I couldn’t squeeze all of Barbados in one post so here is an extension of my brief love affair with rum punch, island excursions, and delicious food. If this post inspires you to take a trip to the island, you should know that Barbados is hosting a Food & Wine Festival November 22-25, 2013. It should be a blast!
My recommendations for excursions on
the island would definitely include St. Nicholas Abbey – a rum plantation built
in the 1650’s. The tour starts off with rum
punch and a brief movie from 1935 that explains the history of the plantation.
With our palates wet from rum punch, we proceeded to a rum tasting of 10 and 15
year aged dark rum. “One of just four distilleries in Barbados, the Plantation
has shunned mass production and complex mechanical systems in favor of the
traditional distillation process that made Barbadian rum famous over 350 years
ago.”
One of my favorite places we stopped on our adventure
outside the resort was Bathsheba beach on the eastern side of the island. Both
sides of the island are breathtakingly majestic in their own ways as the jagged
rocks and rough surf on the eastside strikingly contrast the calm clear waters
on the westside. 
We were walking along the beach and growing thirsty when we popped into Dina’s Diner for some rum punch (that’s right folks, more punch – when in Rome right?). This family-owned diner is a small white beach shack where patrons order at the counter and then sit outside at a table or on the grass to enjoy the view. The little diner seemed to be popular with both the locals and tourists.
It was very busy when we walked up – just a mother and
daughter running the show. While we were waiting in line, I noticed the mother,
Dina, had several drink orders at the counter. So I said “Hey, I used to be a
waitress, want me to help?” She replied, “sure, take this tray to that large
table over there.” So I proceeded to help Dina get over the rush and deliver
drinks to thirsty tourists. It was too much fun! Needless to say my drinks were
on-the-house the rest of the night. 
After taking group photos on the balcony and sipping rum
punch at the Drift, we were led to our gorgeous table
positioned next to the crystal clear Caribbean water. Surrounded by flowing
waterfalls and tropical décor we dined on a fusion of Caribbean and
Mediterranean food as we watched the sun set on our last night on the beautiful
island. Our appetizers included Crispy Pork Belly with sweat peas, mint puree,
and vanilla reduction, Coconut Shrimp with spicy
mango, and a Duo of Ceviche with cilantro and grapefruit
infusion. For the main course we feasted on Grilled Grouper with sweet
potato and pineapple salsa and the Catch of the Night – Grilled Barracuda. Overall the evening was beautiful, the food was delicious, and the service was, as always in Barbados, above and beyond. Have you ever been to Barbados? What were your favorite places for food, wine, and fun?
