BRUNCH

 

Sunday is the day when people want to go for brunch.  Places that offer unique experiences are:


THE CRANE:  Every Sunday they have a special ‘Gospel Brunch’ featuring some of the most talented gospel artists in Barbados.  Later, guests can stay on for lunch while enjoying steel-pan music.  Lunch is served daily as well.


FISHER POND GREAT HOUSE (2 pictures below) - Sunday Plantation Lunch:  Cost:  $ 85 Bds. (or $42.50 US) which includes tax, but gratuities are extra.  Reservations are a must. (246) 433 1754.  You may also write them at:  rainchandler@hotmail.com to book.  In the winter season bookings are needed usually 2 to 3 weeks out as they do get very busy.  Please let them know you learned about this from Lois Swanson’s Barbados Insider Tips and they will take special care of you.  On our recent visit, once again, fabulous food, flowers, music -- a real Bajan experience of yesteryear that will long be remembered.












For a very special treat try the Sunday Plantation lunch.  The house in located on the border of  St Thomas, just before Andrews Sugar Factory. It was built in 1635, and sits on 3 1/2 acres of lush gardens.  The home is owned by Rain and John Chandler.  The main dining table seats 20 and is famous as it was used for a banquet for Queen Elizabeth, and they have entertained Prince Edward for lunch and Tony Blair and his family for dinner.


The Plantation Lunch (at 12:30):  First drinks are served in the garden, followed by lunch at 1 pm.  It is served on fine china with silver and crystal on the tables that are each individually decorated and set. 


The lunch includes such West Indian specialties as:  Choice of Callalloo or Pumpkin Carrot and Ginger Soup. This is served at the table.  Fish Course:  Steam and rolled Flying Fish with Breadfruit CouCou balls, Red Snapper pate, Salt fish and Ackee, Sea Eggs (depending on how good the sea egg season has been); West Indian Pepper Pot, Chicken Fricassee, Roast Pork with Pepper Jelly, Pan fried Flying Fish, Rice and Peas, Macaroni Pie, Stewed Pigeon Peas, Curried Green Bananas, Corn pie, Plantain Fritters, Broccoli Salad, Bajan Cold Slaw with apples, Picked Cucumber, Tomato with fresh basil and onions, Green Salad.  Some delicious desserts include:  Guava Bread Pudding, Coconut Flan. Chocolate mousse, Bajan rum Trifle, Selection of local sweets: tamarind balls , sugar cakes etc. and DemiTasse or Tea.


Betty Shepard plays old time tunes on the piano. The house is filled with orchid plants on all the tables and John does magnificent floral displays of Hibiscus and Bougainvillea.


Wedding Information at Fisher Pond Great House:  According to Rain Chandler, the thing they do best are weddings.  I saw their albums of weddings held there and they have some fantastic photos.  They offer a room to the bride for the day.  They have wonderful areas for ceremonies, but St John's church is only 10 mins away.  They are 10 mins from Bathsheba and Cattlewash and couples who want the 'beach photos' use that, without a million tourists gazing at them!  They have built up some wonderful contacts and can guide overseas brides to good reliable people.  They do offer to do the flowers themselves but it is not essential.  They have hosted many many weddings and their couples have always been exceptionally happy.  Again the most common comment is that they have felt they have got married in a family home.  Usually Rain has been in touch with overseas brides for a long period and by the time they arrive here they are like old friends.  See their wedding information at:  http://chandelierweddingsbarbados.net


Also, many of the island hotels/resorts put out really fantastic brunches on Sunday.  Check with them to see what is available.