We Love That Jerk

In America it’s an insult that refers to a foolish, naive, or loathsome person (see the classic 1979 Steve Martin comedy for further elucidation). In Jamaica it’s a style of cooking that produces incredibly spicy, uniquely delicious meat. When it comes to jerks, we definitely prefer the kind that comes...

By Patrice Elizabeth Grell Yursik

December 14, 2006

[
        {
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Inline Content - Mobile Display Size",
          "component": "19274298",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "17482312",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18711090",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17482310",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18711090",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - Leaderboard Tower - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17482313",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        }
      ]

In America it’s an insult that refers to a foolish, naive, or loathsome person (see the classic 1979 Steve Martin comedy for further elucidation). In Jamaica it’s a style of cooking that produces incredibly spicy, uniquely delicious meat. When it comes to jerks, we definitely prefer the kind that comes from Jamrock. Jerk has been traced back to slavery days, when African laborers poked the dry, tough meats using sharp sticks and then filled the holes with native spices. Allspice, brown sugar, garlic, thyme, and, most important, searing-hot Scotch bonnet peppers are used in the marinade. Visitors to the Sandbar Grill will be transported by island smells, sounds, and tastes at tonight’s Island Style BBQ. The popular college hangout traditionally hosts a barbecue Tuesday nights, but because popular local reggae DJ Lance-O will be spinning classic boom shots, West Indian spice has been added to the usual menu of burgers and hot dogs. To diversify the sonic lineup, DJ Johnny B will provide the latest in hip-hop and rock music. Admission is free. Call 305-444-5270, or visit www.sandbargrill.com. Visit www.kulchashok.com for a complete list of DJ Lance-O’s many gigs around town.
Tue., Dec. 19

KEEP NEW TIMES FREE... Since we started New Times, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Miami, and we'd like to keep it that way. Your membership allows us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls. You can support us by joining as a member for as little as $1.