Jerk chicken on the menu at Jamaica House in Paris

PARIS, France:

Music production brought Wayne Smith from Kingston to Switzerland, then to France 13 years ago. But it has been the food that has provided him with his own contribution to connect Jamaica to France, which has been cemented by ensuring that Paris enjoys the traditional favourite jerk chicken during the Olympics.

Smith, a restaurateur, is one of the many faces you will see at Jamaica House near the Stade de France, cooking jerk chicken on the grill, welcoming patrons and giving Jamaicans who have travelled for the Games a taste of home, as well as providing other nationals with an authentic Jamaican experience.

Also a music producer, Smith found his way from Kingston to Switzerland in the music business and then to France, where we met his wife and settled down. His love for the culture led him to open his own restaurant and clothing store in Paris – Jamaica Creative Promotion – to connect the two nations.

“We were the only ones who opened a Jamaican restaurant in Paris and a Jamaican clothing store in the French capital. We always show our brand, Jamaica,” Smith told Food.

The announcement of the Games being held in Paris was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share that connection, leaving no stone unturned to put Jamaican jerk chicken on display.

“It was a very big thing for us. We tried to put in every effort for all the Jamaicans coming here in Paris to enjoy the Olympics and to enjoy all the runners who have come here,” Smith said.

The feedback, for him, has been overwhelming and many have been flying the Jamaican colours in Paris.

“They have come here, and we appreciate it as they show the love and the support of our country,” Smith said.

lifestyle@gleanerjm.com