The Bahamas presents gift to one of its Hurricane Dorian Relief Heroes Chef José Andrés at premier Wine & Food Festival in South Florida

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, February 20, 2020 – The Islands Of The Bahamas used the international stage of the recent Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One (SOBEWFF®), to say thank you to Chef José Andrés.  The legendary Chef and his team were responsible for providing some 3.2 million meals to victims of Hurricane Dorian, which struck the island nation in September of 2019 and caused massive destruction and devastation to Great Abaco, and Grand Bahama.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation presented the humanitarian with a portrait of himself, by world renowned Bahamian artist, Jamaal Rolle, on Thursday night at the SOBEWFF® event, Feeding the World presented by Open Table and hosted by Chef Andrés. 

“Our country is forever in your debt for your limitless love, kindness, thoughtfulness and support demonstrated in the massive outreach you organized to feed thousands affected by the storm,”  The Ministry’s Executive Director of Marketing, Mrs. Bridgette King, said while presenting the gift to Chef Andrés.

The well-attended walk-around tasting event was one of a number of events at SOBEWFF® that featured a lineup of more than 100 events. Activities stretched from Miami-Dade and Broward to Palm Beach counties and showcased culinary talent from around the world as well as foremost wine and spirits selections to choose from. 

One of the highlights of the weekend of events was the Goya Foods Grand Tasting Village featuring Grand Tasting Tents and Publix Culinary Demonstrations sponsored by Sub-Zero Group Southeast. 

A culinary team from The Bahamas was a part of the Grand Tasting Village and received rave reviews from attendees. Thousands enjoyed the tastings of Bahamian native cuisine, including Conch Fritters and Bean ‘n Rice with Lobster and Conch.   Also served at the Bahamas booth were the alcoholic beverages, Guava Bomb and Passion Fruit.  The Bahamian team also provided tastings of one of The Bahamas’ signature alcoholic beverages, Kalik Beer. The culinary team’s sponsors for the event included Bahamasair and Baha Mar Resorts.

The Festival celebrated its 19th edition and all net proceeds benefit the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Florida International University.

“The Bahamas is gratified to have been allowed the opportunity to be a part of this prestigious event,” said Betty Bethel, Director of Sales, Bahamas Tourist Office Florida. “This grand and extensive food venue gave us the opportunity to show our gratitude to a giant of a man who served our country well in our time of need. It also allowed for us to promote our country and get the word out to the tens of thousands in attendance at the festival that, The Bahamas is open for business.”

For more information on The Islands Of The Bahamas, visit www.bahamas.com.

ABOUT THE ISLANDS OF THE BAHAMAS

The Islands Of The Bahamas have a place in the sun for everyone, from Nassau and Paradise Island to Grand Bahama to The Abaco Islands, The Exuma Islands, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Long Island and others. Each island has its own personality and attractions for a variety of vacation styles, with some of the world’s best scuba diving, fishing, sailing, boating, as well as shopping and dining. The destination offers an easily accessible tropical getaway and provides convenience for travelers with preclearance through U.S. customs and immigration, and the Bahamian dollar is at par with the U.S. dollar. Do everything or do nothing, just remember It’s Better in The Bahamas. For more information on travel packages, activities and accommodations, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. Look for The Bahamas on the web on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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