BARBADOS - FOOD & RUM FESTIVAL

As I walk down Oistens Main Road, a warm ocean breeze carries a slight whiff of BBQ smoke. Now a little further, the unique sound of Caribbean music grows louder and stage lights can be seen fl ashing a multitude of colors over a very excited crowd. Defi nitely and decidedly excited and for good reason... this is A Night Out in Oistins, the opening event for the Barbados Food and Rum Festival. Celebrating it’s 10 year, the Barbados Food and Rum Festival has become a great venue to showcase the culinary talent in Barbados, attracted world classes chefs like Tom Aikens, Britain’s youngest chef to receive two Michelin Stars and Canada’s Craig Harding. Th ere is no doubt that the Barbados Food and Rum Festival is a premier Caribbean culinary event.

A Night Out in Oistins Event happens in an open public space next to the Oistins fi sh market. Tourists and locals mingle eff ortlessly, with tourists making up at least half of those in attendance. Th e other half are locals, and they’re here because they hknow there is no where better to experience a Bajan fi sh BBQ.

Tonight, festival goers can dine at one of many fine restaurants around the island; I chose Hugo’s. Located on Speightstown's beach front, Hugo’s is a perfect mix of open air and enclosed fine dining. Head chef Avion Caine’s menu was what he calls “Childhood Memories”, where he takes the ingredients he remembers from his childhood and elevates them to a level you might not think possible. I ordered the Bajan Marinated Pork Chop with Black Eyed Pea Puree, Okra, Crackling and Sorrel Ketchup as my entrée and it was outstanding.

The Gourmet Safari Dine Around

Interesting side note about Hugo’s – I noticed many photographs that were of the famed Ivy Restaurant in London, England. As it turns out Andy Stewart, owner of Hugo’s was once a partner in the Ivy and after a recent renovation he brought some memorabilia back to Barbados.

Epicure - An Evening of Elegance

An Evening of Elegance is an understatement. Tonight’s venue is at the Barbados Prime Minister’s residence. Designed and built in the early 1920’s this gracious mansion combines Edwardian, Italian, and Caribbean architectural features into a distinctive and individualistic whole.

On this night, the Chefs really get to strut their stuff. Over 500 guests enjoyed the tastes of the Caribbean from a dozen or so food stations that celebrated one common theme – Barbados RUM! Each dish was created using local rum in some way. My favorite bite of the night was Canadian Chef Craig Harding’s rum infused Pork belly – melt in your mouth delicious!

The rum poured freely that evening and the infectious Caribbean sounds made it impossible to stay off the dance floor.

All in all, the Barbados Food and Rum festival was a great event and I cannot wait to go back again soon. I It was lively, authentic and jam packed with outstanding food and exceptional rum. Bravo Barbados!

Between festival events, take to the waters that Barbados is famous for. I took a morning cruise with the sailing team at Cool Runnings Catamaran Cruises. Nothing beats spending time on the blue water and their crew was well equipped to make this morning cruise relaxing and memorable.

Ocean Two Resort & Residences was my home base for the week. Guest rooms are huge (perfect for long stays) and had a spectacular oceanview. I lovd how it sat right on the beach, allowing me to take a quick dip whenever I felt like it.

PLAN TO GO October 29 to November 1, 2020

Barbados is often referred to as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean. The Barbados Food and Rum Festival has given birth to a series of events, or better yet – culinary and beverage experiences – designed to tantalize the taste buds, while offering a variety of other colorful and flavorful experiences to stimulate the other senses as well.

The 2020 event should prove extra special as “Gatherin 2020” will be in full swing. This a year long celebration looks to have Barbadians across the world return home for 2020. It is an invitation open to Barbadians by birth, by descent, by marriage or by choice. But is it more than just a homecoming. It will focus on ‘Barbadian excellence and a re-commitment to this country’s successful future and core values that have defined them as a people.

visitbarbados.org

Getting there - Grantley Adams International Airport has direct service from destinations in the United States, Canada, Central America and Europe.