This is the tenth anniversary of the Food and Rum Festival in Barbados. It is now a decade old. I’ve been going to these events every year as long as I am in the country.  I’ve been to food demonstrations, rum tastings and food events. This year feels smaller than past years.

This year’s events will run from the 24th-27th of October 2019.

‘Night out in Oistins’ kicks off the Food and Rum Festival on Thursday the 24th. This event is a festival staple. It is a good night out to get a taste of what the weekend will hold. It is a free event. If you are interested in the Food and Rum Festival this is your best chance to see what it is all about. There will be loads of entertainment and Oistins is always a good time.

Friday the 25th will be the Gourmet Safari. This is an opportunity to dine at some of the best restaurants in Barbados under the Food and Rum Festival lens. The six restaurants participating are;

• The Lone Star Restaurant
• Sand Trap Restaurant at The Turtle Beach Resort
• 246 Restaurant at the Tamarind Hotel
• Daphne’s Restaurant
• The Rum Vault at Colony Club Hotel
• Tapestry Restaurant at Treasure Beach Hotel

Saturday the 26th is the Food Truck Mashup at Pelican Centre Bridgetown from 2 – 10 pm.

Finally, Epicure is the closing event on Sunday the 27th.

As the tenth anniversary, this years line up seems like a let down. As I explained in a previous article, (‘Why I Didn’t Attend The Food and Rum Festival 2018’) the Food and Rum Festival has been on the decline for several years now. However, this year I am making the conscious effort to be a well versed critic. I am going to be attending as many events as possible. With two free events this year it is very inclusive. If you were ever interested in the festival I think this year is the year to show up and really see what it is all about. The opening at Oistins is a solid event and the Food Truck Mashup is a new event that has potential.

Of the paid events, The Rum Vault and the Tapestry Restaurant looks like the most interesting from the Gourmet Safari. The Epicure Event looks like the traditional Food and Rum event in Barbados which is usually fine. I hope there are a few surprises and gems this year but as it stands I am skeptical.

That being said, all foodies in Barbados should try at least one event. When I weigh the pros and cons, my top pick is definitely the Food Truck Mashup in Pelican Village on the 26th of October. Here’s hoping it delivers.

So what do you think of this years lineup? What events are you looking forward to? Hope to see everyone there and have a good discussion after it is all said and done. For more information go to the official website,  foodandrum.com, Facebook, and Instagram pages.