Seasonal Cuisine

In St.Vincent and the Grenadines the season that is associated the most with seasonal cuisine is Christmas. There are the various drinks such as sorrel and ginger beer. Sorrel is a flowering plant, and the red flowers are used to make the sorrel drink. The flowers can be used fresh or in its dried form. The flowers are boiled until the color has faded and   the water is bright red. The water is then sweetened to taste with sugar. Some people add white rum to give it a kick, or ginger to enhance the flavor. Ginger beer isn’t really what it sounds like and it is not even a carbonated drink. The ginger root is peeled and grated. Boiling hot water is poured over the ginger, and it is left overnight. The ginger solution is then strained and sweetened. A few cloves are added for that bit of spice.

Another seasonal food that is associated with Christmas is ‘black cake’. This is a type of fruit cake that is literally black in color. Traditionally, dried fruits , such as raisins, currants, prunes , and mixed peel, are left to soak for as long as several months in rum and/or wine or sherry, before the cake is baked. The fruit is blended to allow for different levels of consistency. At baking time one can add cherries and /or almonds to the mixture. After the potent fruit mixture is added to the cake batter, food coloring (‘browning’) is then added to produce the black color. When the cakes are baked, (no one bakes just one black cake) more sherry/wine is poured on them. They are then left to cool and soak up the alcohol, so that the cake is moist. Some folks baked their cakes in enough time to send to relatives overseas, other at least by Christmas Eve. Black cake is well preserved and can last for extended periods of time.

Last but certainly not least is the Salted Ham. This is cured ham so it is quite salty. Many persons boil the ham with herbs and spices before baking it. Others simply soak the amount of ham needed in cold water, overnight.  It can later be baked for lunch or fired as bacon for breakfast.

The Christmas celebration would not be the same without these foods.

Christmas Fun!

I love the Christmas season. There seems to be something different in the air. The breeze itself is a lot cooler. It’s cooler because of the cold winter breeze that come from the northern countries, but still it never gets cold, as it’s still warm enough to sun bathe and also wear shorts in the evening. There are numerous festivals that happen in St.Vincent and the Grenadines. The capital itself comes alive at night as a result of the stores being open a lot later than normal. There are also a lot of other activities that cater to the large crowds that sweep into town. Christmas shopping in St.Vincent therefore becomes an event. People come to Town(as Kingstown , the capital is referred to) to meet their friends, to enjoy live music, have a drink at one of the nearest bars or actually do some shopping.

Many young people come to the capital on the Sundays leading up to Christmas to ‘lime’, which is Caribbean for ‘hanging out ‘ and having a good time with one’s friends. On Sundays i the stores open their doors open until late into the night. The bars play popular music and the vibes are vibrant with specials on beverages throughout the night.

At the beginning of the season there is the “Lighting of the Tree”, a large tree in Kingstown is usually decorated with lights and these lights are turned on at the beginning of the season. Many Vincentians come into the Capital to view this event which normally takes place on a Sunday.

There is normally a band of Parang musicians who play music for the people who are walking around in town. Parang is a mixture of Caribbean and Spanish rhythms . They play a variety of Christmas carols and have been doing this for as long as I can remember. Another group play Christmas carols on miniature steel pans. This group is called the Bamboo Melodians, as their music is usually accompanied with locally made bamboo flutes..

The main event that is associated with the Christmas in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the ‘Nine Mornings festival . It starts at exactly 9 days away from Christmas and ends at Christmas Eve. The festivities start in the early hours in the morning and there are performances by dancers, steel orchestras and also entertaining games. This has become an official annual event that caters to the young and the young at heart. Visitors and locals alike participate in the activities, and everyone has a great time. Of course you are still expected to get to work for 8.00 am.!

Hotels in St.Vincent

St.Vincent and the Grenadines is group of such  beautiful little islands. There are many hotels, inns and all inclusive resorts. The locations of these establishments are  all throughout the islands both on main land St.Vincent and the smaller islands of the Grenadines.

There are a few small intimate hotels that are located in Kingstown,  One of these such hotels is Grenadine House which has hosted  many exclusive parties and fashion shows. This is because of  its location it is in the capital city yet it is still a bit secluded in the hills of Kingstown Park so it’s perfect location . The atmosphere at Grenadine House is extremely elegant.

Another hotel that is located in Kingstown is called Cobblestone Inn which located on Bay Street. This place is ideal for any couples or singles that like being in the heart of Kingstown. Many people including locals  stay at this Inn during the carnival season especially because it located right in the middle of all the festivities.

There are also some other hotels located along the windward coast, these are closer to the beaches as well as not being too far from the city of Kingstown. Most of them are located on the beach front to beautiful white sand beaches whose shores seem to wash all the way up to your front door . Some hotels are BeachCombers ,Sunset Shores, Paradise Beach Hotel and Grand View Beach Hotel. These hotels all have various packages that involving activities that include scuba diving ,and fishing tours. 

There are two main all inclusive resorts located on the main island of St.Vincent. One of these resorts is called Young Island Resort which is situated on its own island on the windward side of the island. The resort is about 15 minutes away from Kingstown ,it is only accessible by boat which makes it even more secluded. The little island that is Young Island Resort has its own little beach as well as tennis courts ,pools and a well equipped spa. This destination is perfect for a couples as well as families alike.

The other all inclusive resort is called Buccament Bay Resort which is located on the other side of the island known as the Leeward side. This resort is newly opened and is equipped with the state to the art facilities. The amenities includes sports and performing arts academies, fitness centres , teens clubs more than 5 different onsite restaurants , pools and a wide white sand beach. This resorts screams luxury and sophistication. The resort is like a tiny little country within itself but still has the warmth of the Vincentian sun and people!