The Tribune

HANDS for Hunger is putting the finishing touches on preparations for this year’s Paradise Plates, the organisation’s signature annual fundraiser that has quickly become known as one of the island’s most anticipated charity events.

Scheduled for this Saturday at 7pm at Atlantis’ Grand Ballroom, this year’s Paradise Plates will not only feature a lavish array of delicious fare and drinks from the country’s top chefs and beverage purveyors, but a line-up of exciting entertainment too.

Willis and the Illest Reggae Band will perform live, and on the turntables will be DJ Ignite. A Junkanoo rush out will cap off the evening.

Paradise Plates will also feature a travel-themed raffle drawing for amazing prizes including JetBlue and SkyBahamas tickets, and an exciting art and leisure silent auction. Guests can also expect to experience the craft of culinary celebrities like the 2017 Stoli Cocktail Master mixologist, Marv Cunningham; winner of Iron Chef Thailand Pastry Edition, Jason Licker; and members of the silver medalist 2017 Bahamas Culinary Team. This year’s indoor food festival will feature 40 restaurants and beverage purveyors, including some of the newest and hottest restaurants in Nassau.

Guests will have the opportunity to sample signature dishes from first-time Paradise Plates culinary partners: Atlantis’ Sun & Ice; Biggity Bistro & Boutique; The Bearded Clam; Grand Hyatt at Baha Mar’s Café Madeleine and 3 Tides; Pink Octopus; Jason Licker; Pulpy Artisan Style Frozen Desserts; Wild Thyme; Aquafire Bar & Grill; Taj Mahal and Yummy Sky Juice.

Hands For Hunger has also brought back some of the most popular participants from previous years, including Atlantis’ Nobu and Olives; Dunkin’ Donuts; Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits; Le Petit Gourmet; Pirate Republic Brewery; One & Only Ocean Club; Louis & Steen’s New Orleans Coffeehouse; Graycliff Chocolatier; Aquapure; Old Fort Bay Club; Young’s Fine Wine, Luciano’s of Chicago; Bristol Wines & Spirits; Drifter’s at the Fish Fry; Sands Beer; Sapodilla Fine Dining; 700 Wines & Spirits; Athena Cafe & Bar; Caribbean Bottling Company; Black Angus; Summer Palace; John Watling’s Distillery; Pop Stop; The Island House’s Mahogany House and Shima; and 1648 Bar & Grille, French Leave Resort, Eleuthera.

This year’s event is once again presented by ALIV, IL Cares Foundation and JetBlue.