Cobblers Cove in Barbados is launching gourmet Bajan tours for their guests, led by Executive Chef Michael Harrison who was born and raised on the island before training under Michel Roux Jr. at Le Gavroche in London. As the only members of Relais & Châteaux on Barbados, Cobblers Cove is well placed to share its expertise with guests who are interested in learning more about authentic Bajan cuisine. Chef Michael started cooking at the age of 12 while his mother went to work as a cane cutter in the Sugar Cane industry. He used to make macaroni and corned beef also known as 123 by Bajans (as there are only three steps in the recipe).

He studied at culinary college in Barbados and had his very first job as a waiter at Cobblers Cove. As well as working for Chef Michel Roux Jr at La Gavroche in London, he has also worked at Gleneagles in Scotland and North Island Resort in the Seychelles. He’s cooked for President Bush, the Beckhams, Michael Winner and Selma Hayek among others. The gourmet tours are booked as part of a one week ‘Gourmet Retreat’ which includes breakfast and dinner each day plus the tours, which can be tailored to guests’ requirements.

Fishing with Barker Guests can jump aboard with Cobblers Cove’s own fisherman, Barker for an early morning fishing trip. The catch is brought straight to shore in front of the hotel and after freshening up, Chef Michael will give a cooking lesson using the fish caught earlier in the day. The informal lesson will take place by the pool overlooking the sea and a typical dish might be Blackened Mahi Mahi with crushed eddoes, sautéed spinach and watermelon salsa, which will then be served to the guests for lunch. Chef’s Market Tour and Street Food Hot Spots Tour the food markets of Bridgetown with Chef Michael as he carefully selects fresh herbs and vegetables including eddoes – a local root vegetable, coconuts and watermelon and to take back for lunch. The vibrant vegetable market is full of the local character of Barbados, giving guests an insight into Island life that they would not normally experience. Guests will move on to the fish market to choose among shark, swordfish, mahi mahi, kingfish, tuna and many more.

On the way back, Chef will introduce guests to his favourite street food spots including a rum shop where they can sample souse – a local dish made from pickled pork and breadfruit. On returning to the resort, Chef Michael will give an informal lesson while cooking lunch for the guests by the pool with the ingredients purchased in the markets.

The price for a one week Gourmet Retreat stay at Cobblers Cove including breakfast and dinner and a fishing trip with Barker, the hotels’s own fisherman plus a tour with Chef to the markets and street food hotspots costs from £1,110 (US$1,730) per person. The price is based on two people sharing a superior garden suite. www.cobblerscove.com Cobblers Cove is on the West Coast of Barbados and is one of the Caribbean’s best known and classic hotels. It combines the elegance and charm of an English Country House hotel with the tropical style and luxurious gardens of Barbados.

Share

Tags: , ,