Bahama Breeze’s Raggae Fest promises delicious food and drinks plus live music and it certainly delivers all of that and then some. At 8pm on a Saturday night the place was absolutely packed with a continuous stream of people coming in when we arrived. We didn’t spend much time inside the restaurant as we were brought to a table on the patio soon after arriving.
Bahama Breeze – One Love
We started off with the One Love, a drink created just for Reggae Fest (Malibu Banana Rum, Pineapple, Orange and Guava juice shaken together, topped with an Appleton Rum floater and a dehydrated pineapple). Unlike many tropical, fruit heavy drinks, the One Love was very smooth and not overly sweet.
We kicked off the meal with beef empanadas (handmade pastries filled with savory beef and potatoes) while we tried to narrow down our entree choices. The menu at Bahama Breeze is quite extensive, there is absolutely an option for everyone, from seafood or chicken to pork and beef (they even have a goat dish if you’re feeling adventurous) so we struggled to decide which direction to go in. The empanadas were perfectly cooked. They had a warm, crispy exterior and a very flavorful filling (and I can tell you that the leftovers heat up nicely the next day, too).
Bahama Breeze – Beef Empanadas
I ended up ordering the Taste of Jamaica platter and my dining companion went with the calypso shrimp linguine. The Taste of Jamaica platter consisted of very generous portions of pulled pork, jerk chicken, callaloo, plantains, yellow rice and black beans, and an empanda. The pulled pork was delicious and the seasoning was on point, as was the jerk chicken. I had never eaten callaloo before but really enjoyed it. It reminded me of collards with a Caribbean twist. The plantains were a great addition to the plate and acted as a nice refresher between the other items. The rice and beans were also flavorful and, as I said to my friend while eating them, I would have been a happy camper with just a huge plate of rice and beans for dinner.
Bahama Breeze – Taste of Jamaica Platter
Despite being a pasta dish, the calypso shrimp linguine (described as tender shrimp in every bite…sautéed with garlic, scallions, tomatoes, a hint of spice and cream) did not feel heavy at all. It is a great choice for a summer evening al fresco dinner. My friend called it a real “palate pleaser” and was impressed with the level of flavor for a pasta that wasn’t drenched in sauce.
Bahama Breeze – Shrimp Linguine
We wrapped up our meal with the WARM CHOCOLATE PINEAPPLE UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE (warm, rich chocolate cake with a chocolate molten center topped with caramelized pineapple, served with raspberry sauce and fresh Island fruit). We weren’t sure about having dessert after such a large dinner but our waiter assured us we wouldn’t regret it. The cake itself was incredibly reached and it paired perfectly with the fruit and sauce it was served with. I would very highly recommend a little calorie splurge on this cake. Our waiter did tell us that people will sometimes order dessert first then take half their entree to go so I’ll be considering that the next time I eat out!
Bahama Breeze – Warm Chocolate Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Overall, our Reggae Fest experience was a great one. The band on the patio added a nice atmosphere to the evening and completed the food and drinks perfectly. Our waiter was fantastic and very good at checking in with us regularly without being overbearing. It was clear that he was very familiar with the menu and had some great recommendations. Reggae Fest ends at the end of this month so be sure to take advantage of the event while you still can.
Bahama Breeze – Band
Note: From time to time we’re invited out to try a restaurant or to taste new menu items. This meal is usually comped, as this one was. We’re under no obligation to write a positive review or any review at all when we’re invited out to try a place. Every review you see on our site will be an honest review of the place whether or not the restaurant provided us with the meal at their cost.