The Cliff Hotel brings culinary heavyweights to Negril for inaugural Jamaican Jerk Championship
Key Points(5)
- James Beard Award-winning pitmaster Rodney Scott will headline a star-studded judging panel this December as The Cliff Hotel in Negril hosts the inaugural Jamaican Jerk Championship, a new culinary competition designed to spotlight Jamaica’s most iconic cooking tradition.
- The event, set against the backdrop of The Cliff Hotel, will bring together top chefs, food personalities and culinary innovators for a weekend centered on jerk cooking, live competition and destination dining experiences.
- Organizers say the championship aims to elevate jerk cuisine on the global stage while celebrating its deep cultural roots in Jamaica.
- Competitors will vie for the title of Jerk Champion under the scrutiny of an internationally recognized judging panel spanning barbecue, fine dining and Caribbean cuisine.
- Celebrity judging panel Leading the lineup is Rodney Scott, a James Beard Award winner and Barbecue Hall of Fame inductee known for his mastery of whole-hog barbecue and his influence on modern American smokehouse culture.
James Beard Award-winning pitmaster Rodney Scott will headline a star-studded judging panel this December as The Cliff Hotel in Negril hosts the inaugural Jamaican Jerk Championship, a new culinary competition designed to spotlight Jamaica’s most iconic cooking tradition.
The event, set against the backdrop of The Cliff Hotel, will bring together top chefs, food personalities and culinary innovators for a weekend centered on jerk cooking, live competition and destination dining experiences.
Organizers say the championship aims to elevate jerk cuisine on the global stage while celebrating its deep cultural roots in Jamaica. Competitors will vie for the title of Jerk Champion under the scrutiny of an internationally recognized judging panel spanning barbecue, fine dining and Caribbean cuisine.
Celebrity judging panel
Leading the lineup is Rodney Scott, a James Beard Award winner and Barbecue Hall of Fame inductee known for his mastery of whole-hog barbecue and his influence on modern American smokehouse culture.
He will be joined by James Beard Award-winning chef Andrew Black, recognized for his contemporary approach to global cuisine and inventive culinary technique.
Also on the panel is Jamaican chef Andre Fowles, a James Beard Award semifinalist and Food Network “Chopped” champion whose work has helped bring Jamaican flavors to an international audience.
Michelin-starred chef Dae Kim will add a fine-dining perspective, drawing on experience in high-end kitchens and a reputation for precise, modern culinary execution.
Rounding out the group is chef Nicola Blaque, a James Beard Award semifinalist and Bib Gourmand-recognized chef known for her focus on hospitality, mentorship and contemporary American cuisine.
Together, the panel will evaluate competitors on flavor, technique and authenticity as they determine who earns top honors in the debut competition.
Tickets and travel packages
VIP tickets for the Jamaican Jerk Championship, along with exclusive room packages at The Cliff Hotel, will go on sale July 1.
Organizers say VIP guests will receive premium viewing access, enhanced event experiences and curated programming throughout the championship weekend. Limited accommodation bundles will also be available for visitors traveling to Negril, positioning the event as both a culinary showcase and a destination getaway.
