I’m Lisa, a BBC Good Food Magazine Cook Smart Champion, and I’m passionate about cooking.I started cooking at an early age and attended my first cookery course at twelve. I have been a cooking tutor teaching basic cookery, vegetarian and vegan cooking, and Caribbean cuisine.
On the evening of November 30, 2024, the Holiday Inn, Brentford, London, became a vibrant hub of Barbadian pride and culinary extravagance as The Barbados Overseas Community and Friends Association (BOCFA) hosted the annual Barbados Independence Dinner and Dance. It had been too long since I had the pleasure of attending such a celebratory event, and the anticipation was palpable as guests gathered to honour the island’s 58th year of independence.
The atmosphere was set for a memorable night, punctuated by an insightful message delivered by His Excellency Milton Innis, High Commissioner of Barbados in London. With a gracious nod to Barbados’s rich cultural heritage, the evening’s master of ceremony, Tyrone Roach, flawlessly orchestrated the proceedings, ensuring each moment flowed seamlessly from one to the next.
But as a food writer, my primary focus was, of course, on the culinary offerings that awaited us. Having attended numerous events where Caribbean flavours promised to tantalise the taste buds, only to leave a lingering sense of disappointment, I approached the dinner with cautious optimism.
A Menu to Remember
The menu was nothing short of a celebration of Barbadian flavours’, featuring an array of starters, mains, and desserts that stirred the senses.
Starters included:
Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup
Pudding and Pickle
Main Courses boasted a delectable selection:
Mahi Mahi & Bassa
Fried and Baked Fowl
Proper Pork
Lamb Stew
Vegetable Stew
Honey Roasted Seasonal Root Vegetables
Rice and Peas
Seasoned Rice
Macaroni Pie
Seasonal Vegetables
Tossed Salad
Coleslaw
Desserts satisfied the sweet tooth:
Raspberry Cheesecake
Great Cake
Fruit Skewers
Pudding
The evening started with a striking pineapple stack fashioned like a lone palm tree adorned with fresh fruit and tamarind at its base. The unexpected addition of tamarind was a delightful surprise that sparked conversations among guests and brought a refreshing twist to the typical fruit offerings at such gatherings.
Next, the starter arrived: The pumpkin and sweet potato soup was a warm and satisfying addition. My choice is a small bowl of pudding and pickle served half coconut shell, a brilliant nod to those who may not indulge in pork or meat. (I say small because I could have happily eaten at least one more!) It was an innovative and flavorful idea, rising to the occasion of a true Caribbean staple. I found myself excited to dive into this savoury experience that delivered all the right flavours.
In a moment of slight panic, I realised I had forgotten to bring my prized hot pepper sauce—an essential for any Barbadian meal. To my relief, however, pepper sauce was generously made available, allowing me to add that perfect kick to my main course. The main dish was a true feast for the senses. I savoured the lamb stew and baked fowl, complemented by a hearty macaroni pie, fresh vegetables, and a colourful salad.
As I glanced around, the sight of empty plates told a story all their own. The “proper pork” that graced the tables was devoured with such eagerness that it confirmed one thing: it was indeed a delicious offering, much to the delight of those fortunate enough to indulge. As the evening wound down, guests enjoyed a selection of desserts that satisfied their sweet cravings in splendid fashion. The raspberry cheesecake was a jewel on the dessert table, while the Great Cake and fruit skewers offered a celebratory finish to the meal.
I must give kudos and gratitude to Just Delicious Catering Cheryl Harewood. You and your team did an outstanding job. Friendly staff and delicious food helped to make the event memorable.
Reflecting on the night, I realised the dinner was more than just a meal—it was a celebration of culture, unity, and the indomitable spirit of the Barbadian community here and abroad. With each bite, we shared a piece of home, and as the music played, we danced not just to celebrate independence, but also to honour the ties that bind us to our beloved Barbados. Here’s too many more years of flavours and festivities!
Lisa posts food insights on Instagram at Blackpepperpot and on TikTok at locs_lady. She writes a regular column for a Million Keynes online magazine https://www.flipsnack.com/MiltonKeynesia/milton-keynesia-issue-42/full-view.html
