Vistors to The Bahamas and locals alike can now avail themselves of a delicious opportunity to experience the true Bahamas, its unique character, rich cultural heritage and its charismatic community through discovering, learning about and most of all tasting authentic local Bahamian cuisine with the emergence of Tru Bahamian food tours. Tru Bahamian food tours is a Bahamian culinary tourism company offering a range of quality and innovative local culinary experiences in a safe, sustainable and environmentally responsible manner.
The mission of the tour company founded by Alanna Rodgers, who is Food Tour Pros certified, is to connect people with authentic local food items, stories and traditions behind the foods and the Bahamians that prepare and preserve them, through a hands-on, interactive, educational tour and culinary adventure. Rodgers takes foodies on a memorable journey into the heart of the island's diverse and distinct culinary community, uncovering the best of authentic Bahamian cuisine and offering a series of exclusive opportunities to eat, drink and discover the essentials of Bahamian culture.
Participants can tease their tastebuds as they bring to life old Nassau's historic and charming community while they enjoy mouthwatering food tastings from seven locally adored eateries, one-of-a-kind specialty food stores and flavorful mom and pop ethnic restaurants, while their appetite for a hearty dose of fascinating Bahamian history, architecture and culture is satisfied.
Tasting stops (locations are subject to change) on the "Bites Of Nassau" food tour include Graycliff Chocolatier, which features handmade truffles, bon bons and confections; Bahamian Cooking; Pepper Pot Grill & Juice Bar, a cozy eatery that serves Jamaican food and freshly squeezed juices; Van Breugel's Bistro and Bar, that features an eclectic fusion of dishes on its menu; Pure Caribbean Specialty Store that specializes in herbal bush teas, jams, spices and exotic pepper sauces; Athena Café Bar & Restaurant, a Nassau landmark that serves Greek classics from its family-run kitchen; Tortuga Rum Cake Company that serves seven flavors of rum cake and Lively Juice Bar, a charismatic one-man operation serving delicious and refreshing juices and smoothies, all freshly squeezed using locally grown produce.
Taking a Tru Bahamian food tour exposes the participant to a delicious, unforgettable dining experience that includes insights from and exclusive access to local chefs and restaurants; exploration of a vibrant culture that reveals the history and architecture of Nassau's charming downtown. The eco-friendly tour supports small business and the local community. The authentic island adventure journeys off the beaten tourist path and into the heart of The Bahamas.
The tour The "Bites of Nassau" tour food tasting and cultural walking tour takes participants on a three-hour culinary adventure through historic downtown Nassau, seamlessly combining delicious and authentic food and drink flavors with serious fun. Participants will experience authentic delights from one-of-a-kind specialty food stores, locally adored restaurant landmarks and flavorful ethnic eateries while gaining fascinating historical, architectural and cultural insights into The Bahamas' commercial and political capital city. It's a tour that's suitable for all age groups and fitness levels.
After a narrated tour led by Rodgers, participants will leave having experienced the city through the eyes of a true Bahamian, new culinary perspectives, a comfortably satisfied stomach and the knowledge and confidence to continue exploring Nassau's restaurant offerings, sites and attractions. Tour features Features of the tour include exclusive privileges from tasting locations, including special in-store coupons, behind the scenes access to local chef and restaurant owners and exclusive recipes. Rodgers has also received certification from the International Culinary Tourism Association and Bahama Host.
And she has taken steps to ensure that her tours can accommodate people with most major food allergies and aversions including vegetarians, pescatarians, gluten and lactose intolerance, nut allergies, diabetics and pregnancy. The "Bites of Nassau" tour takes three hours, covers 1.2 miles and allows participants to indulge in seven tastings. The total walking time is approximately 45 minutes.
During that period, original commentary and insights on Nassau's architectural gems, enchanting local flora, fascinating colonial relics, venues for live music, poetry and dancing and exciting local attractions and restaurants are the order of the day. Photo opportunities at major historical sites and monuments like Government House, iconic historical churches, Fort Nassau, Balcony House, Christ Church Cathedral and the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas are also a part of the adventure. The tour takes place Monday through Saturday, year round from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The price is $69 adults and $49 per child for ages 12 and under. The maximum is eight guests per tour. The tour leaves out at the front entrance of the British Colonial Hilton Hotel, whether the sun is shining or it's raining (rain gear will be provided if needed), and finishes at the Tortuga Rum Cake Company on Frederick Street North. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Founder and president Tru Bahamain food tours was founded by Rodgers, a young Bahamian social entrepreneur who has a passion for transformative community engagement.
Rodgers who has traveled extensively for business, sports and leisure, has summited Mount Kilimanjaro, dove with great white sharks in Cape Town, South Africa; bungee jumped over Victoria Falls; volunteered at an orphanage in Madagascar; competed in the World Tennis Championships in Prague and snorkeled over the Great Barrier Reef. Through her travels, she learned a deep appreciation for the role that cuisine plays in a country's unique character and cultural expression, and came to the realization that some of her most salient and memorable traveling experiences abroad were in fact related to the culinary traditions of the countries she visited.
Most recently, Rodgers, who founded Hands For Hunger, developed a global community outreach program as manager of charitable and community service initiatives for advertising company, MDC Partners. As a result of her experiences with both MDC Partners and Hands For Hunger, Rodgers has cultivated partnerships and earned goodwill among various members of the Bahamian culinary community.
After experiencing a local plantation spice tour on the island of Zanzibar, as well as a guided walking city tour in Chicago, Rodgers realized how powerful authentic cuisine could be as a vehicle for connecting curious visitors to the heart and soul of a country's community and culture. Inspired and commited to sharing and showcasing Nassau's own culinary gifts, she launched Tru Bahamas food tours which went live the first week of January.
Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian
