An evening of Caribbean cuisine and folk songs

Peas and rice, roti and curried goat are Caribbean dishes we all know and love well on the island of Bermuda.

But how many of you have heard of boiled chana nut mix or the spicy chickpea dish pholourie served with relish?

The West Indian Association is going to tantalise our taste buds with a special evening of Caribbean cuisine and music. Along with all the well-known dishes, there will be plenty of lesser-known traditional homemade recipes from WIA members and local Caribbean restaurants. They reflect food from throughout the Caribbean with influences from India, Africa and beyond.

Susan Moore-Williams, president of the WIA, said: “We thought that one of the things that has always been popular in Bermuda is Caribbean food given the number of Caribbean restaurants on island. One of the hallmarks of any culture is food and certainly the Caribbean is known for its range and variety of really good food.

“This is the first time we have held a dine around the Caribbean.”

The evening will also see the relaunch of The West Indian Folk Singers and there will be a seventies theme.  The event takes place at the BIU multi purpose hall on June 11. There will be special prizes for best vintage dressed guests as well as dance competitions. Part of the proceeds will go towards the Haiti Relief Fund. Sampling of the tasters takes place between 7pm and 8:30pm and will be followed by dancing. Donations are $25.

Ms Moore-Williams added: “The West Indian Association has been in existence since the 80s. Over the years we have done a series of different types of events. One of the things we try to celebrate is not only the fact that we are West Indians in the Bermuda community but we are often deeply entwined and an integral part of the community since many Bermudians have West Indian heritage. “The fact is, those who have come in have also settled and married and now have children on the island. The history and future of Bermuda will continue to be very heavily entwined and an important part of the Bermudian fabric.”