KALAMAZOO, MI --

will host a new cooking contest at

.

Called the "Jerk-Off," the contest will put the vendors of the downtown Kalamazoo's

. The vendors will be given a couple hours to prove they make the most authentic jerk chicken and the best "island dish."

The two-category challenge will begin at 2 p.m. June 14 at the Arcadia Creek Festival Place. There will be a group of judges, including yours truly, who will sample food from both categories -- jerk chicken and island dish -- and crown winners. Judging will be held from 4-5 p.m.

The public will be able to taste the samples as well, said contest organizer and Q-It-Up founder Bryan Jennings.

Jennings said the vendors will make their jerk sauce from scratch and the flavor profiles can range from mild to spicy or sweet to savory. As for the best island dish category, Jennings said. the options are wide open to the vendors (curry goat, anyone?).

The contest is sponsored by Q-It-Up,

and the

.

Jennings said they plan to do a similar contest for

.

John Liberty can be reached at 269-370-7372 or jlibert1@mlive.com. Follow me on Twitter @JohnTLiberty