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Key moments and achievements from Edward Pottinger's life.
Edward was born
· Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Immigration
After spending several years of his childhood in England, Ed Pottinger immigrated to Canada with his mother in the late 1970s. This move marked a significant new chapter in his life, bringing him to a country where he would eventually establish a thriving culinary empire. His journey to Canada was a pivotal step towards realizing his dreams.
Immigration
After spending several years of his childhood in England, Ed Pottinger immigrated to Canada with his mother in the late 1970s. This move marked a significant new chapter in his life, bringing him to a country where he would eventually establish a thriving culinary empire. His journey to Canada was a pivotal step towards realizing his dreams.
Married
In 1981, Ed Pottinger returned to Canada, and his beloved Lily soon followed. The couple married, solidifying their partnership both personally and professionally. Their union would become the foundation for a lifetime of shared endeavors, including the creation of one of Toronto's most celebrated Caribbean restaurants.
Married
In 1981, Ed Pottinger returned to Canada, and his beloved Lily soon followed. The couple married, solidifying their partnership both personally and professionally. Their union would become the foundation for a lifetime of shared endeavors, including the creation of one of Toronto's most celebrated Caribbean restaurants.
Founded Organization
After his time in Canada, Ed Pottinger returned to Jamaica to work in his uncle's import/export business. It was there that he met Lily, his future wife and business partner. Together, they opened their very first restaurant, Little River Jerk, in 1981, laying the groundwork for their shared culinary journey and passion for authentic Jamaican cuisine.
Founded Organization
After his time in Canada, Ed Pottinger returned to Jamaica to work in his uncle's import/export business. It was there that he met Lily, his future wife and business partner. Together, they opened their very first restaurant, Little River Jerk, in 1981, laying the groundwork for their shared culinary journey and passion for authentic Jamaican cuisine.
Founded Organization
In 1984, Edward and Lily Pottinger co-founded The Real Jerk restaurant in Toronto, opening its first location at Queen Street East and Greenwood Avenue. This venture was a bold step to introduce authentic Jamaican jerk cuisine to the city. The Real Jerk quickly became a beloved spot, known for its delicious food and vibrant atmosphere, establishing Ed Pottinger as a pioneer in Toronto's culinary scene.
Founded Organization
In 1984, Edward and Lily Pottinger co-founded The Real Jerk restaurant in Toronto, opening its first location at Queen Street East and Greenwood Avenue. This venture was a bold step to introduce authentic Jamaican jerk cuisine to the city. The Real Jerk quickly became a beloved spot, known for its delicious food and vibrant atmosphere, establishing Ed Pottinger as a pioneer in Toronto's culinary scene.
Published Book
In 2002, Ed Pottinger, alongside his wife Lily, co-authored 'The Real Jerk: New Caribbean Cuisine.' This cookbook allowed them to share their cherished recipes and culinary philosophy with a broader audience, further spreading the appreciation for Jamaican food. The publication solidified Edward Pottinger's expertise and influence in the world of Caribbean cooking.
Published Book
In 2002, Ed Pottinger, alongside his wife Lily, co-authored 'The Real Jerk: New Caribbean Cuisine.' This cookbook allowed them to share their cherished recipes and culinary philosophy with a broader audience, further spreading the appreciation for Jamaican food. The publication solidified Edward Pottinger's expertise and influence in the world of Caribbean cooking.
Media Feature
The Real Jerk gained international fame in 2016 when it served as a filming location for the music video of Rihanna's hit song 'Work,' featuring Drake. This high-profile appearance brought unprecedented global attention to the restaurant and, by extension, to Toronto's Caribbean culture. Edward Pottinger's establishment became a recognized landmark in popular culture, a testament to its unique appeal.
Media Feature
The Real Jerk gained international fame in 2016 when it served as a filming location for the music video of Rihanna's hit song 'Work,' featuring Drake. This high-profile appearance brought unprecedented global attention to the restaurant and, by extension, to Toronto's Caribbean culture. Edward Pottinger's establishment became a recognized landmark in popular culture, a testament to its unique appeal.
Founded Business
After returning to Jamaica to work in his uncle's import and export business, Ed Pottinger met his future wife and lifelong business partner, Lily. Together, the couple embarked on their very first culinary venture by opening Little River Jerk in 1981. This early establishment allowed Pottinger to refine his skills in Caribbean cooking and hospitality, laying the essential groundwork for the massive success they would later achieve in Canada. The experience solidified their shared passion for sharing authentic Jamaican flavors with their community.
Founded Business
After returning to Jamaica to work in his uncle's import and export business, Ed Pottinger met his future wife and lifelong business partner, Lily. Together, the couple embarked on their very first culinary venture by opening Little River Jerk in 1981. This early establishment allowed Pottinger to refine his skills in Caribbean cooking and hospitality, laying the essential groundwork for the massive success they would later achieve in Canada. The experience solidified their shared passion for sharing authentic Jamaican flavors with their community.
Founded Business
After relocating to Canada, Ed and Lily Pottinger decided to bring the authentic tastes of their homeland to Toronto by co-founding The Real Jerk restaurant. Originally opening at the intersection of Queen Street East and Greenwood Avenue, the establishment quickly became a beloved beacon for Caribbean cuisine in the city's east end. The restaurant's vibrant atmosphere and mouth-watering dishes introduced generations of Torontonians to Jamaican food, fundamentally shaping the city's diverse culinary landscape for decades to come.
Founded Business
After relocating to Canada, Ed and Lily Pottinger decided to bring the authentic tastes of their homeland to Toronto by co-founding The Real Jerk restaurant. Originally opening at the intersection of Queen Street East and Greenwood Avenue, the establishment quickly became a beloved beacon for Caribbean cuisine in the city's east end. The restaurant's vibrant atmosphere and mouth-watering dishes introduced generations of Torontonians to Jamaican food, fundamentally shaping the city's diverse culinary landscape for decades to come.
Published Book
Cementing their influence on the Canadian culinary scene, Ed and Lily Pottinger co-authored and published "The Real Jerk: New Caribbean Cuisine" through Arsenal Pulp Press. The cookbook allowed the couple to share their beloved, closely guarded recipes and their broader culinary philosophy with a much wider audience beyond their Toronto restaurant. By documenting their innovative approach to traditional Jamaican dishes, the Pottingers preserved their cultural heritage and empowered home cooks to recreate the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean.
Published Book
Cementing their influence on the Canadian culinary scene, Ed and Lily Pottinger co-authored and published "The Real Jerk: New Caribbean Cuisine" through Arsenal Pulp Press. The cookbook allowed the couple to share their beloved, closely guarded recipes and their broader culinary philosophy with a much wider audience beyond their Toronto restaurant. By documenting their innovative approach to traditional Jamaican dishes, the Pottingers preserved their cultural heritage and empowered home cooks to recreate the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean.
Published Book
In 2002, Ed Pottinger and his wife Lily expanded their culinary influence by co-authoring "The Real Jerk: New Caribbean Cuisine," published by Arsenal Pulp Press. The cookbook allowed the couple to share their beloved Jamaican recipes, cooking techniques, and broader culinary philosophy with a global audience. This publication cemented their status not just as successful restaurateurs, but as authoritative ambassadors of Caribbean food culture in North America.
Published Book
In 2002, Ed Pottinger and his wife Lily expanded their culinary influence by co-authoring "The Real Jerk: New Caribbean Cuisine," published by Arsenal Pulp Press. The cookbook allowed the couple to share their beloved Jamaican recipes, cooking techniques, and broader culinary philosophy with a global audience. This publication cemented their status not just as successful restaurateurs, but as authoritative ambassadors of Caribbean food culture in North America.
Relocated Business
Following a highly publicized eviction notice from their long-standing Queen and Broadview location in late 2011, Ed and Lily Pottinger faced a significant crossroads. Bolstered by a massive outpouring of community support and a petition signed by thousands of loyal patrons, the couple successfully relocated The Real Jerk to a new, vibrant home at Carlaw Avenue and Gerrard Street East. This triumphant reopening in 2013 ensured that the cultural institution would continue to serve its famous jerk chicken and foster community connections for years to come.
Relocated Business
Following a highly publicized eviction notice from their long-standing Queen and Broadview location in late 2011, Ed and Lily Pottinger faced a significant crossroads. Bolstered by a massive outpouring of community support and a petition signed by thousands of loyal patrons, the couple successfully relocated The Real Jerk to a new, vibrant home at Carlaw Avenue and Gerrard Street East. This triumphant reopening in 2013 ensured that the cultural institution would continue to serve its famous jerk chicken and foster community connections for years to come.
Cultural Milestone
In early 2016, The Real Jerk achieved international pop culture fame when global music superstars Drake and Rihanna selected the restaurant as the primary filming location for their hit music video "Work." The high-profile shoot brought unprecedented global attention to the establishment, showcasing its vibrant Caribbean atmosphere to millions of viewers worldwide. This milestone firmly solidified the restaurant's status as an iconic cultural landmark within Toronto's diverse landscape.
Cultural Milestone
In early 2016, The Real Jerk achieved international pop culture fame when global music superstars Drake and Rihanna selected the restaurant as the primary filming location for their hit music video "Work." The high-profile shoot brought unprecedented global attention to the establishment, showcasing its vibrant Caribbean atmosphere to millions of viewers worldwide. This milestone firmly solidified the restaurant's status as an iconic cultural landmark within Toronto's diverse landscape.
Cultural Milestone
The Real Jerk achieved unprecedented international recognition when global music superstars Drake and Rihanna selected the restaurant as the primary filming location for their hit music video "Work." The high-profile shoot propelled the beloved Toronto establishment into the global pop culture spotlight, attracting legions of new fans and tourists to the eatery. This milestone further solidified Ed Pottinger's legacy, proving that his dedication to authentic Jamaican culture and warm hospitality resonated on a worldwide scale.
Cultural Milestone
The Real Jerk achieved unprecedented international recognition when global music superstars Drake and Rihanna selected the restaurant as the primary filming location for their hit music video "Work." The high-profile shoot propelled the beloved Toronto establishment into the global pop culture spotlight, attracting legions of new fans and tourists to the eatery. This milestone further solidified Ed Pottinger's legacy, proving that his dedication to authentic Jamaican culture and warm hospitality resonated on a worldwide scale.
Edward Pottinger passed away
