The flower of Love (or should be at least) - Anthurium

Being the last day of love month we thought we would do a small mention on a flower close to heart. Yes, we know red roses are the flower of love however, have you ever wondered what those heart-shaped tropical flowers in Barbados were? Well they are called Anthuriums but are also be known as the Flamingo Flower or Boy Flower because of the structure of the spadix (the piece that sticks off the waxy flower). Such a beautiful flower, Anthurium is a genus of over 800 species.

White Anthurium Flower

Purple Anthurium FLowers

Red Anthurium Flower

As can be readily observed, Anthuriums have quite an unusual shape (exactly like a heart) and can be seen in an array of different colours such as pinks, red,  whites and even deep purples!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Loop Barbados

A Taste of Agrofest 2012

The three day agricultural festival, Agrofest, ended last night and we are sure people are already looking forward to next year's festival. With over 200 exhibitors displaying and selling a diverse selection of seedlings, organic vegetables, orchids, crafts and livestock, the weekend was filled with excitement for people of all ages. Not only were farmers at Agrofest displaying their local produce but there were livestock and animal shows also! Take a look below for some of the photos we snapped (in between buying our weeks worth of veggies and enjoying the atmosphere!).

Sheep at Agrofest 2012

Cassava at Agrofest 2012

Vine Ripened Tomatoes at Agrofest 2012

Eggplants at Agrofest 2012

Local Pumpkins at Agrofest 2012

Local Lettuce Agrofest 2012

Mixed Lettuce at Agrofest 2012

Gerber Flower at Agrofest 2012

Cherry Tomatoes at Agrofest 2012

Orchids at Agrofest 2012

If you missed it this year, hopefully you can make it next year!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Images: Loop Barbados

Have a Wonderful Weekend!

It's Friday and we hope you are....

Sunset on the West Coast of Barbados

Have yourself of wonderful weekend!!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Images: Loop Barbados

Cooking Bajan Style: Bul Jol

Bul Jol  is a very popular delicacy in Barbados and even though it originated in Trinidad it is a must serve at many local parties, gatherings or festivals. Recently a new restaurant in Barbados, Naru Restaurant and Lounge started incorporating it into sushi!  Bul Jol is made from salted cod and various vegetables and herbs such as sweet pepper, tomato, cucumber, thyme, marjoram etc. A vital component of Bul Jol is also the famous hot scotch bonnet peppers! In Bul Jol, the saltiness of the cod coupled with the crisp and wet coolness of the vegetables make this dish ideal. Additionally, the variation of the ingredients provide a pleasant texture. We, over at Loop Barbados, prepare Bul Jol on a regular basis, as not only is it extremely delicious but also low in fat and cholesterol. See below for our special Bul Jol recipe.

Bul Jol, Barbados

Bul Jol, Barbados

BUL JOL RECIPE 

1/4 lb dried salt cod
1/2 medium onion -sliced very thin

1 medium tomato -cubed

1 clove garlic - minced
1/4 cup green bell pepper -cubed

5-10 sprigs of thyme
1/4 cup marjoram - Chopped
1 green onion (scallion) -chopped
1/4 of a Scotch Bonnet Pepper - seeded and minced
Dash of black pepper
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Place the salted fish in a deep bowl and boil enough water to completely cover it. After the water reaches boiling point (I use our electric kettle) pour it over the fish and allow it to soak for about 15 minutes or until it’s cool enough to work with. This water will help remove most of the “salt” that was used to cure the fish, or you’ll be stuck with a very salty dish. Not only does the hot water help remove the excess salt, it also makes the fish a bit tender and easier to shred. Drain and rinse with tap water, then shred the fish into tiny bits. Try and squeeze out any remaining water that it may still have as best as possible. Now slice, dice and chop the pepper, onion, tomato, scallion, thyme, marjoram and garlic and add to the bowl with the shredded saltfish. Give it a good dose of fresh cracked black pepper and mix. Finally, heat the olive oil in a frying pan and just before it starts to smoke, pour the heated olive oil onto the everything in the bowl. Mix thoroughly and serve the fabulous Bul Jol.

  

Melanie & Kimberly*

Images: Loop Barbados

It's 24 for the Famous and Talented Rihanna

Rihanna celebrates her 24th birthday today, and with 25 million albums sold and 9 #1 hits since 2005, this singer is in no uncertain terms. Rihanna is no doubt one of the most successful female recording artists ever and according to her the reason behind this is because she only produces music she absolutely loves.

Rihanna at the Grammy Awards 2012

Through her trend-setting red carpet looks, catchy pop tunes, and sometimes thought-provoking music videos, this 24 year old beauty proves that she is on a mission. 

Rihanna on the cover Vogue April  2011

 Rihanna will be spending her birthday in London and we hope the she has a phenomenal day!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Images: E! Entertainment, Vogue

Top 5 Things to do in Barbados (if you are only here for one day)

We know that many travelers only get to spend one single day on the island because cruise ships are a very popular choice amongst individuals. We have been getting a lot of "what is the BEST thing to do if I/we are only in Barbados for one day" queries. The best thing to do really depends on your personality type, so Melanie and myself decided to do a small questionnaire among various locals to come up with the top five things to do in Barbados (if you are only here for one day).

 Activity # 5 - A day cruise - There are many catamaran boats that offer a day cruise where you can to swim with turtles, explore sunken ships and sip on some classic Barbadian rum punch. About 11% of locals said they would like to see Barbados underwater if they were here one day and so may you. Three catamarans we would recommend are Jammin', Tiami or Cool Runnings.

Turtle Swimming in Barbados

Activity # 4 -  Harrison's Cave - This magnificent crystallized limestone cavern is a hit amongst both locals and visitors. It is claimed to be one of the wonders of the world with its pure waters and flowing streams which aided in the formation of the stalactites and stalagmites.  Approximately 15% of locals said if they were here for one day this is what they would like to see and experience. Especially with their new eco-adventure tour you actually get to hike through the cave itself!

Harrison's Cave, Barbados

Activity # 3 - A taste of local cuisine -  A surprising 17% of the locals we interviewed said something along the lines of "dey mus tase we food an drink we drink" translated to mean you have to enjoy something that it authentic to Barbados, whether it be flying fish and cou-cou, pudding and souse, cutters, breadfruit, macoroni pie, coconut, pepper sauce, peas n rice etc.

Flying Fish, Barbados

Activity # 2 - Enjoy a day at the beach - Barbados is known for their beaches and many locals (about 21%) recommended one day visitors to relax by the water's edge and soak up the sun that Barbados has "blessed we with". Harbour lights has a great beach day planned for cruise passengers that simply want to wind down and enjoy the sheer beauty that Barbados offers.

Beach Day in Barbados

Activity # 1 - Tour the island - This can either be by car or bus, and majority of locals recommended  visitors do this on their one day stop! If you are more of the adventurous type rent a car for the day and explore the island by map. On the other hand if you don't want the responsibility of driving or have a fear of getting lost, there are many tour companies such as Coconut Tours, Island Safari and Adventureland which do the driving for you! Some of the sights that you have to see are Cherry Tree Hill, Cove Bay, Morgan Lewis Windmill, Hackletons Cliff, St. Johns Parish Church, St. Joseph Parish Church, Bathsheba and Cattlewash.

Cherry Tree Hill Barbados

The other 8% of the locals said 'other' activities such as scuba diving, St. Nicholas Abbey Plantation tour, Mount Gay rum tour, surfing, and shopping in Bridgetown.

Hope this helps you next time you come to Barbados!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Images: Loop Barbados Flickr, Flickr, 

Sugar Sugar!

What we are going to talk about today is considered a Bajan Delicacy- Coconut Sugar Cakes also known as Coconut Ice! It is a sugary sweet with fresh coconut which pairs perfectly with tea and other desserts. To make this well know delicacy see below for the recipe:

Famous Coconut Sugar Cakes

COCONUT SUGAR CAKES

• 1/2 lb. grated fresh coconut
• 1/4 pt. water
• 3/4 lb. sugar

Place the sugar in a saucepan and add water. Simmer until the sugar melts. Then add the coconut. 
Let boil slowly, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Allow to cook until it thickens and takes on a greasy look. Drop mixture by tablespoonfuls onto a shallow plate or cookie sheet that has been moistened with water. Leave to set.

A must try in Barbados!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Images: Loop Barbados