Food and music meet at Taste of the Caribbean Islands

International artistes and chefs from across the Caribbean will give patrons a real island experience when they assemble at the Vizcaya Park in Miramar, South Florida, on Saturday, for the annual food and music fest.

The 3rd Annual Taste of the Caribbean Islands event will feature artistes such as Singing Melody from Jamaica; Causion from Antigua & Barbuda; Julien Believe from The Bahamas; Nadia Batson from Trinidad & Tobago; and Latin American artiste Gianpaul & Latin Soul Band. The legendary Code Red Band will also perform, as well as the Lauderhill Steel Ensemble, Moko Jumbies, Soca Bounce and the Junkanoo Band. There will also be a tribute to a son of Jamaica, Harry Belafonte, the famed singer, actor and activist, as well as a celebration to mark The Bahamas 50th year of independence.

The organisers say that this event “brings together the culture, language, art, music, and experience of a people under one roof” and, therefore, it is “a must-attend event for the folks that appreciate all that makes up our Caribbean islands”.

Among the offerings will be live cooking demonstrations from Vicky Colas, executive chef and nutritionist at Unique Culinary Group; Chef Calvin Young Lalloo from Belize; as well as Chefs Khalil, Patrice Harris-Henry, and Chez-Ann Campbell from the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at the University of Technology (UTech) in Jamaica. The newest addition will be mixologist Shamon Hinds-Smith, from UTech, who will demo Caribbean speciality drinks.

Vice Mayor Miramar, Alexandra P. Davis, who is the host of the event, stated, “Taste of the Caribbean Islands has something for everyone ... face painting and balloon art for the kids, as well as an onsite pop-up art gallery and book fair, which will include book readings. The evening will close out with the pulsating rhythms of the islands. We are encouraging everyone to come out to this highly anticipated family event.”

She added that there will be representation of numerous consulates and tourist boards from the Caribbean at this one-of-a-kind event in South Florida that attracts thousands.