Garden of Eden helps create Bahamian oasis in Canada

ByFELICITYDARVILLE

The Garden of Eden and its culinary support team provided the perfect fare for Bahamas’ 50th Independence celebrations in Ottawa, Canada, hosted by High Commissioner V Alfred Gray, with entertainment by Magical Beats

Party Powered by SLS Baha Mar - an entertainment and culinary celebration that brings together the best of SLS Baha Mar’s chefs alongside Marcus Samuelsson for an authentic epicurean experience, drawing on the country’s rich history, creativity, and fresh, locally sourced farm-andsea-to-table ingredients. Throughout the weekend’s events, Baha Mar’s resident and guest chefs will host a schedule of unique and intimate master classes, where festival-goers can choose their own adventure from a variety of culinary experiences.

Band, also provided by Garden of Eden.

High Commissioner Gray led special arrangements for the Bahamas’ Golden Jubilee with the Canadian Government.

Efforts included 15 city halls and four bridges being lit in the Bahamian national colours on the evening of July 10.

On July 15, there was a gala reception at the Commissioner’s residence, where the Garden of Eden’s popular Bahamian dishes and exemplary service were on display.

The dining crew was led by Garden of Eden Manager, Ephraim Jones, assisted by planning coordinator Jamal Jones, executive chef Calvin Greene, and chefs Edwin Johnson, Richmond Fowler and Alfred Stubbs, chef. They were aided by a support team comprised

BAHA Mar’s Director of Arts & Culture

John Cox & Celebrity Chef Marcus Samuelsson headline the first Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival

The festival will also bring back the two-day expo where guests can partake in live entertainment and Bahamian hospitality with on-stage chef demonstrations from top talent including Carla Hall, Geoffrey Zakarian, Scott Conant and more.

This year’s art programming partner is FUZE, a showcase for Caribbean- inspired art facilitated by John Cox, executive director of Art & Culture at Baha Mar.

Decentralising the art market and creating a focus for Bahamian art and the surrounding regions, FUZE of William Bethel, Sean Thompson, Kevin Ryan, Godfrey Arthur, Aiden, Ja Ronn Jones, and Kemeish Wilson.

This team prepared and served food for roughly 300 people during the Canadian celebrations. Guests raved over the conch balls and conch fritters, as well as the lobster mac and cheese.

Garden of Eden’s band Magical Beats brought the crowd alive with Bahamian music that guests danced to all night long until it was time for the Junkanoo rush-out. The band was led by Michael Hanna on bass guitar, Ralph Johnson on keyboard, Ivan Hanna on guitar, David Hoyte on the organ, David Bethel on will gather pioneers to showcase a vast collection of artworks from seven different Caribbean nations, and feature multi-disciplinary creative programming including artist-led panel discussions, guided tours, live printmaking demonstrations, and a specially curated film series.

FUZE will feature various works from renowned artists and galleries, including Lavar Munroe, Nadia Huggins, Christopher Cozier, Lucy Garcia, Alice Yard, Fresh Milk, and the David Gumbs Installation.

“Building off last year’s success, we are thrilled to bring back the Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival. This event holds a special place in our hearts as it showcases Baha Mar as the leading culinary and artist-driven destination in the Caribbean,” said Graeme Davis, president of Baha Mar. “Last year’s event was a mustvisit weekend, and we can’t wait to commemorate this year with even more celebratory experiences and innovative programming hosted by an all-star roster of tastemakers.”

“This year’s Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival is going to be an incredible convergence of culinary and beverage talents and artists together for an epic weekend at this very special property,” said Marcus Samuelsson. “This is an incredible opportunity to experience the flavours and soul of the island with our Bahamian friends and visiting guests.” drums, and vocalists Val Richards and Yvette Williams.

Early bird weekend pass tickets for the event are now on sale.

Mr Jones said his team took pleasure in ensuring that guests had real Bahamian food and music during such an auspicious occasion.