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Jerk Meets Braai

Published:Wednesday | October 3, 2018 | 12:00 AMLatara Boodie/Gleaner Writer
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It was a toast to a great night with South African wines from select brands .
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Hostess of the evening, Sasha was all dolled up in South African jewellery.
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Braai Rib Eye Steak, Jerk Leg of Lamb was paired with South African sides Chakalaka and potato egg salad.
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Courtleigh’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Nicola Madden-Greig says thank you to Acting South African High Commissioner Tyrone Gunnie with a personalised cutting board.
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Authentic Jamaican jerk and South African braai dishes excited every palate at last Wednesday's Jerk Meets Braai, held by The Garden Terrace at the Courtleigh Hotel and Suites. The event was a collaboration between The Courtleigh Hotel and Suites and the South African High Commission in recognition of South Africa's 'Heritage Day', that was held on September 24. The event was held under the theme 'Where We Become One' as Jamaican and South African culture were intertwined to give a full culinary display.

Acting South African High Commissioner Tyrone Gunnie wanted to partner with The Courtleigh Hotel and Suites because of "the importance of gastronomy and gastro-diplomacy to the tourism sector in both South Africa and Jamaica". In discussion with Courtleigh's group director of marketing and sales, Nicola Madden-Greig, they wanted to create an opportunity to share their cultures through cuisine ,and as a result, they both gave birth to the idea of Jerk Meets Braai. Gunnie explained: "We also wanted an opportunity to bring South Africans and Jamaicans together because we have such a unique similarity in many of the foods, such as beef stew, among others."

Guests were given the option of choosing from both the jerk and braai menu to get the full cultural experience. Whether it was Red Stripe Beer or a glass of South African Two Ocean's wine, the guests were able to pair their meals with a drink to put them at ease. Braai dishes, which included rib eye steak, pork chops, chicken, goat loin chop were paired with South African Wines compliments of select brands, while jerk dishes, which were cooked to succulent perfection, could be paired with your choice of Red Stripe.

Courtleigh's executive chef, Mark Dekrines, with a smile on his face, said, "I was happy to be a part of this historic event and be able to bring together two unique, but similar cuisines and cultures."

With food, music and drinks, Jamaicans and South Africans became one. To end a splendid night, Madden-Greig thanked Acting South African High Commissioner Tyrone Gunnie with a personalised cutting board with Courtleigh's logo and the words 'Jerk Meets Braai' etched in it.

The Courtleigh Hotel and Suites hosts their own jerk night, dubbed 'Jerk, BBQ and Jive'. The event is held every Wednesday by The Garden Terrace and features live entertainment.

latara.boodie@gleanerjm.com