Publix culinary pavilion serves up a full day of chef showdowns, celebrity challenges, and family fun at Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival

Deidra Allen (@JaskyPrincess), the 2025 Influencer QuickFire Challenge Champion, holds her trophy! Pictured L–R: Judge Luke Hamilton, champion Deidra Allen, judge Natalie St. Louis, and influencer Monica Gonzalez @_k_r_e_a_m

MIRAMAR, Fla. — Food lovers, competitive cooking fans and families are invited to bring their appetites and curiosity to the Publix Culinary Pavilion at the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival, presented by Publix & VP Records, on Sunday, November 8, at Miramar Regional Park. Packed with celebrity challenges, chef competitions, live cooking demonstrations, expert discussions and interactive experiences, the Pavilion promises to be one of the festival’s most exciting destinations.

Hosted by celebrity chef Chef Irie, with Suzette Speaks as co-host, the Publix Culinary Pavilion brings Caribbean cuisine to life through entertainment, friendly competition and conversations about food, culture, health and entrepreneurship.

“Food is more than what we put on our plates. It tells our stories, connects generations and brings people together,” said June Minto, Managing Partner and Culinary Director of the Jamaican Jerk Festival. “The Publix Culinary Pavilion captures that spirit, allowing festivalgoers to taste, learn, participate and have fun while celebrating the flavors and traditions of the Caribbean.”

Culinary Battles and Celebrity Challenges

The heat will rise during the Chef Throwdown, featuring Chef Kofi going head-to-head with Chef Krystal (Kryssi) Powell of Lume Lounge. The two chefs will bring their skills, creativity and signature styles to a culinary showdown that puts their talent to the test.

The Celebrity QuickFire Challenge returns with reigning champion Papa Keith defending his title against a celebrity challenger to be announced. Working with Grace products and mystery-basket ingredients, competitors will have to think quickly, work creatively and deliver under pressure.

Social media personalities will also take over the kitchen during the Influencer QuickFire Challenge, where 2025 champion JaSky Princess returns to defend her crown against radio personality/singer G Cole. Expect creative dishes, competitive energy and plenty of audience excitement.

Fresh Ideas for Everyday Cooking

The Pavilion will also inspire festivalgoers to introduce new ideas into their own kitchens. Wellness expert and fitness advocate Kamila McDonald will lead a cooking demonstration featuring a Grace plant-based recipe, sharing practical tips and creative ways to incorporate Grace products into everyday meals.

For younger food enthusiasts, the Kids Culinary & Healthy Eating Area, hosted by EatWell Exchange, will offer interactive activities designed to make healthy eating fun and engaging. Children will have an opportunity to explore food, nutrition and cooking through hands-on experiences created especially for them.

And for jerk lovers, the Grace Jerk Sauce Tasting Competition puts the spotlight on participating festival vendors as they create their own jerk sauces using Grace Jerk Sauce as the base. Festivalgoers can sample the entries and vote for their favorite to determine the Best Jerk Sauce winner.

Conversations That Go Beyond the Kitchen

Beyond the competition, the Pavilion will host an engaging conversation moderated by Chef Irie and Suzette Speaks, bringing together culinary professionals, wellness advocates and industry voices to explore the connections between Caribbean food, healthy living, entrepreneurship and cultural identity.

Featured panelists include:

• Chef Reece, culinary innovator, exploring how traditional spices can be reimagined for modern kitchens.
• Chef Vicky Colas, entrepreneur and changemaker, sharing insights on balancing business success with meaningful community impact.
• Michelle-Ann Ramsay, MD, MBBS, wellness advocate, discussing how to address health disparities while preserving authentic flavor.
• Andrea Reynolds of Grace Foods USA, examining the growing international appeal of jerk and Caribbean culture.
• Kamila McDonald, wellness expert, championing plant-based nutrition, fitness and healthier lifestyles.

The discussion gives festivalgoers a chance to hear from professionals shaping how Caribbean cuisine is prepared, presented, enjoyed, and understood worldwide.

Throughout the day, the Pavilion will keep audiences involved with giveaways, trivia, social media engagement, photo opportunities and audience participation.

From high-stakes cooking battles and celebrity challenges to healthy recipes, cultural conversations and activities for children, the Publix Culinary Pavilion offers something for every generation.

The Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival, presented by Publix, takes place Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Miramar Regional Park.

Come for the food. Stay for the competition. Leave inspired.

The Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival — The Ultimate Sunday Dinner is sponsored by Xoom, Island Car Rentals, The Jamaica Tourist Board, Memorial Healthcare System, JN Money, Miramar Park of Commerce and BGB Farms. Made possible with support from the Broward County Cultural Division, which is supported by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners.

Tickets and event information are available at jerkfestival.com.