With a special focus on nurturing future culinary talent on the island, the Barbados Food and Rum Festival returns after a two-year hiatus, under the theme ‘Feed the Future.’
This year’s Festival, slated for 27-30OCT 2022, aims to take on a new purpose as it gives back to the local community. Part of the proceeds of the Festival will go directly to funding two students’ culinary degrees at the Jean and Norma Holder Hospitality Institute and Hotel PomMarine in Barbados. Additionally, part of the proceeds will go towards furthering one PomMarine student’s dream by giving them the opportunity to study abroad at an international culinary institution.
Minister of Tourism and International Transport for Barbados, Sen. the Hon. Lisa Cummins said that she believed that patrons and sponsors will feel a sense of pride knowing that in some small way, they are supporting the growth of the culinary industry of Barbados and feeding the future.
“This aspect of the Festival is very important to me as I believe we are not just talking the talk, we are walking the walk and actively creating the environment and future our children need to grow and flourish,” the Minister said.
“Tourism is vast and intersectoral and we have identified key, critical positions within the industry to ensure the development of our future culinary talent so that Barbados can remain the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean for decades to come.”
Festival Highlights
While the Festival will run for a period of four days, the entire month of OOCT will now be filled with activities and events for all to enjoy. Unlike other food festivals around the world, where all events are isolated to one spot; Barbados’ events are set across the island.
Visitors can immerse themselves in Bajan food culture at these fringe events that highlight the authenticity of the island’s culture and culinary flavours.
Culinary talent
This year’s Festival features the culinary talents of 29 award-winning local chefs and mixologists – including for the first time the addition of a vegan chef – who will all be headlining the signature 2022 Festival events.
The cast will be joined by four international chefs, who will be on island to add their talents to the local flavours and work of local culinary artists.
2022 Signature Events
- 27OCT - Night - Oistins Under the Stars: Enjoy a melting pot of flavours in this open-air fish fry under the stars. The Festival kicks off with activities and opportunities to win prizes.
- 28OCT - Morning - Chef Classics: Learn from the best at Food and Rum cooking demos in an intimate setting. Guests can engage with award-winning chefs as they share their tips and tricks.
- 28OCT - Night - Rum Route St. Lawrence Gap Street Party: A street party with access to all restaurants and bars. Guests can dance all night to local entertainment with a street parade and in-house performances.
- 29OCT - Morning - R&R: Rise and Rum Breakfast Beach Party: Featuring local food, rum and entertainment against the backdrop of one of Barbados’ best beaches.
- 29OCT - Night - Restaurant Dinners Hosted by Acclaimed Chefs: Themed dinner settings hosted by renowned chefs at Barbados’ finest restaurants. Local entertainment will keep guests rocking through the night.
- 30OCT - Morning - Cask: The Story of Rum: These rum tastings at active distilleries on island offer a unique opportunity to sample spirits in the birthplace of rum.
- 30OCT - Night - Liquid Gold Feast: A dynamic event that will close the Food and Rum Festival in an evening of elegance.
Month-Long Complimentary Activities and Events
- Food Truck Mashup - Bringing the best of Bajan mobile culinary experiences into one location in a family atmosphere.
- Dine Around Restaurant Series - Barbados boasts over 400 restaurants. During the month of OCT, select eateries will have unique, daily specials.
- Jr Chef Cook-Off Competition - This event will be hosted by local Chef Peter Edey. 12 students between the ages of 16 and 21 will go head-to-head, and two of them will emerge victorious, both receiving one scholarship each as part of the Feed the Future initiative.
- Food and Rum Insider Series - During this seminar series, persons will get the opportunity to hear from experts in various areas as they uncover facts about topics including the local slow food and sustainability movement; the history of rum; and the story of sugar cane.
- Dine with a Bajan Series - Barbadian home cooks get the opportunity to show other Bajans and visitors their tricks of the trade in the delicious preparation of Bajan dishes, made the Bajan way.
For more information, visit the Barbados Food and Rum Festival's web site.
