Ep 24. Jamaican Me Hungry

Eat St. season 4 episode 24, titled "Jamaican Me Hungry," takes viewers on a culinary journey through the flavorful cuisine of Jamaica. Host James Cunningham travels to various food trucks and street vendors across the country to discover unique twists on traditional Jamaican dishes.

The episode begins with a visit to the Simbis Rasta Kitchen truck in Toronto, where owner and chef Ras believes in cooking with love and positive energy. He demonstrates his skills by preparing a traditional Jamaican dish called Ackee and Saltfish, a flavorful blend of salted cod, ackee fruit, onions, and peppers served with plantains and dumplings. James describes it as "like nothing I've ever tasted."

Next, James travels to Vancouver to visit The Reef Runner food truck, which serves a variety of Jamaican-inspired dishes with a West Coast twist. Owner and chef Sue-Francis Simmons showcases her popular Jerk Chicken Poutine, a unique dish that combines traditional Quebec poutine with spicy Jamaican jerk chicken and toppings like scallions, crispy onions, and sour cream.

James then heads to Calgary to check out Holy Smoke BBQ, a food truck that specializes in slow-smoked meats with a Jamaican twist. Owner and chef Davidson Enright prepares his signature dish, Jamaican Jerk Ribs, which are dry-rubbed with a mix of spices and smoked over hickory wood. James describes the dish as "fall-off-the-bone tender" with a "spicy kick" that's balanced out by the sweetness of the sauce.

Finally, James visits the Sweet Dreams street vendor in Winnipeg, known for their authentic Jamaican patties. Owner and chef Owen Williams shares his recipe for the perfect patty dough, which is filled with a variety of savory fillings like curried chicken, beef, or vegetables. James tries the spicy beef patty and declares it "magical."

Throughout the episode, James also discovers the history of Jamaican cuisine, including the influences of African, Indian, and Chinese cultures on the island's food. He learns about the traditional jerk seasoning, which combines flavors like allspice, thyme, and scotch bonnet peppers, and how it's used in various dishes like chicken, pork, and fish.

Overall, "Jamaican Me Hungry" is a delicious and informative journey through the varied and flavorful cuisine of Jamaica, showcasing the unique twists and creative takes on traditional dishes found in the country's food trucks and street vendors.