entertainment on the main stage will comprise dancehall artistes Shane-O, Teejay, and Wayne Marshall and gospel artiste Rondell Positive.

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