Caribbean Beat — November/December 2018 (#154)

Pudding and souse,
hors d'oeuvre–style
courtesy barbados touyrism marketing inc
St Lucy
Generally off the beaten path, this parish is the only one named
after a female patron saint. Located at the northern tip of the
island, the Animal Flower Cave welcomes numerous return
visitors. In the cave, small brightly coloured sea anemones, biologically
classified as animals, play hide and seek. After eating
so much, the cave is a good, dimly lit place to swim, especially
if you’ve developed a slight paunch. Above the cavern, souvenir
huts, spectacular views, and the North Point Restaurant overflow
with Barbadian and West Indian flavour.
St Thomas
Magnificent stalactites and stalagmites run through caverns
in Harrison’s Cave. Deep inside, near the cave’s lowest point,
is a forty-foot waterfall dropping to a blue-green lake. Outside,
vendors sell souvenirs and local sweets. A hard candy made with
molasses, coconut, and sugar melts in your mouth. But when you
hear what it’s called, try not to choke. The controversial black
bitch has been having this effect on people from time immemorial.
Other local sweets include guava cheese, nut cakes,
tamarind balls, and sugar cakes.
St James
Against the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea, the districts of
Holetown and Sunset Crest are your oysters. Locally known as
the Platinum Coast — due to the abundance of upscale hotels,
resorts, golf courses, and shopping centres — this stretch offers
endless choices for fine or casual dining. The Tides Restaurant
breathes life into your culinary sojourn with elegance, and across
the road, Just Grillin’ Restaurant exemplifies the true meaning
of refreshment after a day at the beach — or, in this case, a road
trip. Grilled mahi mahi seasoned with Bajan seasonings and love
is a crowd favourite. Maybe you’ll catch a glimpse of DC United
football player Wayne Rooney (formerly of Manchester United)
leaving his villa when you’re in the area.
St George
When traffic gets heavy around the island, this parish provides
ample back roads to reach your destination. The Bulkeley Sugar
Factory is a major landmark, although it’s no longer operational.
The Portvale Sugar Factory (in St James) is the only working
sugar factory remaining in Barbados. They’d be happy to give
you a tour.
Meanwhile, early on Saturday mornings (6 to 10 am) the
Brighton Farmers Market on Brighton Plantation has become
the meeting spot for those seeking a good bargain, plus breakfast
and coffee. You may find roast corn and breadfruit, with some
mauby too. Come rain or shine, this open-air market supplies
produce, artisanal products, plants, and clothing. n
Caribbean Airlines operates daily flights to Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados from destinations in
the Caribbean, with connections to North and South America
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