The inaugural Grace Food Festival made a flavourful first impression on foodies and families alike on Saturday, August 24, as Grace Foods, the 102-year-old food brand, staked its claim as the newest addition to the local food event calendar. Patrons were in for a treat as the event served up a delightful day of food, fun and entertainment fit for the entire household.

Not even the sweltering summer heat was enough to deter the over-3,000 excited patrons who came out to enjoy the festivities. Held at Palm Drive, Hope Gardens, patrons enjoyed the merriments of the day, which included a shopping village, cultural performances, a kiddies’ village, a concert, and of course, the culinary delights!

One of the major highlights of the event was the live cooking demonstrations by celebrated local chefs Samantha George and Andre Sewell. Both chefs, using Grace Food products as their inspiration, embraced their Jamaican roots while adding their own creative variations to household favourites.

Chef George added a sweet twist to one of her favourite childhood snacks, corned beef sandwiches, serving up a tropical-inspired Hawaiian Plantain Crusted Corned Beef Sliders.

“Growing up, I loved eating corned beef sandwiches with onions infused in them, but I wanted to jazz it up because people are coming to the festival for inspiration,” she explained, adding that she was honoured to participate in the festival’s first staging. “I truly enjoyed being a part of this festival; it’s really fun when I’m called upon to recreate dishes that people are already familiar with, especially the Jamaican people,” she said.

With Grace Jack Mackerel as his key ingredient, Chef Sewell showcased the versatility of the canned food, showing patrons how to get creative by making tacos with the mackerel. “I chose this meal because it can easily be replicated by anyone at home, and they can also make it their own,” he said.

Patrons also had numerous food vendors to choose from, including crowd favourites such as Murray’s, Bulbie Soups, Kamila’s Kitchen, Prendy’s on the Beach, Fyah Side by The Best Dressed Chicken, and much more! Indeed, the food was plenty and the vibes were just right.

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