Rosemary Parkinson, Contributor
Left: Cindy Hutson and Executive Chef Paul Hamilton. Center: Barbados' Deputy Prime Minister Mia Mottley (left) and historian Jessica Harris. Right: Colin Hylton has every right to be pleased with this presentation.
WHAT A TRIP to get to Barbados! Having gone through customs and immigration four times since Wednesday before I even left land; our flight finally left for the flying fish island on Thursday. Must commend Miss Tricia Thompson and Karena Kirkland for their kind help during exasperating moments while Air Jamaica fixed mechanical problems. Moi? I feel assured when an airline refuses to fly unless every little screw is tightened but, it does get nerves tattered when it's on travellers' time. Air Jamaica - t'ings need rectifying but you are still my favoured carrier - no doubt about dat!
Saturday morning found me in Bridgetown with Ena Harvey of IICA trying to organise a Caribbean Village for CHIC (Caribbean Hotel Industry Conference), to be held at Miami's Hyatt Regency June 25-28. This is where Caribbean hoteliers and distributors come looking for new products for their businesses. So far our islands have not made much effort in showcasing what the Caribbean can provide. A crying shame that the ever-attentive Ena Harvey wants to end. With little budget (as always) and much creativity, we are 'screaming out' to corporate Jamaica to put up some much required 'sponsorship.' Help us to do your work - you will not regret it! I shall be in touch soon - we 'gotta' do this together!
MEETING OF THE MINDS
Just a whisper - our meeting of the minds was set aside for those moments when Ena and I (as Trinis) cheered, screamed and generally behaved bad as we watched the Soca Warriors strump Sweden. What a game! England, watch your step for, we coming at ya!
Jamaica at Almond Tree Saturday night, it was about Jamaica hitting the Almond Resorts, their Almond Club in Holetown the venue for an evening of excellent dining under the signature menu of Cindy Hutson. This chef extraordinaire from the Ortanique Restaurants has awards stacked higher than her diminutive size. Delius Shirley, her partner for life and business, flew in from the United States to act as 'sous chef'. Counted among those who came to taste were Deputy Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, her brother Warren and Jamaican wife Shaun, chef Norma Shirley (mother of Delius), Gari Fergusson of Rib Cage and Norma's At The Marina, Colin Hylton and friends; most famous chef Robert Oliver (Food Network, Bon Appetit, New York Times, Elle and many others) and friends, Monty Cumberbatch, (regional director of Hotel Operations Almond Resorts), Roderick Crawford (manager, Almond Village), Sara Collins (Barbados' top model) and the catalyst in forging the interest of having Jamaican and international guest-chefs whose interest in Caribbean cuisine is legend - author/food historian, Jessica Harris.
MENU
The evening's menu included Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado Salsa and Toasted Plantain Rounds or West Indian Pumpkin Bisque with Nutmeg Crème. Oven Roasted Swordfish in an Ortanique Orange Yam Mash or Jerk Pork Tenderloin with Guava Rum Sauce. Dessert brought a Passion Fruit Sabayon with fresh Mixed Berries or White Chocolate and Mango Bread Pudding. All divine.
After that hard work, it stood to reason (obviously) that I would haul Cindy, Delius and Gari Ferguson down to the South Coast to the hippest strip known as St. Lawrence Gap and into The Reggae Lounge to 'skank' unmercifully to the live performance of none other than Jamaican reggae star Frankie Paul. Many Banks beers later, it was The Lucky Horseshoe for one hell of a breakfast where I learned a lesson - do not enter these portals starving for a medium-to-rare burger. It's against house rules. So if it's tasty cardboard you desire, fine. Otherwise take your burger from the stand opposite the Ship Inn in the Gap itself. All and sundry arrived back at Almond Village on the platinum west coast at a 6:30 a.m. drop-off with sun out-and-about like a hot-plate already! But this is Barbados. People party hearty here!
FESTIVALS
Now, Almond Resorts had begun these four days of Caribbean cuisine festivities - 'Almond's Taste of the Tropics 2006' - on Thursday. A taste that included children with a junior chef at the Kids's Club and budding chefs and apprentices invited to join in. On Friday Jamaica's Colin Hylton of Guilt Trip, Kingston, outdid himself with a Tropical High Tea in the Sunset Lounge of Almond Village and U.S. chef Robert Oliver did his thing that night with dishes such as: Carioca Salad with Hearts of Palm, Green Mango, Passion Fruit Dressing and Spiced Almonds followed by Duck Breast with Bajan Cherry Mole, Savory Plantain Tamale and Golden Apple (June Plum) Mojo finished by Arroz con Leche with Rum Syrup and Almond Macaroons. All a delightful Caribbean infusion. No doubt about it - our cuisine is hot!
Sunday night's gala night brought all guest chefs, including Almond's executive chef Paul Hamilton, creating a dinner under night skies filled with a mystic full moon that sparkled on to the tips of trees and ocean with delight, paying homage to the dishes put before Almond's guests.
Lobster Callaloo - an organic soup with lobster dumpling. Florida Sun Salad with Bajan grapefruit, avocado, baby lettuce, greens tossed in an aromatic lavender vinaigrette. Pepper-Seared Tuna Loin with Caribbean Salsa Fresca. Pan-Seared Scallops and Shrimp, Chino Latino Cornish Hen with Pineapple Peanut Salsa and Coconut Basmati Rice, Tamarind Glazed Tenderloin with a Sweet Potato and Green Mango Hash (mouth watering yet)?, topped off with a dessert trio of White Chocolate Soursop Mousse Gateau, Passion Fruit Honeydew Melon Tart in a Macadamia Nut Crust and the piece de resistance and artistry - Spiced Red Wine Poached Pears Stuffed with Marzipan Rum Cake and a Chocolate Plate with Apricot Coulis from Colin. Wow!
Talk about the best of the best!
For those who have become avid 'foodies' - do remember Grand Lido Negril's Epicurean Weekend starting June 29. Hey! Take note, me dears - it's time to showcase Caribbean chefs from other islands in Jamaica.
Individuals are here to work with abundance, power and recognition, and to apply their success in service of the common good.
