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Today, 07 July 2009

> 'Hawks' replace Scorpions

> 'Hitler got things done'

Yesterday, 06 July 2009

> These Boks are regressing

> SABC – what went wrong?

> A shot in the dark

> 'Hitler got things done'

> 'Hawks' replace Scorpions

Come the Cricket World Cup, everyone will be faced with a rather challenging decision – cricket in the Caribbean versus cricket from the solitary comfort of your sofa. Mmm… okay, that’s a lie. For most, the choice will be ‘which sofa?’

But just because a few extraneous factors (life, money, family and work) beyond your control have limited your choices, it doesn’t mean that you too can’t enjoy the cricket Caribbean style.

Well, kind of — there will be cricket, there will be rum and if you find enough beach sand… Yes, I am suggesting you throw a Caribbean party and invite all your friends (or passing strangers) over to enjoy the cricket from your slice of paradise.

This is not a task to be taken on lightly and an endeavour of this magnitude requires some serious fore-planning and dedication. First step — the invitations. Convincing someone that your sofa is better than theirs is no mean feat and a simple sms probably won’t do the trick.

Ticket to the Caribbean

Originality is the key. You could try the ‘ticket’ approach — an aeroplane ticket to Barbados or a ticket to the game. Alternatively, you could create a Caribbean travel brochure or the ‘cover’ of a travel/cricket magazine. Obviously you would replace the usual information with details of your party. Then there is always the message in a (rum) bottle approach….

Naturally, your invitation will include details of the dress code — grass skirts, coconut bikini tops, carnival outfits, brightly coloured fabrics (preferably featuring exotic birds and flowers) dreadlocks and, if all else fails, scuba gear. A gentle warning that those who fail to comply will have to pay for their sins with a bottle of rum will probably result in a lot of rum.

Ride de riddim

When it comes to the décor, a swimming pool would be a big plus, but if you don’t have one, a couple of tanks of tropical fish should do the trick. Flowers, beach sand, bright colours and a grass-skirted bar will also enhance the Caribbean feel.

Bearing in mind that this is, at least partially, about the cricket, you’ll probably want to have the cricket playing on a television somewhere close to the festivities.

Music is essential in creating a Caribbean mood — reggae, zouk, and calypso are indispensable. The obvious choice is Bob Marley and the Wailers, but you could go for something a little more original with Kassav, Kali, Coalishun, Arrow or Ralph Thamar.

Fruity food fusion

Caribbean food is a spicy, fruity fusion of Indian, African, French, English and Spanish tastes. Seafood, stews, curries, spicy chicken and lots of tropical fruit is the order of the day.

Conch salad and garlic-grilled lobster may be a little hard to come by, but you can substitute this with prawns and crayfish. Don’t shy away from fruit glazes (granadilla and mango) and hot Tabasco-style sauces. Herbs and spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and ginger should also be used liberally. Seafood or fruit kebabs work well if your approach to catering is laidback and relaxed.

Tropical fruit such as mangos, coconuts, bananas, granadillas, pineapples and papaya can be served on their own, as part of the main course or as scrumptious desserts. They can also be blended with ice or ice-cream to create delightfully cool smoothies.

Lots and lots of rum

No foray into the Caribbean is complete without lots and lots of rum. You can serve the rum straight up or create wickedly delicious cocktails.

Put some light rum, crushed pineapple and coconut milk into the blender with some ice to create a smooth Pina Colada. Fill a glass with crushed ice and pour triple sec, light rum, grenadine and fruit juice over the ice for a refreshing Caribbean. And finally, for the more adventurous: pour vodka, coffee liqueur, dark rum, coconut liqueur, pineapple juice and lemon juice over cracked ice for a Bahama Mama.

Luckily — because rum early in the morning is not for everyone — they also drink beer in the Caribbean. Make sure that you stock up on a few crates of ice-cold beer or brew up some homemade pineapple beer.

Seriously, who needs the Caribbean when you can have this much fun at home? Okay, so who am I kidding — given half a chance I would hurriedly pack my bags… But in lieu of such an adventure, a Caribbean party doesn’t sound half bad.