With mangoes having had their moment in Hopkins this summer, lobsters are looking to make a splash of their own in the southern Belize village. This July 22, The Lodge at Jaguar Reef is hosting its second ‘Mini Lobster Fest’ with more activities and food to enthrall even the lobster skeptic.
Though Placencia and Caye Caulker are best known for their annual lobster fests to kick off the opening of the lobster season, the Lodge decided last year to offer a smaller, yet lively daylong affair with something to offer everyone not interested in huge crowds and long lines.
The day’s activities this year commence with a bang with the thrilling finale of the Battle of the Bartenders. Across three rounds, Rene from The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant, Briceno (fondly known as Bruno) from The Lodge at Jaguar Reef, and Immer from Umaya Resort will face off to decide who’ll be named The Belize Collection’s ‘Bartender of the Year.’
The bartenders will first have to make a cocktail featuring a mystery box ingredient. In the second round, they’ll be given a dessert or dish, and tasked with making a cocktail that perfectly complements it. In the final round, the bartenders will develop a signature cocktail using whatever ingredients are available. In addition to a cash prize, the winning bartender will have their signature cocktail featured across all of The Belize Collection’s restaurants.
Once the ‘Bartender of the Year’ has been crowned, it’s time to move on to the day’s main attraction: lobster. During the fest, visitors will have the option of trying out lobster prepared in a variety of styles. Choose from the pupusa bar, which will also feature tacos, and see how they reinvigorate this Salvadoran classic. You can also visit the grill station and have a serving of gooey and decadent lobster mac and cheese. More cheesy lobster goodness can also be found at Don Tonito’s where they’ll be baking pizza pies all day.
For those seeking a more classic serving option, the Big Dock Ceviche Bar will be up and running, ready to make you a fresh plate alongside some cassava chips. In the mood for just a grilled lobster straight up? The Lodge will have that too with Chef Rahim’s own spin on this traditional Belizean meal. Stroll the beach to enjoy all the variations of lobster with the sweet sound of the Panerrifix Steel Band playing live music.
When you’re not getting a bellyful of lobster, you can venture over to the artisan market at the Paddle House. There, you’ll be able to peruse fashion, earrings, home décor, skincare supplies, and more, all made in Belize.
The fest ends at 6:00 p.m., but that doesn’t mean the fun has to end there. Book a room at The Lodge at Jaguar Reef for the evening, and enjoy luxury accommodations where you can rinse off and reflect on the day in your suite. International guests can take advantage of the summer promotions currently being offered while Belizeans can book a room at a 50% local discount to join in the fun. Bring your night to an end by wandering over to the Paddle House for a stellar dinner. Help yourself to another order of lobster if you like. We won’t tell. The mini lobster fest only comes around once a year after all.
