Paradise Plates Returns With a Night of Food, Fun and Fighting Hunger

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – The annual fundraiser Paradise Plates was held Saturday and transported more than 2,000 guests back to the 1970s with a Paradise Disco Chic theme.

From the guests’ outfits to the decor and more than 50 vendor booths, the event captured the look and feel of the disco era, including bell-bottom fashion.

“Marvelous Marv” Cunningham – Mixologist

“Mr. Mix. Yes, this was pretty clever with the jukebox. This was your idea?”

“Marvelous Marv” Cunningham – Mixologist

“Of course it was.”

And, of course, food was a major part of the evening.

More than 50 vendors showcased a range of local flavours and culinary concepts, including businesses like Luxe Catering.

Aliea Rolle – Owner, Luxe Catering

“Now, you are also through the detention center corner, right? Correct. Culture Kitchen, right? I was supposed to come there one day, but I ain’t make it. But I’m here today, and so are you.”

Aliea Rolle – Owner, Luxe Catering

“We have one of our main featured items, which is our seafood rice, the number one seller.”

Then there was Sapodilla Estates. Executive Chef Noel St. Claude crafted a culinary presentation featuring a vegetable Thai spring roll, accompanied by a seaweed salad, grilled calamari enhanced with a watermelon and passion fruit sauce, as well as Moore’s Island conch salad infused with spiced rum and curry oil.

Chef Noel St. Claude – Executive Chef, Sapodilla Estates

“Farm to table, or it’s more enhancing Bahamian food with natural ingredients.”

Manuelo’s also put the spotlight on locally sourced food.

Owner and Chef Emmanuel Gibson says his partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources is allowing him to explore alternatives to some of the country’s more commonly served seafood.

Chef Emmanuel Gibson – Owner, Manuelo’s

“I think it’s a good platform supporting Hands For Hunger, as well as bringing awareness that, hey, there are a lot of other alternatives that we can use outside of the grouper or conch or lobster.”

Agriculture and Marine Resources Minister Jomo Campbell says promoting local and sustainable food sources is also important to the broader goal of achieving food security.

Jomo Campbell – Minister, Agriculture And Marine Resources

“And we want to encourage this because, as you know, food sustainability goes hand in hand in achieving food security.”