Business

What’s Cooking in Baker’s Jerk House?

Published

7 years ago

May 31, 2017

BY: DELLIA RISMAY

Jerk Chicken: it’s about as synonymous with Caribbean culture as Soca music or Carnival. The dish is believed to have gotten its name from the Spanish word “charqui”, which translates to dried or jerked meat (this later became “jerky” in English), and from the act of jerking the meat with a sharp object so that the flavours would be more readily absorbed. Its distinct, smoky flavour is a staple of barbeques, parties, and even regular lunches and dinners throughout the Caribbean, the diaspora, as well as internationally. With summer (aka barbeque season) just around the corner, you’re sure to catch a whiff of some delicious jerk chicken being smoked on a grill, especially if you’re in the vicinity of Baker’s Jerk House.

Kirk and Dion Bakers, the husband and wife masterminds behind Baker’s Jerk House, both hail from Clandon, Jamaica, which is located in the parish of Manchester, and is about thirteen kilometres away from Mandeville. Both moved to Toronto’s west-end, with Dion arriving in 1988, and Kirk arriving in 1994. The pair met while they were both living in the same apartment building, and a connection was formed.

A flair for food and for hosting was the springboard that launched Kirk and Dion into eventually opening their own restaurant. After preparing food for their own parties, they decided to venture off into the restaurant business. But their love of food was deeply established well before the two had even met. Dion was a cook, as was Kirk back in Jamaica; he has been preparing food since the tender age of eight. “It was natural for me,” he explains. At Baker’s Jerk House, the recipes used are ones that were passed down from Kirk’s grandmother to his mother, and then to him. As many people in Kirk’s family were cooks—his mother was a cook in the Bahamas—it isn’t surprising that he ventured into the world of food.

Although, like many of us, the path to his true calling took a bit of time for him to find. “I wanted to open a gym some years back when I was younger, because I was always about health,” Kirk says. “But I always had a love for food and serving people, and making people happy.”

Eventually, Kirk returned to his passion and opened a restaurant with Dion, and that came with a set of challenges as well. The pair wanted to step outside of the box and introduce some not-so-average menu items, like their jerk breast option but were faced with hesitation from diners. “No other Jamaican restaurant does it. We tried to sell it…in the first two to three years, it didn’t do well,” he says. However, with some creative thinking, the item took off. The restaurant started working with LA Fitness, handing out samples to gym-goers, and soon, the unconventional, flavour-packed lean option was flying off the grill.

In fact, the restaurant has seen their success translate to concrete recognition. In 2008, Baker’s Jerk House got second place in Jerk Fest Toronto, a festival that invites “Jerkologists” to come and test their chops against their competitors. But the restaurant didn’t stop there: they went on to win first place in 2009. But Kirk knows none of that success would have been possible without their loyal customers. “It’s [because of] their feedback,” says Kirk. “A lot of customers tell us what they like, and we cook it with great respect. We go by what they tell us.”

That official recognition along with the feedback and support the restaurant has received from its clients is what drives Kirk to strive for even more for Baker’s Jerk House. The restaurant also has a food truck and was the first Jamaican restaurant in Brampton to have one. They rolled it out last year (you may remember seeing it at the Toronto Caribbean Carnival Parade), and will be using it again during many festivals this summer. And marketing isn’t the only vision Kirk has. Hoping to help shape the future of Caribbean cooks in the Brampton area while giving back to the community at the same time, Baker’s Jerk House also takes on high school co-op students. “We’re one of the few Jamaican restaurants that do it,” Kirk explains. “We have eight kids graduating through us, with the Peel District School Board. So, we help out the community a lot.”

The co-op students Kirk and Dion mentor in their restaurant aren’t the only youth involved in the business. The couple also has four children together, the youngest being seven years old, and the eldest being twenty-one. “They all help out!” Kirk says. “Even the younger ones. They’ll wash the forks. They’ll help me out as much as they can, but they also love to eat! That’s the part that they love!”

There might even be a chance that one day, we will be seeing one of the younger Bakers open up their own establishment. “Every so often, they’ll mention something about opening their own restaurant one day, or that they’d like to help me out when I get older,” says Kirk.

For now, though, the team at Baker’s Jerk House is preparing to celebrate their tenth anniversary, coming up in September. To celebrate, the first fifty people in line (on a date that is to be announced) will receive a free meal.

With no shortage of Caribbean food options across the GTA, what makes Baker’s Jerk House stand out from the rest? They have rare options, like their jerk chicken breast, but they also created their own dish, called the House Patty. They fill a patty with their signature pasta salad, which is made from scratch, add some sauce, and place it all inside some coco bread. “It’s an explosion!” Kirk explains.

Baker’s Jerk House also sets itself apart from others with their emphasis on quality and service. “We have a great outlook on health, in terms of food, and quality, in terms of seasoning, because some people over-season,” Kirk says. “Some people don’t eat at their own restaurant, but we give you what we eat. We give you the finest product, like it’s a fine-dining restaurant, even though it’s take-out. And we are extremely friendly. You get good service and good food!”

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Technology

How Toronto’s Caribbean Community is Leading in Digital Innovation

Published

3 days ago

April 16, 2024

TOCaribNews

Toronto’s Caribbean community is making significant strides in the realm of digital innovation, reflecting a vibrant and dynamic force within the city’s tech sector. This burgeoning influence spans across various sectors, including technology incubation, digital education, and entrepreneurship, underscoring a profound impact on Toronto’s digital economy.

Fostering a Culture of Innovation

The Caribbean community in Toronto is actively contributing to a culture of innovation that is pivotal for the city’s future advancements. Through collaboration with local and international businesses, startups, and academic institutions, this community is part of the driving force behind Toronto’s position as a hub for innovation. The city is home to over 70 incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces, offering programs that support startups in technology, manufacturing, food production, fashion, arts, and music.

Central to this ecosystem is the MaRS Centre, one of the world’s largest urban innovation hubs, which houses entrepreneurs building Canada’s next generation of growth companies. Toronto’s impressive tech industry, supported by giants like Microsoft, IBM, Cisco, Google, and Facebook, benefits from the diverse talents and innovative spirit of the Caribbean community.

Digital Education and Entrepreneurial Spirit

The Toronto Caribbean community’s commitment to digital education and entrepreneurship is evident through initiatives such as the Toronto Reference Library. This hub invites users of all ages and skill levels to explore digital creation, offering activities and workshops on topics like 3D printing, graphic novel book clubs, and crafting circles. Such programs are crucial for fostering a culture of lifelong learning and innovation, enabling community members to acquire and refine digital skills.

Contribution to the Digital Economy

In the rapidly evolving digital economy, Toronto’s Caribbean community is not just a participant but a trendsetter. This is evident in the diverse range of digital services thriving in the city, including sectors such as life sciences and healthcare. The community’s innovative spirit contributes significantly to the city’s standing as a leading North American tech hub, with a vibrant biotechnology cluster and a comprehensive network of hospitals, research institutes, business incubators, and venture capital organizations. Also, initiatives like the Caribbean Digital Summit and The LEGUP Wealth Symposium featuring leaders from Caribbean governments and the tech industry, exemplifies the community’s active engagement and leadership in digital transformation and governance on a broader scale.

The real-time table games in Canada exemplify the wide array of online services prospering under this innovative umbrella. This digital sector benefits from the technological advancements and entrepreneurial drive within the Caribbean community, illustrating the diverse impact on Toronto’s digital landscape.

Toronto’s Caribbean community is playing a pivotal role in shaping the city’s digital innovation landscape. Through a commitment to education, entrepreneurship, and collaboration, this vibrant community is contributing to Toronto’s reputation as a global hub for technology and innovation. The synergy between the Caribbean community and the broader tech ecosystem in Toronto is proof of the power of diversity in driving progress and creativity in the digital age.

Technology

Jamaica’s Back-to-Back CONCACAF Gold Cup Final Appearances

Published

1 month ago

March 11, 2024

TOCaribNews

Jamaica, a small island in the Caribbean, may not be one of the first countries that come to mind when you think of soccer. However, in recent years, the Reggae Boyz have been making waves. And following the underdog stories unfolding at the current African Cup of Nations, the Jamaicans may well feel that success is just around the corner.

2024 – A Big Year For International Football

In the Ivory Coast this winter, AFCON has been making waves following the stunning early exits of almost every heavy hitter. The likes of Algeria, Tunisia, and Ghana all bowed at the group stage, while Egypt and Morocco followed them in the round of 16.

But it isn’t just Africa that has a continental competition taking place this year. Both the 2024 European Championships and Copa America will take place, tournaments that online sports betting sites have made England and Argentina the favorites to win, respectively. Caribbean involvement will have to wait until next year when the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup gets underway, and Jamaica will be hoping to channel their success from years gone by into action.

2015

The 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup was held in Canada and the United States, with Jamaica competing against some of the best teams from North and Central America. Despite being underdogs in many matches, the Reggae Boyz managed to make it all the way to the final. Inspired by the performances of former Premier League wingers Jobi McAnuff and Gareth McCleary, the Caribbean outfit defeated the highly-rated Costa Rica to top Group B.

That set up a meeting with Haiti in the quarterfinals, and a goal from former Derby County man Giles Barnes was enough to secure a narrow 1-0 victory. In the semifinals, they met a much fancied United States in front of 70,000 raucous fans at the Georgia Dome. But they weren’t intimidated, racing into a two-goal lead before clinging on for dear life in the second half and eventually running out 2-1 victors. Unfortunately, they were ultimately downed 3-1 by Mexico in the final, but not before they had captured the hearts of North America.

2017

Two years later, in 2017, Jamaica once again found themselves in the final of the tournament. This time around they faced the reigning champion Mexicans in the group stage, holding them to a goalless draw. Victories against Curacao and a draw with El Salvador were enough to seal their spot in the knockout round however, they headed into the latter stages as an unfancied side once more.

In the quarterfinals, the Jamaicans duly brushed aside Canada thanks to goals from Shaun Francis and Romario Williams. That set up a meeting with Mexico once again, and this time around, they would have their redemption. Fullback Kemar Lawrence scored the only goal of the game in the 88th minute, leaving El Tri stunned and sealing the Reggae Boyz’ spot in the final.

There, they faced off against the hosting United States at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California – home of the San Francisco 49ers. The Jamaicans were hoping to repeat their heroics of two years prior and come out on top, however, this time around it was the Stars and Stripes that ran out victorious. With the contest level at one goal apiece, Seattle Sounders striker Jordan Morris popped up with an 88th-minute winner to secure the victory.

Business

Victim Services of Durham Region invites Ontario schools and youth to Youth Violence Prevention Symposium

Published

2 months ago

February 24, 2024

TOCaribNews

BY PAUL JUNOR

Victim Services of Durham Region (VSDR) is committed to educating and informing young people with the knowledge and education they need to make informed decisions regarding critical issues that affect their lives.

In order to fulfill its mission, it will be hosting its annual online Youth Violence Prevention (YVP) Symposium. It will take place over a two-week period on Monday, February 26^th and Friday, March 8^th, 2024.It will be geared to Grades: 7, 8 and 9 students who will be able to access it using the online learning platform, Learn Worlds.

VSDR has been active over the years in the Durham Region where it has provided a range of services to help those affected and impacted by crime, or sudden tragedies. It is the only one of its kind that offers specialized services and support 24/7, 365 days per year to these individuals.

Their vision is to have a safe community where people are supported, empowered and thriving. The press release states that they provide trauma-informed, anti-oppressive crisis intervention services, including emotional support, safety planning, and financial assistance. In addition, there are translation services available in over 300 languages to those who need them. Case management services are also available, which assist individuals to bypass bureaucratic roadblocks with available:

subsidized housing, income support, medical and police services.

VSDR provides tailored support to survivors and witnesses of all crimes; 85% of its clients have experienced gender-based violence, including: survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.

Some of the programs VSDR offers are:

Crisis Response
System Navigation
Victim Quick Response Program
Human Trafficking Prevention/Intervention
Youth Prevention Workshops
Professional Training
Hotel Staff Training

The symposium will consist of accessible online modules that will be broken down into educational content, specific videos and in-class activities that are grade specific and align with curriculum targets. The six modules per grade are:

Consent & Healthy Relationships
Human Trafficking
Online Safety, Cyber Bullying and Image Sharing
Teen Dating Violence
Gang Violence & Peer Violence
Empowerment & Self-Care

The following are aims of the symposium:

Protect and empower young people.
Engage with issues like human trafficking, consent, healthy relationship, sextortion, teen dating violence, gang awareness, and cyber safety.
Provide insights on vulnerabilities and risk factors through activities and presentations.

Through partnerships with schools and educators it has been possible to:

Provide interactive online modules, games and videos.
Focus on learning in a safe setting.
Information on where to seek support provided on the event day and beyond.

Since 2020, the annual Violence Prevention Symposium has made a significant impact in the lives of young people as its program evolves from just focusing on Anti-Human Trafficking to issues that reflect emerging youth trends.

Some of the Impactful Results are:

Youth knowledge increased from 35% to 97%
Over 300% decrease in the number of youths educated since 2020
48 disclosures received in 2023 as a result of symposium education.

VSDR is anticipating great things from the 2024 symposium. They will continue to adapt and adjust the programs and services they deliver in light of the changing landscape and rapidly evolving world of teenagers.