BARBADOS RUM PARTY

By Hans Tammemagi

The annual Barbados Food and Rum Festival sets out to prove that Barbados is the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean.

This gastronomic gala kicks off with a spectacular open-air fish fry at the historic Oistins fishing village. Mountains of lobster, snapper and mac-and-cheese are devoured while the happy throngs watch demonstrations of Bajan cooking and learn how to make classy rum cocktails.

The energetic pounding of a drum band follows, raising the noise level while feather-plumed dancers gyrate to the hot “wuk up” beat.

ST. NICHOLAS ABBEY RUM

©KHIRY CUMMINGS

The Signature Rum Event is where Barbados’ top chefs and mixologists strive to outdo each other with the most exotic, often bizarre but always tasty, hors d’oeuvres paired with superb cocktails featuring, what else, rum. After all, this sugarcane-based spirit was invented in Barbados.

Expect typical treats like Pickled Flying Fish Roulade paired with a Bitter-Sweet Passion (mango, passion fruit, coconut, rum and more). Although the spotlight is on local talent, this year, Tom Aikens, one of Britain’s most acclaimed chefs, will give demonstrations of his creative interpretation of modern French cuisine.

ST. NICHOLAS ABBEY RUM TASTING

On another evening, The Safari Dine Around features a wide selection of restaurants with top local chefs. One of the best experiences last year was a paired gourmet feast at Cocktail Kitchen prepared by Damian Leach, voted 2018 Barbados Chef of the Year.

The five courses were accompanied by specially crafted cocktails – all featuring rum. Beginning with a delicate Lionfish ceviche paired with a Mango Passion, it was culinary and cocktail heaven.

OISTINS STREET FOOD GASTRONOMY

Taste the Spirits of Polo is the final-day event. While horses and riders careen around the field, merry spectators sip glamorous cocktails and devour scrumptious appetizers. Keeping track of the score isn’t easy when you’re tempted by the likes of Teapot Tinis and Devon’s Mojitos.

The Festival is a fun-filled peek into Barbados through your taste buds.