Hands For Hunger's Paradise Plates 2014 lived up to its promise this year to be the biggest and best "night of culinary compassion" ever held, drawing the best food and beverage purveyors on the island, 700-plus guests and rave reviews.
Paradise Plates, now in its sixth year, was held on September 27 in the Grand Ballroom of Atlantis resort and is the signature fundraiser for the Hands For Hunger (H4H) organization. H4H is a humanitarian organization committed to the elimination of unnecessary hunger and the reduction of food waste in The Bahamas. Based on a recent report from the Department of Statistics, as many as 34,000 Bahamians face chronic hunger or food insecurity. The good news is that the problem is surmountable. Through the reduction of food waste in our community, unnecessary hunger can be eliminated.
This year, Paradise Plates guests experienced an epicurean adventure of diverse palates, bold flavors and traditional favorites from 29 food and drink stations showcasing their best fare, including sushi, tapas, pork belly, ceviche, hummus, dessert, sky juice, rum and wine, to name just a few. Guests were also entertained by live music. A Junkanoo rushout by the Marina Village Junkanoo Troupe capped off the night.
Chef Monica Hutchinson, a Food Network-affiliated chef, presented a rescued food demonstration, transforming KFC chicken and peas and rice into tasty dishes. There was also a dramatic Chinese noodle demonstration by Atlantis.
For the past two years, Paradise Plates has been used to introduce the public to Nassau's current or newly launching restaurants. In 2012, Graycliff Chocolatier launched its artisan chocolates and bon bons to the delight of guests and just last year Palm Cay's Billfish Grill was a huge hit among the curious "foodie" crowd at Paradise Plates. This year guests were introduced to Lukka Kairi, a new restaurant featuring traditional Bahamian flavors with a fresh, contemporary approach.
The live and silent auctions had guests brimming with excitement as many attempted to win at least one of more than 50 fabulous prizes, experiences and adventures. The star of the silent auction this year was an X4 BMW. Other items up for bid included local and international vacation packages to destinations such as Portland, Ore., Washington D.C. and the Family Islands, along with fine jewelry, art and sculpture, and designer items.
"Every year, in an effort to raise over $100,000 to sustain Hands For Hunger's programs and operations, we rely on our valued partners to ensure the success of this night of culinary compassion," said Anna Bancroft, Paradise Plates Committee lead and communications manager, Hands For Hunger.
The 2014 Paradise Plates event involved a number of companies collaborating to make the event a success. Atlantis, Creative Relations, Zamar, and Wildflowers Events and Occasions provided in-kind donations to transform the venue into a magnificent space. In addition to corporate partnerships, the event would not be possible without a dedicated group of volunteers working with the H4H staff. The event also allowed College of The Bahamas culinary students to practice their skills while giving back. For the last six years they have assisted executive chefs at the participant stations.
Royal Bank of Canada and SkyBahamas both served as presenting sponsors of Paradise Plates this year. BMW was a connoisseur sponsor of the event this year.
Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian
