BARBADOS FOOD & RUM FESTIVAL REACHES ITS 10TH YEAR MILESTONE
Sep 16, 2019
Photo: Barbados Mount Gay Distillery Credit Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.
NEW YORK, NY (September 2019) – This year Barbados will be celebrating a decade of the Food & Rum brand with a new and exciting line-up of culinary greatness. Kicking off the extravaganza in the next few weeks, the highly anticipated festival commences with the popular ‘Night out in Oistins’ on October 24 – 27, 2019.
As we ‘cook up’ a storm with this year of change, the 10-year Festival launched the 2019 season under the theme, “The Story of Rum…from then to now” at the St. Ann’s Fort, Barbados Defence Force, Garrison St. Michael on August 31st. There was lots of food, lots of rum and definitely lots of fun as patrons got started on the appetizer of what is to come.
Growth of the Festival
Over the past 10 years, the evolution of the Festival has grown bigger and better and authenticates the given name to Barbados as the ‘Culinary Capital of the Caribbean’. Previous years the festival has seen include: cooking demos, numerous food stations, tasting bars and live and pumping entertainment.
The Festival has also seen the likes of many international and world-renowned chefs such as celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, Michelin star chef Tom Aikens, Iron chef Jose Garces and Food Network star Anne Burrell to name a few.
Back in 2016, as the brand tremendously grew, the Festival was re-branded from the Food & Wine and Rum Festival to the Barbados Food & Rum Festival to focus on Barbados’ revered rum and culinary heritage. It also saw change as the official festival dates from the usual culinary month in November to October based on feedback from our local stakeholders.
The brand also saw growth in the local chefs and mixologists such as Damian Leach, Craig Greenridge and pastry guru Javon Cummins to name a few as they showcased their tremendous talents and exquisite cuisine. With the assistance of these talented local chefs and mixologists, this year, the Festival has leveled up once again as the BTMI announces a sense of excitement to the calendar with a diversification of new events.
Photo: Rum Pairing, Credit: Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.
Diversification of the Events
Thursday
On Thursday, October 24, the Festival begins as usual with the free open-air fish fry – Night Out in Oistins. Savor the taste of the south as the Festival curtain opens at the historic Oistins fishing village. Be there to witness local chefs preparing fresh, grilled treats under the stars, and relish one of the island’s most talked about experiences of cultural and culinary fusion.
Friday
On Friday night, those who look forward to the sit-down dining experiences will be thrilled to hear that the Gourmet Safari dinner series are back. Continuing on from last year, it has been once again opened to several local standalone and hotel restaurants across the island. Guests can look out for Barbados Food and Rum menus at their favorite restaurants, boasting dishes especially created just for that night.
Saturday
This year, the festival is introducing the new and exciting Food Truck Mash-Up. Everyone loves fine dining but they also love a good street food! This event will be held at Pelican Craft Village and you are guaranteed to shock your taste buds as all the best street food will be in one location.
Sunday
This year, the festival will climax again on the Sunday, but this time at the Ilaro Court with an elegant event. The climax of the festival is one not to be missed as the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) will marry class with refreshing speciality cocktails and food stations.
More information is available at the website http://www.foodandrum.
About Barbados
The island of Barbados offers the most authentic Caribbean experience with its exceptionally rich culture and history rooted in remarkable landscapes. Rated as one of the world”s sexiest beaches in 2008 by Concierge.com; Barbados” Crane Beach in St. Philip stands as a premier destination for travellers. Barbados is also the first Zagat-rated Caribbean island and is known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean. Barbados has hosted several world class events including: The annual Barbados Food & Rum Festival; the 2006 PGA World Golf Championships-Barbados World Cup, the ICC Cricket World Cup Finals in 2007, the Sentebale Charity Polo match with Prince Harry of Wales in 2010, and the ICC Twenty20 Cricket Finals for 2010, and the Rihanna LOUD concert in 2012. Accommodations range from picturesque plantation houses and villas, to quaint bed and breakfasts and award-winning, five-star resorts. Grantley Adams International Airport offers even more non-stop and direct service from a growing number of U.S. cities, making Barbados the true gateway to the Eastern Caribbean. Barbados was voted eighth in the World by Trip Advisor”s “2008 Travelers” Choice Destination Awards” in its Top 100 Destinations category. For more information on travel to Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org, f
