The countdown is on and with just one month to one of the hottest festivals that is still in its infancy, but which in only its second year has become certainly a must-attend event, where you can indulge in diverse and unique rums from around the Caribbean and the world; fun and feisty bites to satisfy every foodie, savor comforting Caribbean foods with a new world twist and creative island flare; observe international and local chefs demonstrate the creative use of rum in food -- in sweet and savory sauces as well as other wild ideas; be tempted by the innovative food displays exhibiting fresh takes on local favorites and purchase locally sourced jams, jellies, sauces, barbecue glazes and more -- all inspired by rum and sugarcane themes at the 2nd Festival RumBahamas.
Festival RumBahamas which entwines the country's adventurous past, its vibrant heritage, charismatic culture, rum flavors, cuisine, commerce, creativity and celebrations will take place over three days, February 27-March 1 at Fort Charlotte.
"Bahamians will be in for a treat -- lots of music, great lectures from slavery to pirates, to rum-running days," said Alexandra Maillis-Lynch, team leader for Festival RumBahamas. "Rum remembers the romance of days gone by that lives on in our warm, welcoming nature as a people."
Whether you were born and bred in The Bahamas or a tourist, Maillis-Lynch said patrons should expect to be blown away by the cultural explosion that is Festival RumBahamas -- awe-inspiring artists and entertainment, including professional storytellers, Bahamian circus, Emanji; the Junkanoo Commandos, theater performances and museum.
Festival RumBahamas is expected to be the ultimate non-stop Bahamian party.
"Festival RumBahamas seeks to explore our relationship with this intriguing spirit and its connection to our cultural heritage in a fun, exciting and interactive experience," said Maillis-Lynch.
Set in gorgeous and historically significant Fort Charlotte, Festival RumBahamas invites patrons to quench their thirst for distinctive and exotic rums, satiate their hunger for creative tastes and enjoy the rhythms of the new Caribbean. At the festival they can satisfy their appetite for adventure and their adventurous appetite. They will definitely be entertained, enlightened and energized.
This year, celebrated rum expert Ian Burrell who is recognized as the global rum ambassador, and founder of the world-renowned United Kingdom Rumfest and the Annual Golden Rum Barrel Awards will participate in Festival RumBahamas. Burrell also leads the Rum Experience University training programs for rum ambassadors, and travels the world training, lecturing and promoting rum and cocktails. He has over 25 years in the industry.
Bajan Rhum Chef Paul Yellin will also be throwing down at this year's Festival RumBahamas. The culinary master has taught that rum is as important an ingredient in creating exotic dishes as it is in some of the world's favorite cocktails.
The Rum Kitchen at Pot Likker Place will be the soul of Festival RumBahamas. It will educate, inspire and amaze. Bahamian chefs and foodies will be able to match food and rum in pairings as exciting as any food/wine combination. Cultural icons will give novel and entertaining presentations on Bahamian culinary roots, traditions, food sources and the uniqueness of Bahamian cuisine.
Rum Kitchen attractions will include the commissary, oral presentations, a bookstore, watch pot demo kitchen which will showcase rum-in-food preparation in demonstrations that will be interactive, and include tastings.
Heritage Map created by Patricia Glinton-Meicholas and Neko Meicholas will connect the dots to give a history of Bahamian cuisine, encompassing ingredients, islands, peoples, terminology and processes which combined, create the uniqueness of the cuisine of The Bahamas.
Aun' Pat's Market will be the space that will have the bustle of a marketplace/a living grocery store and samples and displays of Bahamian produce, products and ingredients. Titty Lily's Petty Shop will be a recreation of a typical provisions store, all-in-one emporiums that were the heart and meeting place of Bahamian settlements and old neighborhoods.
Presentations at the three-day festival will include environmental and agricultural influences; ingredients: present and noticeably absent; the kitchen of yesteryear; cooking methods: steaming, cracking, marinating, burling (boiling), and grilling; signature cuisine of the Family Islands and unique dishes; kitchen kin: Bahamian culinary connections and correspondences across the globe; The festival will also highlight rum in folk region and established religions "Jook" Joints/30 days and temperance movements, prohibition and rum running.
Events by Alexandra Food Village will showcase the ultimate fusion cuisine featuring international influences and back to roots Bahamian cuisine. Also to be explored during the festival will be bringing Bahamian cuisine into the 21st century: the potential of traditional Bahamian food as a 5-star experience using modern techniques (Chef Kristopher Sweeting); food-in-rum and the art of maceration: the use of rum in preservation in The Bahamas and the Caribbean.
The flavor profiles, uses, and theories behind pairing different rums with food, exploring the uses of rum in cooking, and replacing wine in gourmet cuisine with rum with interactive sampling and discussion will be another highlight of the festival.
Festival RumBahamas will promote the rich history, heritage and culture of The Bahamas by putting the history, culture and especially the culinary heritage and food ways of The Bahamas on show.
Festival RumBahamas
When: February 27-March 1
Where: Fort Charlotte
Time: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily
Admission: Entre fee $25 per day or 3-day package at $60, advanced purchase only.
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