Festival Rum Bahamas 2015: The Food

Paul "Rhum Chef" Yellin

Festival Rum Bahamas offered a menu featuring local cuisine, served up fresh with compliments by a couple world renowned chefs. It is not easy (or accurate) to talk local or authentic Caribbean cooking without talking about Rum. Each country has their own variation on a theme and from Bahamas to Barbados, rum is part of the social fabric that sets the table. Try talking French cuisine without cheese or Indian without mentioning a spice. Seriously, it's just wrong and plus, the thought of no rum? Yeah, let's not go there... One thing is certain, those who breached the walls of Fort Charlotte were in for a king's feast with a view! Our last article, "All The Rum", showcased the liquid highlights in the Festival that is a celebration of Rum, Food and Culture. This article, the second of our three part series, sharpens the focus on Food. Separate them I try, but the lines of distinction often blur nicely, particularly after a few tasty rums, so I make no apologies for any 'off topic' photos along the way. Grab your glass, lick your lips and enjoy!

Paul Yellin, one of the chefs, is Bajan, trained and talented. If you were lucky enough to find a seat at the two rum & food seminars he gave at the Festival, everything else would have seemed like bonus. I have visited Paul several times now and each time we meet, I am more impressed; partly by his down-to-Earth nature, but mostly by how magical the hand-to-mouth experience is when the food is served shortly thereafter!

Paul prepared a rumtastic menu to enjoy. Oh, and his seminars were FREE...jus' sayin! Oh yeah!!

Take a peak at the selection of rums!

The Menu:

1st: J. WRAY & NEPHEW WHITE OVERPROOF RUM and mint LIONFISH MOJITO CEVICHE

2nd: COCONUT CURRY CHICKEN paired with PLANTATION TRINIDAD & TOBAGO ORIGINAL DARK RUM

Good God Man! 

It seemed as though each plate that arrived changed flavor, texture and tone, all the while improving on the previous and slowly, but surely building towards...

3rd: HERB BAKED LIONFISH in a rich seafood Creole sauce paired with El DORADO 3yr RUM

wait for it.....

4th: RUM SOAKED STRAWBERRIES paired with DOORLY'S XO RUM

...MULTIPLE EDIBLE RUMGASMS!

5th: CHOCOLATE RUM BALLS rolled in pralines paired with BLACKWELL RUM

6th: CHOCOLATE & BACON bites paired with OLD BRIGAND RUM

(sorry no photo: photographer was busy eating it! Tasty!!)

Thank you Paul Yellin for the exquisite pairing and hope to see you again next year!!

Ladies and gentlemen, this was but one of the rum and food pairing seminars to attend and I haven't even started on the food booths throughout the Fort! 

The bottles hanging in the trees created a wonderful ambiance surrounding the entrance to Alexandra's at the Fort. A loose collection of food booths featuring a variety of different delectable dishes, it was the beginning of the foodie trail. Fresh conch salads to grilled meat, this was the spot.

Yum!

Just a few steps away, the folks from Gone Fish'n had grills on swole, Chicken, steak, pork and fish, all grilled up Bahamian style. Oh and did I mention all their house-made marinades. Boom!

Put it in my belly!!!

Care for a healthy serving of grilled salmon in a burger?

Oh, and an ice cold local craft beer didn't sound like a bad idea either. Pirate Republic is a new brewing company with a nice selection. I'm told by their CEO, Susan Larson, a few more styles are coming soon.

A few booths away, you could take your pick...

Whether you were interested in the savory or the sweet, Festival Rum Bahamas had you covered!

In the heat of the day, fresh pressed sugar cane juice or Guarapo is refreshing and delicious. Island Cane was crushing it up right. I didn't hesitate to mix it with a little rum!

Rum and desserts are notorious in these parts. However, when they are signed, Confectionately Yours, well...

You eat it happily!

Drunken Guava: Guava cupcake infused with dark rum and 
topped with guava rum buttercream frosting


Rum cupcakes are a perfect treat, but have you tried Rum Cakes from the Bahamas Rum Cake Factory?? Moist and full of love they stand out above the rest. More on this local shop coming soon...

Best enjoyed hot, sticky sweet...


Well, if one rum & food seminar wasn't enough awesome, there was another fabulous pairing offered, which one could simply sit in on. No registration, no lines, just grab a seat. I stress this, as these food & rum pairing seminars were free to anyone, included in your admission price. Seating was key, not surprisingly, for when Chef Geoffrey Blythe and Carlton Grooms (Director at Papa's Pilar, co-founder of International Rum Council), the authors of the game-changing "Rum & Contemporary Cuisine" took the stage atop Fort Charlotte, no seat was left unfilled. In fact, many simply stood to listen and look out for extras samples!

A perfect atmosphere for listening to a world-class chef and rum connoisseur/producer talk about what they love, whilst sipping rum and tasting their gourmet rum-focused cuisine. A light breeze caressed our backs under shade in 80 F degrees (27 C) heat.

The Rum Kitchen

1st: Agricole and shrimp chowder featuring Rhum J.M  

Grassy herbaceous flavors of the rhum along with the heat from the white rhum merge wonderfully with the creamy flavors and richness of the pancetta without overpowering the subtle flavors in each.

-Geoffrey Blythe

Yes Please!

In this brilliant four dish experience, the following pairings came next:

2nd: Roast Root Vegetable Salad paired with Bambarra Gold Rum

3rd: Five Spice Pork Belly paired with confit pineapple paired with AFROHEAD 7yr Rum

The sweet caramel notes of the AFROHEAD and youth of the rum combine well with the richness of the pork and spice notes of the sauce. The tropical flavors of the pineapple further bring out the depth of the rum.

-Geoffrey Blythe

4th: Rum Marshmallow S'mores paired with Plantation Trinidad & Tobago Original Dark Rum

One of the guests figured it out alright!!


Well done Geoffrey Blythe and Carlton Grooms!!

After the seminar, I tried to gather my thoughts and emotions about the food I enjoyed and the superb quality of this event as I looked out over the Fort's wall.

Beautiful Bahamas!


As the sun went down and night took over, the real party had just begun!

Stay tuned for the final article, Festival Rum Bahamas 2015: The Culture

Cheers!

Festival Rum Bahamas 2015: All The Rum

Center: Captain Jack (aka Rick Martinez)
Bottom Right: Pepin Argamasilla

The second year of any rum festival is often telling. Idealists, scoffers and onlookers alike may wonder, either she'll float and sail onward, or raise the white flag. Festival Rum Bahamas left little to wonder as they once again took over Fort Charlotte; this time further grasping the imagination. For me, the anchor dropped when my eyes met those of Captain Jack. Needless to say, the search for my next rum delayed...at least for a moment. Honestly, I did a double take and questioned my senses. I had just tasted 50 Rums in the Tasting Competition, (oh, and a pair of refreshing Sands Beers over lunch) but nothing irresponsible. I looked again, could it actually be Cap'n Jack Sparrow!? Well, I wasn't seeing things. I was in the Bahamas, a home to many a pirate and by the looks of the Fort's decor, they weren't straying far from their history. In fact, after meeting him, his walk and talk were simply amazing, point on with the character played by Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean. Friendly and full of spirit (pun intended), Cap'n Jack, aka Rick Martinez, was the type of top notch entertainer, and literally, one of many, each visitor would have the pleasure to watch and interact with at the Festival. Awesome! So I filled my cup with the local swashbuckling John Watling's Amber Rum and as day became night, my understanding became clear, Festival Rum Bahamas was not going anywhere, but rather they meant for the world of rum lovers to learn about and come to them. Some may recall my recent article, talking up the promise of last year's Festival; this year that promise was rendered.

Dead men tell no tales and I've returned from Nassau with some highlights of this epic three day Festival. Feel free to grab a glass of your favorite rum, open another browser window and turn up the volume on the short video below for those pirates at heart!

Rum was well-mixed, but far from hidden at Festival Rum Bahamas. To find the next potation, one only had to choose whether to go left or right, up or down. There were rum & food lectures at the lookout up top and blind rum tastings in the dungeon below. I doubt Captain Jack had to say, "Why is the Rum Gone?" and mean it at this party. Let's take a look at a small sample of the rum booths where one could find quality cocktails and generous samples. Try it and if you like, you could buy a bottle to take home before you leave! Rumtastic!!

AFROHEAD Rum 7 year

AFROHEAD Rum, is a relatively new brand from Harbour Island, Bahamas, and with its impressive new logo and charming character, generated much attention. Crowds gathered around this conversation starter and everyone wanted to get a taste of their two aged expressions. If you don't know it yet, you will soon...

Let's head south to Panama. How about a little taste of Ron Abuelo?

Yes, please!!

In a prime location, the local John Watling's Rum was offering their full line of rums and more. John Watling's Rum Distillery is also nearby and definitely worth a visit.

John Watling's Rum Booth

The Plantation Rum stand never disappoints. 

They proudly display their well-deserved medals and a beautiful line-up of unique blends and vintages. 

Brilliant!!

The judges of the Tasting Competition held public educational tastings deep inside the Fort. Guests could walk in and learn about each of the rums entered into the competition among many others, join in for a blind tasting or simply cool off from the outside sun. Rum tasting in the dungeon!

The charming Mike Streeter (Rum Connection and International Rum Council co-founder) brought out the smiles of quite a few on their rum education journey (see photo above & right).

In addition to the public educational tasting, each of the brands that entered the competition were on display with their medals.

Here's a few to note for your next shopping trip.

Ron Abuelo 7yr, Ron de Jeremy, Plantation Nicaragua 2003

Congratulations to all the winners! 

Ron Abuelo 12yr, Plantation 20th Annivesary, El Dorado 15yr

For more on the tasting competition and results, Rum Connection has the details.

Bacardi, with its rich history in the Bahamas, could not be missed. 

Tucked away and relaxed, enter Ron Zacapa...

At the end of the day (or beginning), if you could find a table or a few inches of elbow room at the bar, Havana Club Seleccion de Maestros was in full effect.

Nightcap! 

Stay tuned for the next article of the series, Festival Rum Bahamas 2015: The Food

Cheers!!

A Festival to Shine in Nassau: A Look Back at the Promise of Rum Bahamas 2014

Festival Rum Bahamas 2014 Opening Ceremony

Today, we are fortunate that there are many events happening around the world called, "Rum Festivals". They sell themselves on their name. Sometimes, they hold true to their namesake; sometimes they do not. Not surprisingly, people get excited about the Rum part, I mean, seriously, who doesn't? Rum conjures up scenery of the Caribbean islands surrounded by turquoise waters, pirates, beautiful people and that tropical heat. But what about the "Festival" part? Many who go to "Rum Festivals" more often find air-conditioned rooms, characterless banquet halls under fluorescent lights inside stuffy hotels and convention centers. Instead of the white sandy beach paradise they imagined, attendees are surrounded by carpeted walkways and sterile white rooms straight out of the sitcom, The Office. Thank you, but no thanks, you can keep that type of festivity. For me, I'm headed to a Festival like no other. Where's there's hot sun overhead, the natural environs of the Caribbean, captivating water views among endless booths overflowing with exotic rums, island food, local crafts and plenty of live music. One needn't search any further for this sort of festival, for it's returning to Nassau at the end of February. Oh yeah! Set inside the stone interiors of Fort Charlotte, its charms will offer something special for each visitor who makes the trek. This historic venue will set the stage, but Festival Rum Bahamas will flaunt more than just ruins and rum, it will inspire to re-capture the idea of what it means to be a 'festival'. Whether you prefer it shaken or stirred, this three day event showcases a delicious and rather intoxicating blend of rum, food and culture for any palate. Sound exciting?! Well, don't just trust my words, get a ticket and go see for yourself! In the meantime, here's a inside look at some of the rum-filled fun that happened last year.

Local rum and food pairings!

John Watling's Pale Rum & Conch Salad

A quick sample of some of the goods from Ron Botran...

Ron Botran booth 

...and smile or two from Bacardi

Bacardi booth

Historical canons line the walls of Fort Charlotte....

....and in the distance the hip shaking rhythms of Cuban Music....

Havana Club Rum and Cuban music

....of course mixed with Havana Club!!

Havana Club booth

Walk around to see booths filled with local artists selling their crafts 

Local Arts and Crafts

Decorative relics of yesterday...

How about a refreshing mixed drink, Caribbean style?

Fresh coconut water and Rhum Clement VSOP

Award winning rums and local beauty.
You needn't read the shirt to understand such a combination produces "Body Solutions"

Gold medal winner Plantation 3 Stars with G's Spa & Body Solutions

Festival Rum Bahamas 2015 is coming soon. Hope to see you there!

Cheers!!

World-Class Rum Tasting Auctioned Off to Benefit Children

Top row: Clement X.O. & Brugal 1888
Bottom row: Mount Gay 1703 & Angostura 1824

This holiday season began with a cocktail: goodwill mixed with rum. It started with a personal request from a friend, one of the Boyer Children's Clinic Board of Directors, to donate a rum tasting for their annual Inspiring Journeys Auction Gala.

I believe if you can share 10 of the best rums in the world (and a cocktail) to benefit children with neuromuscular diseases and developmental delays along with their families, then this was a tasting worth donating and that is what I did...



Ten of the finest rums available from around the world have been selected. This one-of-a-kind tasting is to take place in a breathtaking Capital Hill condo with sweeping views of downtown Seattle. The evening includes complimentary valet parking by Butler Valet, catered food by Mojito and a personally guided discussion through each of these world-class rums for 15 guests. If you have been to any of The Rum Collective's many educational events, you would know a greeting cocktail is compulsory. For this tasting, such a cocktail will be served as well. What to choose? A cocktail to begin an evening indulging in some of the most remarkable rums in the world must be of comparable quality. This cocktail, featuring Papa's Pilar Blonde Rum, is the perfect choice (see photo below).

May I interest you a Hemingway Daiquiri? 

Rest assured, it's made with only the finest ingredients...

Hemingway Daiquri featuting Papa's Pilar Blonde & Luxardo Maraschino

Oh yeah!

All of the rums selected for the tasting were chosen by the following order of criteria: quality, geographic representation and style, and availability in Washington State. Also, the rum must be donated by the brand. Well, guess what? "Big (and small) Rum" just gave back!! The list of rums in the tasting will include: Clement X.O. of Martinique, Brugal 1888 of the Dominican Republic, Mount Gay 1703 of Barbados and Angostura 1824 of Trinidad (see earlier photo). The other six selections in the tasting represent some of the most eminent rums out of Spain, Panama, France, Venezuela, Guatemala and Puerto Rico and are Ron Navazos Palazzi, Ron Abuelo Centuria, Plantation 20th Anniversary, Ron Diplomatico Ambassador, Ron Zacapa XO and DonQ Gran Anejo respectively. This intimate, guided educational experience will feature these rums in a select order and presented in snifters donated by Liberty Bar.

Behold some more of the most prized rums on the planet. 

The donated tasting was part of the live auction portion of the Gala. The bidding prices began at $500 and escalated rapidly. The tasting sold for $1600!! The winning bidder of the live auction was announced on stage and provided with a celebratory glass of Brugal 1888 to mark the occasion. Yum!!

"Proceeds will provide direct services, such as therapies, special education preschool classes, medical consultations, and family resources for the 750+ children and families Boyer Children's Clinic serves each year."

A sincere thank you to the owners of the condo, Butler Valet, Mojito, Liberty Bar and each of the brands who donated their product to create a first-rate rum tasting to benefit Boyer Children's Clinic!!

CHEERS!!!