Jamaica Tourism Executive Loses Jerk Cook-Off Battle

Donnie Dawson, r, lost to South Florida Local10 Weekend News Anchor, Todd Tongen of WPLG, who was the defending champion.

News Americas, FORT LAUDERDALE, Fl, Tues. Nov. 13, 2017: Jamaica’s Interim Director of Tourism on Sunday lost a jerk-cook off challenge at the 16th annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival at Markham Park in South Florida.

Donnie Dawson lost to South Florida Local10 Weekend News Anchor, Todd Tongen of WPLG, who was the defending champion.

Dawson prepared what he called a ‘cook down’ with turkey, egg plant, fennel and of course jerk seasoning. But at the end of the day celebrity judges, Chef Andre Fowles and Chef Ronnie Vincent voted Tongen as the returning champion.

Last year Tongen defeated Miss Jamaica World Ashlie Barrett to walk away with the trophy and bragging rights.

The event at the Publix Culinary Pavilion was hosted by “Taste the Island’s” Chef Irie.