F TAKREE! HO E ME ME!
December at a Glance Lionfish Derby Christmas Magic The Art Scene December 2015 // Issue 2
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Christmas December 2015 Issue 2
Editor’s Note
Contents
editor@ilovethisrock.com
3 Lionfish Derby
How we’re solving a major problem whilst eating it.
9 Christmas Services 14 Diabetes. Solutions. Now we want to do something real to tackle what affect so many of us.
16 The Art Scene
New to I Love This Rock, we are exploring the different exhibitions of Barbados, month by month.
4 Not to Miss 6 December at a Glance 11 This Month’s 5 Cravings 12 Latest Reviews 19 Photo Competition 20 The Final Word 22 Who We Wrote About
It’s the most wonderful time... of the year.
When this time of year rolls around there is always a mix of love, endearment and giving... But also a swathe of family arguments, panic present-buying, the most uncomfortable outfits and children running around in matching everything. Then there’s always someone who reminds us that Christmas isn’t about presents but the dawn of Christianity and the salvation of our souls through Jesus Christ, our Lord, amen. Kids are listening until they hear ‘amen’ and that’s their cue to return to their iPads and newfangled gadgets that no-one above the age of fourteen can understand. Within moments we are all on WhatsApp wishing 275,000 other people a Merry Christmas and then we’re posting on Facebook because you just have to see granny asleep with that blinking reindeer hat falling off her head. What’s certainly true is that all of these instances create memories and we get the opportunity to take photos together and make something of the magic no matter how forced it is. So as you hear everybody talking about how fast time has flown by, take a minute to think about how every day could be its own collection of instances and memories. We all have to build a future and that calls for real sacrifices but let’s not forget that the present was the future just a moment ago. So if you’re not living the present, what have you just done to your future? Food for thought. Now let’s carry on with our thoughts for food. A Merry Christmas from us all at I Love This Rock... Now let me play on my iPad in peace. //
All rights reserved. Nothing from this publication may be reproduced, even in part, without prior written approval from I Love This Rock. All the information provided is correct to our best knowledge at the time of print.
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Want to reach every office in Barbados? Every hotel and restaurant? advertise@ilovethisrock.com Photo Credits: Lalita Vaswani. Lead Writer: Liam Rice. Contributing Writer: Lalita Vaswani. Special thanks to all the organisations who worked with us on this issue by supplying information, imagery and good vibes. Special thanks to Keith Lawrence at Print Web Caribbean for his time and support, Charleston for his endless time, advice and dedication. Special thanks to our friends and families who support us, day in, day out.
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lionfish derby Special Lionfish Menus Always call and check for prices and availability first.
November 30th at Daphne’s 432-2731 or daphnesbarbados.com
December 1st at Marco Polo 271-2583 or marcopolobarbados.com
December 2nd at Champers
434-3463 or email info@champersrestaurant.com
December 3rd at Little Bristol Beach Bar 439-1592 or email littlebristolbar@gmail.com
December 5th at Camelot (Cobblers Cove) 422-2291 or email camelot@cobblerscove.com
December 6th at Copacabana Beach Bar 622-1910 or copacabanabb.com
If you haven’t heard about the devastating effects that lionfish are having on marine ecosystems around the world, this is a must read! In Barbados we must do our best to prevent this invasive species from destroying our reefs and so twice a year there is the Lionfish Derby. Get your snorkels, gloves and spear guns out: it’s James Bond time! Underwater! Best lionfish assassin wins. December 5th and 6th, there will be prizes for the most lionfish caught, the smallest lionfish and a whole set of other categories. We even hear there’s even a prize for the best underwater photo. To make it even better, there’s a huge tasting session where your spoils will be prepared by local chefs and believe us when we say that this fish is delicious. barbadoslionfishderby.com to register and get all the restaurant information.
Participating Dive Clubs: Coral Reef Club Holetown divehightide.com +1 246 432 0931
Barbados Blue Hastings divebarbadosblue.com +1 246 434 5764
Wreckers & Reefers Speightstown scubadiving.bb +1 246 234 1377 Lionfish sushi!
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T’is the season to be jolly
Jolly good at cleaning up the sea! Lionfish pose a major threat to almost all underwater life in Barbados because it has no natural predators. The most effective way of dealing with them is by having the best time, ever! This is the time of year when all the spearfishers of the island get their groove on and start looking as cool as they can as they strut their stuff in stretchy, moulding neoprene. It’s their time to shine and shine they will. Restaurants are also getting involved and creating special lionfish menus because if we can create a market for them, we will have developed a real incentive to fish them and sell them... It’s a positive result for everybody.
not to miss Dessert The Chocolate Fondant at Scarlet. Most people rave about how a chocolate fondant should be crispy and light on the outside and then they will say that the inside was hot molten chocolate. And they’re right. That’s why it’s one of the most popular chocolate desserts. Yet what Scarlet has done is work on the vanilla and they’ve scored! The vanilla they use is second to none and we just want to believe that it’s real Brunch vanilla bean. That said, even if it was Spice-fried chicken & waffles with maple syrup at 13/59, the cheapest supermarket stuff on the Port Ferdinand’s flagship restaurant. It’s the best play on island, we’re still going back for more. your palate you could ask for at a weekend brunch. Truly different and truly delicious. ilovethisrock.com/scarlet ilovethisrock.com/1359-at-port-ferdinand/ Paynes Bay Six Mens, St Peter Read more reviews and find out what’s on this month at ilovethisrock.com 5
december at a glan
4&5
World Doctors Symphony Orchestra If you needed any further confirmation that doctors are good at pretty much everything, this is the concert to go to. Join the World Doctors Orchestra, the Barbados National Youth Symphony Orchestra as well as the internationally acclaimed Trinidadian soprano, Jeanine de Bique for some great classical renditions. It should definitely help bring “Bach” that Christmas feeling. world-doctors-orchestra.org
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Banks 2016 Calendar Girls Final This it is. The finals. Eight girls have been selected and it’s time to see which beauty will be doing the rounds of all 3,000 rum shops over the next year. Look out for lots of attitude and a little less clothes as the girls grace the stage at Oistins and put on a show. Bring your loudest whistles and bandanas to cheer the contestants on. It’s fair to assume there will be a significant about of Banks Beer so maybe leave the cooler at home this time. bankscalendargirl.com
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Run Barbados Marathon & Half Marathon The gun goes at 5am for both the half (13.1miles) and the full (26.2miles) marathons. You don’t have to run it but just imagine the difference you can make standing on the sidelines cheering on these incredible people. They will need all the help and encouragement they can get.
11&12
Classical Pops, Apes Hill Hearing soca like Allison Hinds’s right after an opera aria would make you think a 5-year old was messing with your iTunes. But that’s exactly what to expect at the Classical Pops Festival - and somehow it works! Reputed orchestras will be putting their own twist on film scores and contemporary hits as well as their usual repertoire of classical stuff. The Classical Pops has quickly become a staple on the local run-up to Christmas and it’s here to stay.
There will be drinks stations everywhere for the runners and you can hand out slices of orange or even bananas - nothing stops cramps like bananas. It’s scheduled to be the biggest event yet and if you visit their website you can get a full map of where they will be running. runbarbados.com
Photography: Andre Williams
nce
classicalpops.com
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december at a glance
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Carols By Candlelight by Illaro Court It’s something of a local Christmas tradition: gathering with friends, taking a couple blankets, some nibbles and making your way to Illaro Court, the Honourable Prime Minister’s beautiful gardens, for this great concert. As usual, the best local talent will be performing. This means Biggie Irie, De Red Boyz and the adorable Mustard Seed Kids. Tickets have been on sale for quite some time now so get yours before they all go. Get there early to find the best spot on the hill and, if we’re lucky, Sir Cliff Richard might get up on stage again and sing! Tickets are $35 and admit 2 children under the age of 12.
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Carols at St. Nicholas Abbey Everyone loves a good Christmas carol, right? Well, you’re about to love them even more. The wonderfully decorated Abbey and the Police Band will be sure to put you in the festive mood, even if you’re the biggest Scrooge around. Don’t forget to bring a wrapped gift for a child stating their age and gender to make someone’s Christmas that much more joyful. This is what it’s all about! Adults: $25 Children: $5 All proceeds go to charity.
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Christmas Morning in Queen’s Park After the morning church service, make your way to Queen’s Park, in the heart of Bridgetown, to see Barbadian pomp and pageantry at its best. Three-piece suits, bling walking-sticks and floor length gowns: it’s basically a fashion show, Christmas style. The Police Band makes an appearance as always and they’re brilliant. They occasionally play around the island but now is the time to get them at their best... With Christmas tunes!
Photo: Amanda Lynch-Foster
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Boxing Day Fun Regatta Now may be the time to get your hand in sailing. There’s a fun-race in Carlisle bay organised by The Barbados Cruising Club. Generally speaking, Boxing Day is either really busy or really not-busy so, given the choice, it’s always better to be out on the ocean rubbing shoulders with some naval nutters, singing songs and being merry. We imagine it’s customary to bring booze so make sure you have the accompanying life jacket too! barbadoscruisingclub.org
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christmas mass ANGLICAN CHURCHES
CHRIST CHURCH • Christ Church Parish Church, Church Road, Christ Church Sunday services at 6:00am, 7:45am and 9:15am
ST. MICHAEL • St. Cyprian’s Church, George Street, St. Michael Sunday service at 8:00am
• St. David’s Church, Christ Church Sunday services at 6:15am and 7.30am
• St. Leonard’s Anglican Church, St. Leonard’s, St. Michael Sunday services at 7:30am, 9:30am and 6:30pm
• St. Lawrence Church, St. Lawrence Gap, Christ Church Sunday services at 7:30am, 9:30am and 6:30pm
• St. Mary’s Church, Bridgetown, St. Michael Sunday services at 7:00am, 8:30am and 6:00pm
• St. Mathias Church, Hastings, Christ Church Sunday services at 7:00am and 8:30am
• St. Michael’s Cathedral, Bridgetown, St. Michael Sunday services at 6:30am, 7:45am, 9:00am, 11:00am, and 6:00pm
ST. JAMES • St. James Parish Church, Holetown, St. James Sunday services at 7:30am and 9:00am
• St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Bay Street, St. Michael Sunday service at 8:30am • St. Stephen’s Church, Black Rock, St. Michael Sunday services at 7:00am, 8:30am and 6:30pm
ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHES CHRIST CHURCH • St. Dominic’s Roman Catholic Church, Maxwell Main Rd Mass Monday - Friday at 6:30am 7:00am on Saturdays and Holidays; Saturday Vigil Mass at 6:30pm Sunday Mass at 7:00am and 10:00am ST. JAMES • St. Francis of Assisi, Mount Steadfast, St. James Mass at 5:00pm on Saturday and at 8:00am and 10:30am on Sundays ST. MICHAEL • Our Lady Queen of the Universe, Black Rock, St. Michael Mass at 6:30am and 8:30am on Sundays • St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral, Bay Street Mass at 6:00pm on Saturday and 7:00am, 8:45am and 6:00pm Sunday
ST. PETER • Our Lady of Sorrows, Ashton Hall Sunday Mass 9:00am ST. JOHN • Our Lady of the Rosary, Verdun, St. John Sunday Mass 9:00am ST. PHILIP • Sacred Heart Services presently held in Beulah Methodist Church, St. Philip Sunday Mass 7:00am
METHODIST CHURCHES CHRIST CHURCH • Hawthorne Methodist Church, Hawthorne, Christ Church Services at 9:00am and 5:00pm on Sundays ST. MICHAEL • James Street Methodist Church, James Street, Bridgetown Services at 9.00am and 5.00pm on Sundays ST. JAMES • Weston Congregation, Weston Tuesdays at 7:00pm, Thursdays at 7:00pm and Sundays at 9:00am
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food & drink December’s 5 Cravings To Buzo or not to Buzo Art Splash’s New Brunch Diabetes. Solutions. Slow Food - Farm to Table
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This Month’s 5 Cravings Bite Me Nothing short of a dream come true; a world where healthy, fast, inexpensive and delivered all come together in one wonderful package. Entrepreneur Jaishree has been at it for a short time now but you couldn’t tell given her excellent recipes. This is obviously a venture that started out because
she couldn’t find a work-lunch that she wanted and if you want something done well, you’ve got to do it yourself. Thankfully that’s exactly what she did and we all benefit. Score!
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ilovethisrock.com/cuzz
Cuzz’s All-In-One
Lobster Thermidor
So he’s not there on the weekends anymore but that doesn’t mean we can’t still go because now the queue is really short! The All-In-One (fish, cheese and egg) is getting harder and harder to come by but if Cuzz is has what he needs you’re on the next flight to heaven. The best way to finish it is to add hot-sauce to the bread lining, then put ketchup on top of that and then mustard on top of that! Mmmmm!
Is it lobster? Is it cheese? Is it by the sea? Is there a live jazz band? Then why would I be sitting at home? Lobster Alive is perfect! And a little mad too! There is little indulgence in Barbados better than this for a weekend lunch and it leads to the perfect beach day too. If you’re into your rosé wine, get yourself an ice bucket to match and sit in the sunshine whilst each sip cools you back down again. ilovethisrock.com/lobster-alive
Chicken Rita’s
French Dessert Board
Arrive early, order even earlier, leave late, talk about it forever. The chicken is insane and the fries are homemade. Nothing about it is healthy but everything about it is memorable. The best nights to go are when there are already lots of people because the atmosphere changes instantly and the chicken that comes out of that kitchen gets even better. Would you believe, they cook better under pressure!
Dare we say it? We dare. Even if it’s in Lime Grove and even if it’s the Frenchest place in Barbados, Un Dimanche à Paris has a ridiculously well-finished dessert board. There is no doubt that it will change every time but mini-apple crumble with mini brownie and mini ‘pâtes de fruits’ and mini other things surrounding a pretty damn good cappuccino... It’s the best retail hang-around there is.
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food & drink Buzo The south coast’s freshest gossip is the opening of a new Italian and there’s no lack of talk. Aesthetically it’s modern and colourfully minimalist. Throughout the month of October the restaurant was lit in pink for Breast Cancer awareness month whilst November was all blue and yellow for Independence Day (with flowers to match no less!). The ceilings are super high and the atmosphere makes you think that the economy has completely recovered, it’s full every night. Yet the food couldn’t be more different. The pastas have a seriously homemade-Italian-nonna feel to them. The portions are huge and heavy and the plates are even huger. Instead of getting the traditional dome of spaghetti with garnished-peaks, you find yourself with a serious load of everything mixed together: nonna-style! The fish on the menu is less Italian and the meats are very saucy but the sides are spot-on. It’s so easy to over-order but as long as you feel you have tasted everything you’ve scored. For dessert, see if you can get your hands on the chocolate soufflé. So why all the hoo-ha? Reviews on Buzo are quite binary. Either it’s amazing or over-hyped and we know why. Buzo is straddling the local and intentional stage at the same time so if you compare it to other Italians in Barbados it’s exceptional and fresh. Yet it’s so good that people have started comparing it to restaurants around the world and if you’re going to open that door then the competition is fierce and of course it’s going to seem over-hyped. To Buzo or not to Buzo? Buzo. ilovethisrock.com/buzo
What is your favourite restaurant in Barbados? Is there a place that hasn’t been reviewed online?
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SeaCat If you haven’t been to SeaCat then you’ve probably heard that it’s a rum shop deluxe, and that’s exactly what it is. The fish is great and the menu is broken down so easily. Depending on the catch of the day you choose your fish grilled, fried or blackened before picking the sides and then you wait. Incidentally try their lemonade, it’s definitely a sidestep from what we’re used to and it’s good. If you can try the barracuda you’re winning. The garlic mashed-potato was one of the best we’ve had to date and their vegetables were grilled to perfection – let’s not forget that we’re getting grilled vegetables in a rum shop and that is far from common. The final touch was the salsa they used for the fish; it’s unique to SeaCat and one of their greatest assets too.
There is no doubt that when the eldest Rapson sat down to work on the menu he was afraid of nothing and his imagination has worked wonders. No one in Barbados gets fresher fish. The tastes on most dishes are delicate and light but the dish we didn’t need to order was the fried okra. It’s a dish you rarely find so it’s always worth the excitement because it balances so many different tastes and textures. Not this one sadly. ilovethisrock.com/seacat
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We went to ArtSplash, had brunch and passed out. Ever since Billy and Elayne took over the family home in Hastings they’ve worked and reworked it by hand; cutting, carving and sanding away. Depending on who you are and what you’ve done there you will probably find yourself putting it in a different category but the truth is that it has remained a family home and the things that you do there reflect exactly that. Want to paint? Have breakfast? Taste something new? Sit around all day reading? Play around on your iPad whilst the kids play outside in the garden? So aside from kiddie summer school and the Farmer’s Markets, they’ve just filled our Sunday spot. The new ArtSplash brunch is brilliant and by brilliant we mean it’s what you need to pass out on a Sunday afternoon. It ticks all the boxes too! Granola with yoghurt and jam? Check. Cheesy Omelette? Check. Good toast? Check. Salmon and greens? Check. Chocolate? Check. Bacon... Wait. Ok, no bacon... Almost every box. We were told that the brunch might change slightly every week depending on what’s fresh but if they take that Frankenstein-chocolate-cake-chewy-caramellybottom thing out we’re becoming French and declaring a strike. We were there towards 2pm late and the couple after us got a different cake because there was no chocolate left... That could have been us!
small and, when coupled with the brunch plate, you will be filled from your stomach to your eyes. We want to compare it to other places but the simple fact that you’re getting a preset plate with Sunday’s selection means you feel like you’re eating at someone’s house... And it’s a nice house! Definitely filling and definitely recommended. If we could have breakfast like this in bed we would never leave the house. Business opportunity? Yes! +1(246)228-0776 ilovethisrock.com/artsplash-brunch Hastings, Christ Church
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If you’re smart you have a coffee because their smoothies and acai bowls aren’t
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food & drink
Sam and Samie say that their clients come with a myriad of problems that all start with physical inactivity. The solutions tend to be broken down into three parts and for every inch we get closer to this, the further we get from diabetes. 1.
Nutrition
2.
Strength Training
3.
Moving to The Next Step
Nutrition is core because it influences the other two steps in the process. It’s the obvious one but also the hardest part to work on. If people are unable to change their diet they find themselves getting tired quicker and seeing results later. Being healthy is so immediately influenced by how-wellwe-think-we’re-doing that late progress leads to abandonment. Fact. Eating well, not less, allows the body to support all the physical activity that we strive for and it feeds the right muscles in the right ways. More than that, nutrition defines our mental well-being, which is why most programmes start with food. Can
we do this? Yes. It’s about new recipes and better shopping. Anything else? Not really. Strength Training is another way of saying use your muscles. It’s so easy to associate old age with a higher prevalence of diabetes because we move less and, unless we work on it, our muscles naturally deteriorate. Less muscle-mass means less muscleactivity. It’s no surprise, then, that less muscleactivity leads to more type-2 diabetes because the muscles just aren’t consuming the glucose. Recent research reflects on how building muscle increases the prevalence of glucose transporters, specifically GLUT42, and it’s these transporters that insulin uses to increase the consumption (transport) of glucose. Moving to The Next Step starts at counselling. Evaluate your lifestyle and develop a plan for change. Regular and uninterrupted sport wake our bodies up to a new connection that allows us to feel nutritional demands. Our bodies start craving different things and we find ourselves shopping differently and eating healthily. It comes on its own. This basically means that if you want to change what you eat, ensure that sport kicks in early and
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the rest will come a lot more naturally. People who force diets never find themselves in sustainable positions because their cravings never change. Every healthy step leads to the next so work at it one healthy step at a time. Funnily enough, men tend to wait until things go wrong before they take action. Today, we’re about prevention.
Sam R obinso n
In response to last November’s article “Real Food Doesn’t Have a Label”, we sat down with Sam and Samie from Forever Fitness to get some answers.
All this said, what are the benefits of seeing an exercise physiologist? Knowledge. Certified Exercise Physiology is the highest level of exercise science and training. The benefit would translate into achieving goals and improving quality of life regardless of the starting point. It’s all down to smart training and scientifically indicated techniques. Diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), coronary artery disease and lower back pain can all be treated by engaging in regular physical activity. What are some of the benefits of exercise in trying to control diabetes? Not spending endless cash
shouldn’t they? What is different about Kinesiology service to a regular gym? Depending on the chronic condition and what medication is being taken, there are special contraindicated exercise testing and prescription. Simply put these people are at a high risk and the person working with them should be trained to realized that and recognize the contraindications. Sam says Regular gyms do not generally employ persons who are qualified to work with this population. I am an Exercise Physiologist with a degree in Kinesiology and have had a lot of
More muscle = more GLUT4 More GLUT4 = better glucose transportation
1
on drugs, medical interventions and the obvious one - you feel good. Generally speaking, people who have a heart attack or stroke aren’t very fit. Exercise is crucial to improving cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health so as to manage risk factors. If you can manage the risk factors you can improve your quality of life. This also leads to independent living! Unfortunately, more often than not it is a downward spiral.
experience working with a variety of chronic conditions. Simply put, this is what I’m trained to do and I enjoy working with people to improve their quality of life and attain their goals.
Again, exercise is prevention and exercise is medicine.
Heart-attack and stroke victims find it harder to engage in physical activity which then makes them less fit and which then leads to even lower levels of fitness making it yet even harder. So why can’t patients go to a regular gym, or why
They start by carrying out a health and fitness appraisal over half an hour. Of course there is a conversation about the client’s lifestyle including chronic conditions and medications.
Then I go through an assessment which includes: body composition, cardiovascular testing, and musculoskeletal testing. From there I crunch the data and go through it with the client identifying any concerns I have and creating a plan of action in the form of an exercise program.
A 60-minute session will consist of a 10-minute mobility/warmup period, 20-minute cardiovascular monitoring session tailored to the client, and a 30-minute strength training session. I had a diabetic client who, with my guidance, was able to save a few hundred dollars per month by reducing her medications because she was able to control her blood glucose with exercise. This also reduced her risk factors by reducing her waist circumference and her body weight by 30 pounds. My most significant experience with a heart patient would be improving my client’s aerobic fitness enough for him to go from being dependent to totally independent. I do what I do because it is my passion. I genuinely enjoy helping other people live better lives through exercising more and being more physically active and I want to make a difference in my country. Day to day we use dumbbells, barbells, weight machines, resistance bands, foam rollers, heart rate and blood pressure monitors, a treadmill and the clients own body weight. Contact: +1(246)834-1785 srobinson.fitness@gmail.com Samuel Frederick studied Kinesiology at Acadia University in Wolfville Nova Scotia. Kinesiology is literally defined as the study of human movement and it is a broad area of study. In the last two years of his studies he focused more on exercise physiology and entered the stream to become an Exercise Physiologist. He is trained to use electrocardiograms and recognize abnormalities and do maximal athlete testing utilizing metabolic carts to name a few things. References 1. www.diabetes.diabetesjournals.org/content/50/6/1324.long 2. weill.cornell.edu/biochem/mcgraw/insulin-regulated.html
Slow Food Barbados Quite frankly, the problem with a lot of eat healthy initiatives is that their offerings just aren’t as appetising or as accessible as their slobbier alternatives. We understand that mass-consumption is bad in many ways but nine times out of ten, the Chiquita bunch of bananas will always be cheaper and just as tasty. Now that we have discovered Slow Food Barbados we’re happy to say that we might be singing a different tune. There was a bit of buzz around farm-to-table food, where every ingredient is traceable and grown locally without any chemicals. The local arm of the organisation stresses the importance of supporting local farmers and reducing the local food import bill so that, eventually, we all eat much more fairly. What we love about Slow Food is the fun, hip way it presents the food and its ideas. Its campaign is interactive and fresh and will catch the eye of the young and old and make it stand apart from similar campaigns. You’ve undoubtedly seen the company’s tent at Bushy Park and have heard about their Pop-Up Dinner Series so if you have tasted some of the local foods on offer you will have been blown right away. It’s clear that they’ve got their ear to the ground. We’re particularly excited about their Lionfish drive, an initiative which is aimed at making this recent pest a staple on the Barbadian menu (we have it on good authority that what they lack in looks, they make up in flavour). Follow their social media pages and check out their soon-to-be-finished website for more upcoming exciting projects. Watch out for Terra Madre Day on December 10th - why not try out one of the recipes on their Facebook page then? Their “Really Hungry Burger” looks amazing… And the best part about it is that we won’t feel guilty after wolfing it down because it’s HEALTHY! slowfoodbarbados.org facebook.com/slowfoodbarbados Instagram.com/slowfoodbarbados
Julie Hooper-McNeel
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the art scene
Nicholas Hadeed - Tropical Storm
Nicholas Hadeed Exhibition From 12th December, The Gallery of Caribbean Art continues to show its appreciation for local and regional artists by featuring Nicholas Hadeed’s work. What we found cool is that the Antiguan-born’s story is not that of your typical artist. He initially pursued a career in civil engineering and still practises today. Builder AND painter - who would have thought?
Somehow Nicholas has managed to excel at both trades and can now be styled one of the forerunners on the regional art scene. Look out for abstract and impressionistic-inspired landscapes and seascapes. It’s worth noting that some of the pieces may have been finished using plastic palette knives instead of brushes - he’s known to do that. Pretty cool, eh?
There will be tonnes of colour, tonnes of energy and invariably tonnes of “oohs” and “aahs” when the exhibition opens. We’re excited just talking about it. +1(246)419-0858 artgallerycaribbean.com Queen’s Street, Speightstown
Paint and Groove If you’re anything like us, the extent of your talent with a paintbrush is limited to a couple of stick men and some super unrealistic coconut trees. Trust us, we know what it feels like to almost bust a nerve perfecting those little squiggly lines that we want to call birds. Well, if this sounds like you, maybe a little wine and a few friends will add some pep to your step. Put some groove in your brush and get those creative juices flowing. Paint & Groove is just what it says on the tin: a selfproclaimed “paint party”. Each session has its own special theme so check out their Facebook page to see some previous pieces from their “Garrison Clock Tower”, “Dragonfly” or “Peacock” night. You
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will see some great stuff, especially considering that absolutely no previous painting experience is required to join. To get on it, you’ve got to be on the ball: spaces are limited and go in a flash. Like their Facebook page to keep in the loop and see if there are still spaces for the “Sail Away” night on December 7th. It will be at the Barbados Golf Club which has been a massive hit in the past, so if you fancy hanging your yacht in the living room (with or without some little squiggly birds in the sunset). Price: $100. Facebook Search for “Paint & Groove” +1(246)836-2498 - paintandgroove@gmail.com
Art for Everyone Owner Darla Trottman has a permanent collection of different styles and mediums so there really is art for everyone. In fact, you can expect stunning scenes on $2 postcards or even life-size canvases costing… Let’s just say a little bit more. You’ve probably recently driven past the building
and wondered where David’s Place or Chez Max have gone. It’s now Art For Everyone and it only opened in November to feature local and regional talent like Jean Blades and Denzil Mann. Look for the discreet lime-green door right before the Gap and pop in when you get the chance. You’re bound to see Darla
at her easel painting away at the entrance. Oh, and the view of the sea from inside the gallery almost rivals the quality of the pieces. Telephone: +1(246)435-9756 Highway 7 at the entrance to St Lawrence Gap
Darla Trotman - Art for Everyone
After reading our raving review of their Sunday brunch, you probably thought you had ArtSplash all figured out, didn’t you? But this place is much more than just food; their little purpose-built gallery often hosts exhibitions by local and upcoming artists. It’s only right that the quality of the gallery matches the quality of the café. Curated by Martina Pilé, they’re in the festive spirit this month. The Christmas Show exhibition runs December 11th to January 19th and it will feature the works of various local artists.
One of them is Silbah Pilé (related to curator Pilé?) who works with mixed media on canvas. The group of artists that come together will be a wide mix so maybe pick up a smoothie first and walk your way around. Best to go on a Wednesday or a Saturday so you can do their Farmer’s Market too. artsplashbarbados.com +1(246)228-0776 Hastings, Christ Church
“DREAMS OF PARADISE” by Simbah Pilé
The Christmas Show
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the art scene Anonymous 9th December to 16th January, this genius event brings a set of 12x12 anonymous pieces that will all be sold at $350 and you only get to find out who painted yours after purchase. There are some seriously well reputed artists like Allison ChapmanAndrews and Heidi Berger so you could walk home with a lot more than you bargained for. The idea all comes down to encouraging people to buy art because of how much they love a piece, not the usual name-hunting-appreciation-hoping techniques. Proceeds go to the Know Me Love Me charity that gives the children a chance to receive an education with all the right tools. What’s not to love? Frame Art & Co didn’t open its doors as an art gallery and there are no prizes for guessing what it started as but owner, Kelly Gibson, couldn’t not hang what people were bringing her. She really has a commitment to showcasing individuals who think outside the box and produce more unconventional, thought-provoking pieces. So if you think you’ve seen enough reproductions of coconut trees and street vendors, this will definitely be a breath of fresh air.
We recommend Googling their “Only in Barbados” exhibition. They put it on earlier this year and photographers were invited to submit images taken on their mobile phones for display. Whilst we’re not sure if our ancient Nokia would be up to the task, we really do love the concept. Similar distinctive exhibitions include Kraig Yearwood’s “Mystery Box”, in which cardboard was used as the canvas or Rosalie Chiara’s “Balade en Mer”, where it was driftwood. All in all, we love The Frame & Art Co’s dedication to recognising and giving exposure to the individual styles of local artists. No two exhibitions are the same so you’ll never get bored. +1(246) 271-6509 frameartco.com Millhouse, St. Michael
‘This Quagmire’ by Versia Harris Morningside Gallery The latest exhibition at Punch Creative Arena features the work of Barbadian artist, Versia Harris, whose pieces have been featured numerous times on the international stage. “This Quagmire” is Versia’s first solo exhibition in Barbados and focusses on fantasy and how it sometimes manifests itself into reality. Expect a mixture of animations and still images of familiar and not-sofamiliar creatures and characters as Versia plays with your mind. It will definitely leave you thinking for a while, even after you’ve left. November 25th - December 11th
Merely a Chimera
facebook.com/punchcreativearena Morningside Galley Gallery of Fine Arts Barbados Community College Bridgetown
18 Read more reviews and find out what’s on this month at ilovethisrock.com
photo competition
Special thanks to all of you who sent in your photos for last month’s competition. It was difficult picking because the subject was so broad and there were so many entries! Our winning photo has come in from Lynette Grant who was at Lone Star and ordered the Lamb on her birthday and
says that the fire torches and the sound of the sea couldn’t have made that day any better. Lynette, you have won our dinner for two at Tapas and we hope you go there before your next year! Happy Birthday from us.
December’s Competition For your chance to win dinner for two at Bombas, the romantic, waterside rumshop in Mullins, send us your favourite photo of an historic building in Barbados. The winner will be announced in the January edition of I Love This Rock.
competition@ilovethisrock.com
Thanks for taking part, we look forward to seeing your submissions.
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the final word
T
ruth be told: we’ve got some really cool buildings here on this little island. It doesn’t take an architect or historian to appreciate the test of time that many structures have stood. If it’s still standing after nearly 400 years, it probably deserves a raised an eyebrow or two. These buildings stand as testament to the engineering ingenuity and craftsmanship of our forefathers as well as the virtually indestructible local coral stone from which many are made. That’s precisely why we have got to make sure they’re around for another 400 years. Enter the Preservation Foundation Trust and its “We Build This” initiative. Aimed at ensuring the restitution and upkeep of historic structures that may have fallen into disrepair, the Trust wants us to realise that they are an intrinsic part of our Barbadian identity. Every discipline from each building has a story to tell. Whether it was your great-great-great-great mason grandfather who laid the first stone at The Garrison Savannah or your carpenter cousin from your paternal grandmother’s side who fashioned the wood for the latticed windows at St. Michael’s Cathedral. These buildings are not relics of our colonial past that should be discarded; they are odes to our ancestors’ skill and expertise that should be cherished. The initiative’s first project is the National Library that was built in 1906. Funded by Andrew Carnegie, the building was established with the intention to always be free for all. See? Built by locals for locals. Of course, these initiatives require funding and the Trust is working day and night to raise $4.2million. Be on the lookout for their 2016 calendar sale as well as their raffle for a brand new 20 Read more reviews and find out what’s on this month at ilovethisrock.com
Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV (it’s so good looking). All proceeds go towards rebuilding the National Library. Check out the Trust’s website and social media pages over the coming months as more information on the project and ways in which you can help are announced. They are extremely passionate about shining light on the “stories” that each building has to tell and they will be poring over the available records very soon to put some names and faces to the artisans. Personally, I would feel pretty damn proud to know that some ancestor had his or her hand in Ann’s Fort or The Empire Theatre. Although I would probably also feel pretty damn inadequate since none of that creativity had made its way to me…
barbadosheritagetrust.com
GET INVOLVED
fundraiser K9 Project Our love for dogs at the magazine is virtually unrivalled. One of us even has a compilation of cute dog videos saved on his laptop (no name, no shame). So it’s no wonder we’re so keen to talk about the K9 Project this month. It’s a great annual fundraising event organised by the charity, K9 Friends, the proceeds from which are distributed to other local organisations involved with canine welfare. We’re told the event, which includes a charity auction, continues to grow in popularity each year and is really helping to make a difference in the lives of many of the neglected dogs on the island. They help to provide food at many of the rescue kennels around the island and want to start a project where they cover the cost of spaying dogs for those who can’t afford it. What makes this event even more special is the sheer star power supporting it. You know Simon Cowell? American Idol Simon Cowell? Yeah, he’ll be there. Every year the K9 Project’s prestigious guest takes the time for photos with everyone and show his actually very real dedication to helping the animal shelters in Barbados. So if mingling with celebrity royalty and helping out our furry friends (no, we’re not talking about Simon anymore) sounds like the idea of a good night out for you, snap up a ticket before they go. This year’s event takes place on December 28th at Mahogany Ridge.
Tickets: $100US
facebook.com/k9friendsbarbados
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who we wrote about in this issue 13°/59° at Port Ferdinand Phone: +1(246)272-2020 1359barbados.com
Paint and Groove Phone: +1(246)262-5500
ArtSplash Barbados Phone: +1(246)228-0776 artsplashbarbados.com
Preservation (Barbados) Foundation Trust Phone: +1(246)622-1726 barbadosheritagetrust.com
Art For Everyone Phone: +1(246)435-9756
Punch Creative Arena at BCC Morningside Gallery Phone: +1(246)426-2858 facebook.com/punchcreativearena
Buzo Phone: +1(246)629-2896 Camelot Restaurant at Cobblers Cove Phone: +1(246)422-2291 cobblerscove.com/food/camelot-restaurant Champers Phone: +1(246)434-3463 champersrestaurant.com Chicken Rita’s Phone: +1(246)428-6873 Copacabana Beach Bar & Grill Phone: +1(246)622-1910 facebook.com/copacabanabb Daphne’s Phone: +`1(246)432-2731 daphnesbarbados.com Forever Fitness Phone: +1(246)834-1785 foreverfitnessbarbados.com Frame & Art Co. Phone: +1(246)271-6509 frameartco.com Gallery of Caribbean Art Phone: +1(246)419-0858 artgallerycaribbean.com K9 Friends Barbados k9friendsbarbados.com Little Bristol Beach Bar Phone: +1(246)439-1592 Lobster Alive Phone: +1(246)435-0305 lobsteralive.net Marco Polo Bar & Grill Phone: +1(246)271-2583 marcopolobarbados.com
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Scarlet Phone: +1(246)432-3663 scarletbarbados.com Seacat Restaurant Phone: +1(246)422-6802 letseat.at/the-seacat-restaurant Slow Food Barbados facebook.com/slowfoodbarbados slowfoodbarbados.org Un Dimanche à Paris Phone: +1(246)271-8205
Available at
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Tones
Water Resistant Clutches, Purses & Everyday Bags Read more reviews and find out what’s on this month at ilovethisrock.com 23
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