Savour the local and traditional flavours of Barbadian cuisine, at this years’ Barbados Food and Rum Festival, taking place from 16 to 19 November on the breathtaking island of Barbados.
To celebrate its culinary heritage, Michelin starred chef Tom Aikens accompanied by several world-renowned chefs will host the Gourmet Safari Dinner Series, creating his very own mouth-watering Bajan inspired menu. In its 8th edition, this multi-faceted event, promises visitors an unforgettable celebration of gastronomic art and rum in all its glorious varieties. Expect four days of informative tastings, fun cocktail classes and tropical Bajan vibes on the sun soaked shores of Barbados.
This year’s festival features some of the world’s finest international chefs who will host the three-part Gourmet Safari Dinner Series spanning two nights, November 18th and 19th. The British born culinary genius, Tom Aikens, is best identified for his innovative elegance of home-cooked meals & best-selling books. Inspired by the local flavours of the island, Tom will curate a delectable menu featuring British classics with a Bajan twist, combining Barbados’ local rum, home grown spices, fresh seafood, meat and locally sourced fruit and vegetables. Tom will close the Gourmet Safari Dinner Series hosting an opulent evening of fine dining at the infamous Tides restaurant on Barbados’ west coast on Sunday November 19.
‘Tom’s food is honest and wholehearted, constructed from feelings of nostalgia, which resonate the comfort of his brassiere approach to cooking. We are excited to host him on the island and celebrate his aromatic repertoire of cuisine. To say he lays his heart and soul into his food is an understatement in itself.’ said Cheryl Carter Director of BTMI UK.
The remarkable Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten from the U.S. will be cooking up a storm at the renowned Cliff Restaurant, meanwhile Canadian Chef Chris De La Rosa will be offering quintessential Caribbean culinary delights at The Crane resort on Saturday November 18. In two evenings attributed to beautifully curated food and rum cocktail pairing, the Gourmet Safari is sure to guide the tastebuds through the diverse influences enraptured in Caribbean cooking.
Over the course of the festival visitors will be treated to a variety of activities including polo, a flotilla and beach party showcasing the flair and exuberance of the Barbados nation. Indulge in the culture of local and world-class talent experiencing a cookery styled mêlée by illustrious chefs at the ‘Chef Cook off’ by Oistins Bay Gardens.
Dedicated to celebrating Barbados as the birthplace of rum, the Concorde Experience splashes in the realms of spice and flavour, embodying the essence of the specially crafted spirit on November 17th. Mixologists will be on hand to create a mixture of hand-crafted cocktails blending sweet tropical notes with a smooth finish or dark, full-bodied and spiced. Complimented by delectable bites from local award-winning chefs, the rum extravaganza is a refreshing collaboration of bespoke blends, delicious food and flavoursome music.
Taste the spirits of polo on November 18th, where well-dressed cocktails inspired by the best in polo fashion will be enjoyed during an exciting game of polo at Holder’s Polo Club. This year’s festival will climax along the shoreline of the beautiful Needham’s Point beach at Hilton Barbados on 19 November 19. This exciting all-inclusive beach party will be pumping from start to finish with live performances, and a wide variety of food stalls to whet your appetite.
With mouth warming rum to personify any temperament and culinary experiences that carousal authentic flavours, Barbados Food and Rum festival offers an idyllic compilation of Caribbean festivities not to be missed.
Ticket prices from £37
For more information on the festival, please visit: www.foodandrum.com
For more information on Barbados, please visit: www.visitbarbados.org
