My Love Affair with Ferron's Jerk Chicken: A Playa Del Carmen Expat's Dining Diary

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Ferron's Jerk Chicken Jamaican Style Restaurant Playa Del Carmen — Ferron’s Jerk Chicken Jamaican Style

I’ll never forget the first time I stepped off the plane into the balmy tropical air of the Cancun airport two years ago. As a fresh-faced expat embarking on a new chapter halfway across the globe from my hometown of San Diego, I had absolutely no idea what awaited me in this coastal paradise of Playa del Carmen on Mexico’s magnificent Riviera Maya.

First Bite: Discovering Authentic Jamaican Cuisine

After settling into my new beachside apartment in Playa del Carmen with my husband Steve, we decided to start exploring the city’s culinary scene. We wandered down 10th Avenue, taking in the vibrant hustle and bustle, when the unmistakable aroma of smoky, spice-infused jerk chicken wafted from a small yellow building – Ferron’s Jerk Chicken.

The laid-back atmosphere immediatelytransport me to the Caribbean as I stepped inside. Colorful murals depicting scenes of Jamaica graced the walls, and the air rang out with the upbeat rhythms of reggae music. A chorus of laughter erupted from a group playing dominoes at a corner table bathed in the golden glow of sunset streaming through the window.

We grabbed a table, my mouth already watering in anticipation. A friendly waitress greeted us within moments and enthusiastically described the menu, my decision solidified as soon as her lyrical Jamaican lilt wrapped around the words “jerk chicken.”

My First Bite of Jerk Chicken Perfection

As I bit into the succulent meat, an explosion of flavors and spice danced across my palate – the smoky, aromatic allspice mingling with the sweet and hot peppers and earthy undertones of thyme. With each juicy morsel the essence of the Caribbean permeated through me, transporting me to the heart of Jamaica.

I eagerly scooped up the rice and peas, the coconut milk and kidney beans blending together in a beautiful marriage of textures and taste. The fried sweet plantains were caramelized to perfection, providing the ideal balance to the fiery jerk chicken.

With great food, warm hospitality, and a festive ambiance, Ferron’s delivered an authentic island experience that instantly hooked me. I knew I had found my new favorite local spot in Mexico.

Becoming a Ferron’s Regular: My Go-To Comfort Food

It wasn’t long before Ferron’s Jerk Chicken became my ubiquitous dinner haunt, the restaurant staff greeting me with hugs and my “usual” order ready before I even asked. As an expat still adjusting to life abroad, Ferron’s provided me with a sense of comfort and familiarity, becoming my home away from home.

Expanding My Palate at Ferron’s Jerk Chicken

While the jerk chicken remained my staple, I slowly made my way through the extensive menu trying dishes like the fiery Scotch Bonnet pepper shrimp, oxtail stew with buttery mashed potatoes, and Curry Goat loaded with tender meat steeped in an aromatic sauce.

With each new meal I traveled deeper into the heart of Jamaican cuisine, savoring flavors that danced on my tongue yet warmed my soul.

Challenges: Language Barrier & Spicy Food at Ferron’s Jerk Chicken

My early days at Ferron’s did pose some challenges, however. My lackluster Spanish made conversing with the staff difficult at times. I often resorted to pointing at menu items, not fully knowing what would arrive at my table. This resulted in a few red-faced, watery-eyed encounters with scotch bonnet peppers catching me unawares!

I learned to carefully ask about heat levels “…not too spicy, por favor!” before diving mouth-first into my meal. Having a few handy Spanish phrases helped immensely with ordering.

Creative Magic: The Chef at Ferron’s Jerk Chicken

An Interview with Ferron Himself

On one particularly quiet afternoon at Ferron’s I finally met the legendary chef himself. Ferron sat down at my table, inquiring with his sparkling eyes and thick Jamaican patois how I was enjoying his food after spotting me dining there nearly every week.

I raved about his culinary prowess, and the conversation flowed as smoothly as the Appleton Estate rum that mysteriously manifested in our glasses. Ferron shared his personal story of growing up cooking with his grandmother in a small Jamaican fishing village, falling in love with creating flavor at a young age.

His passion led him on a quest across the Caribbean to master an array of traditional dishes before ultimately opening his namesake restaurant to share the tastes of his homeland in Mexico.

I now understood how the man transferred such heart and tradition into each dish that left me yearning for more with every bite. Food really does connect us across borders and cultures.

Bringing the Joy of Ferron’s Home

While nothing compares to the atmosphere of the restaurant itself, I learned a few tricks over the years to satisfy my Ferron’s cravings at home.

My Favorite Homemade Jerk Chicken Recipe

I’ll share my go-to recipe for homemade jerk chicken wings that captures those iconic flavors and aromas:

My Favorite Jerk Marinade:

3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 habanero or scotch bonnet peppers, seeded and chopped
1 onion, roughly chopped
6 green onions, chopped
3 garlic cloves
2 tablespoons fresh thyme
2 teaspoons ground allspice
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Blend all marinade ingredients together into a paste
Coat chicken wings generously with marinade, refrigerate 4 hours
Grill on medium-high heat until charred and cooked through, about 25 minutes
Enjoy with grilled breadfruit, fried plantains, rice and peas

Stocking My Shelves with Jerk Sauce

I also keep my pantry well-stocked with canned ackee fruit, coconut milk, Jamaican patties, and Ferron’s incredible house-made jerk sauce to elevate everyday dishes. A simple stir-fry sings with a few spoonfuls of that sweet and spicy nectar.

Cultural Immersion Through Food at Ferron’s Jerk Chicken

Beyond satiating my perpetual craving for Caribbean flavors, Ferron’s provided me with a profound opportunity to immerse myself in the heritage of my adopted home in ways that tourist guidebooks and deals on timeshares never could.

Live Music & Festivals at Ferron’s Jerk Chicken

Nearly every weekend Ferron’s hosts live music pouring onto the streets, the rhythmic beats leading patrons out of seats into spontaneous dancing under strings of festive lights.

During the annual Jamaican Jerk Festival each summer, I join hundreds of locals indulging in mounds of jerk delicacies while reggae bands serenade late into the tropical nights.

For me food always goes hand-in-hand with culture, and thanks to Ferron’s I feel connected to the community.

New Perspectives, Lasting Bonds at Ferron’s Jerk Chicken

Conversing with fellow diners and staff has illuminated unique perspectives on Mexican history and traditions that daily life often shields from expat eyes. These enlightening talks have shown me that food brings people together in remarkable ways.

In fact, I met my best friend Lucia, a local Maya woman, while waiting for takeout one night. We chatted about life, swapped homemade recipes, and the rest was history.

A Restaurant, or Family?

After two years as a loyal regular, Ferron and his staff have become family. They dote over my infant daughter like aunties and uncles with hand-me-down baby clothes and offers to babysit for the occasional date night.

Last Día de Los Muertos, Ferron proudly displayed my ofrenda photos along those of his relatives – an honor I cannot put words to.

I may have moved hundreds of miles from home to Mexico, but thanks to a humble little restaurant I have found community, friendship, love through the power of food.

The Legacy: A Community Hub at Ferron’s Jerk Chicken

A legacy is not finite, like a perfectly executed dish served that then only lives on in diners’ memories. No – Ferron’s impact ripples outward into the fabric of this city daily.

His authentic cuisine acts as a magnet, continually attracting locals and tourists who might otherwise remain separated like oil and water on their own pristine stretches of beach. Barriers dissolve, bonds are forged, and a vibrant community pulses within those four humble walls adorned with Vestiges of Jamaica.

Beyond serving up heaping plates of mouthwatering food, Ferron fosters culture. In forging relationships with his diverse customers he dismantles cultural divides, bringing people together through our innate connection – one rooted in the meals we share and stories swapped around tables scattered with the remnants of a satisfying repast.

Yes – one unassuming expat took a chance on an aromatic storefront restaurant years ago, and in turn found connection, purpose and community halfway across the globe.

Maybe we all carry our home within us, able to manifest it through life’s simple pleasures wherever we may wander. Now if only I could get Ferron to FedEx some oxtail stew and fried plantains to San Diego for my parents… but until then, you know where I’ll be, glistening sand between my toes, rum cocktail in hand, locking eyes with that big yellow sign that reads: “Ferron’s Jerk Chicken.”

About the Author

Samantha James is a freelance writer and avid traveler originally from San Diego. After falling in love with Playa del Carmen while on vacation, she took a leap and moved to Mexico to embark on expat life.

Samantha enjoys immersing herself in the local culture, beach-hopping along the Riviera Maya, and especially seeking out the best regional cuisine. She hopes to provide helpful tips and stories to others planning memorable trips to this coastal paradise. She is married with a husband, Steve.

Opening Hours: Daily from 13:00 to 22:00 pm.

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