Restaurant Fest returns to showcase best of Grand Bahama

By JEFFARAH GIBSON | Tribune Features Writer | jgibson@tribunemedia.net

For those curious about what Grand Bahama’s culinary scene has to offer, a special restaurant festival this August aims to serve up some tasty answers.

The island’s leading restaurants will once again deliver the flavour and the flair for the second annual Grand Bahama Island Restaurant Fest.

Foodies will have a whole month, from August 1 to 31, to partake in the event. This year’s festival also celebrates the start of the crawfish (also referred to as the Bahamian lobster) season.

There will be lots to choose from as the menus are expected to feature a number of dishes which include freshly caught lobster as well as other fresh seafood, Bahamian classics and internationally inspired options.

Each participating restaurant will offer a prix fixe menu inclusive of an appetiser, entrée and dessert.

Grand Bahama has over 120 restaurants, beach-front eateries, and unique food stalls.

Acting Chairman of the Grand Bahama Island Board Ian Rolle said there will be a myriad of food options available that people may not have tried before.

“There is no shortage of diverse, authentic and unique cuisine on Grand Bahama,” he said. “Not only is the island home to the oldest fish fry in the Bahamas, which is located in Smith’s Point, but Grand Bahama diners can enjoy a wide range a Bahamian, international, fine dining or casual beachfront options.”

Mr Rolle also made a point to mention the range of culinary skills and abilities that can be found on the island.

“Grand Bahama has some exceptionally talented and world-class chefs. We hope that the Restaurant Fest will allow local restaurants to get creative and flex their culinary expertise, while also making it as easy as possible for visitors and residents to try something new,” he said.

Also as part of the festival, cultural events will be taking place until the end of Summer.

“This year, the Bahamas is celebrating 50 years of Independence, and there will be lots of events happening throughout the island in honour of this milestone. Goombay Summer has also been taking place every Thursday in July. And, Wednesdays at the Smith’s Point Fish Fry are a must, in addition to a visit to West End on the weekend for a bowl of freshly made pickled conch salad, conch fritters or some fried fish and panny cakes,” he said.

The inaugural event drew not only Grand Bahamians but also people from different islands to the various participating restaurants.

This year’s lineup of restaurants will include The Brass Helmet, Pisces Seafood Haven & Pizzeria, Sabor’s Restaurant, Off the Deep Edge, Flying Fish GastroBar, Green Gamut Bistro, The Stoned Crab, Oceans Blue, Zorba’s Restaurant, Upstairs on the Bay, Portobello’s Restaurant, and the Margarita Villa Sand Bar.