One of the underappreciated aspects of our hospitality industry has been the remarkable explosion of culinary skills and the range of options available to the many visitors that grace our shores each year. The many fine restaurants, pubs and roadside establishments offer a wide variety of cuisine to match the variable geometry of spending capability and taste of the most discerning epicurean.
From the Baxter’s Road and Oistins fish fry to the Cliff, Sassafras, Champers, Fish Pot and Atlantis restaurants to name an exceptional few. The special luncheons at Fisherpond Great House hosted by John and Rain Chandler on Thursday and Sunday are a special delight as is the unique ambiance of Roger Goddard’s Cutters near the Crane Resort.
There is the Pudding and Souse at Lemon Arbour and the countless rum shops in almost every village where stew beef and rice and peas or ham and cheese cutters are the fast food of choice. Apsara’s Indian and Thai cuisine, the Crane Resort’s Zen for Japanese delights and Tony’s Restaurant in Clapham for basic Bajan are just part of the range available. And who could forget Mama Mia’s Italian experience on Hastings main road or the nearby 39 Steps.
As good as the food is it is the charm and hospitality of those serving the gastronomic delights that make dining in Barbados such a memorable occasion. The relaxed informality and a ready smile adds much to the meal. We who live here seem to take it for granted but our guests truly appreciate the hospitality that they receive while experiencing a remarkable dining experience in restaurants that are often compared with the best of the West End of London.
It is not unusual for visitors staying in our sister islands to the west to fly up to Barbados for dinner or luncheon and return home the same day, such is the attraction of our finest restaurants. In promoting Barbados as a holiday destination I do not believe that we place enough emphasis on the culinary delights of our small island and the quality and range of our offerings.
Good food, fine wine, cold beer, excellent rum and other spirits is an important factor in the holiday experience as well as the hospitality of the financial services industry. The restaurateurs of Barbados deserve a special appreciation for the accolades of visitors and residents alike, and recognition of the contribution that they make to establish Barbados as a premier holiday destination and a preferred domicile to conduct international business.
We should do more to highlight the remarkable dining experience in Barbados while promoting the island as a holiday destination and an international business center. It is a significant contributing factor to the quality of the holiday experience and the quality of life for those who conduct business here and has contributed much to the level of repeat business that is of great value to us all.
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