Jamaica Tourist Board readies Patty Day promotion
By Adnews Staff
The Jamaica Tourist Board will conduct a promotion in Toronto called “Jamaican Patty Day” on Feb. 23. This will be the 38th year of the annual promotion, which “pays tribute to the legendary beef between Toronto's Jamaican patty vendors and local food inspectors.” According to the organization, in February 1985, Toronto authorities decided that vendors of the food item could no longer use the term “beef patties” to describe them. A series of negotiations between the city and the vendors resulted in a ruling favouring the vendors on Feb. 23.
“There's no doubt Torontonians are incredibly passionate about Jamaica's iconic snack food, and everyone has an opinion about who makes the best beef patty in town,” said Angella Bennett, regional director for Canada at the Jamaica Tourist Board. “From the historic Patty Wars of 1985 to today, Jamaicans have been making their mark on Toronto's culinary landscape for decades. On February 23 we encourage everyone in the city and beyond to sample a true taste of the Caribbean and pick up some patties in honour of Jamaican Patty Day.”