CUP MATCH IS ALMOST HERE

As I said July is hard month for me sorry NO goodies to report...soon I promise, I am working on jalapeno stuffed shrimp wrapped in bacon.

This Bermuda two day public holiday celebration is bigger than Christmas! Locals venture out in their best dressed to the cricket match, not only to cheer on their favorite team, either Somerset or St. George’s, but also to play Crown and Anchor! Visitors are always welcomed and if you don’t understand either game, ask a local they will be more than willing to explain it to you.

Cup Match is also for CAMPING! Many locals will forgo the match, only to listen on the radio to have a 4 day campout! Many public beaches and parks are invaded by locals setting up camp for 4 days (at least)! This is a high regarded local tradition, so if you are visiting don’t be alarmed, we in Bermuda go do not live in tents!

If you go the game you have to get one of Dottie’s Pies – it is a MUST !

What is Cricket?
Cricket is a game that originated in England centuries ago, it was brought to Bermuda in around 1840s by British Army soldiers who were stationed here, so it’s not unique to Bermuda. It is popular throughout the British Commonwealth of Nations. British cricket arrived for local civilians via Captain J. Moresby of the Royal Navy. The local season is from late April to late September. The Bermuda Cricket Club was founded in St. George's in 1845. However, the festive game began officially in July 1902 between the Somerset Cricket Club in the west end and the St. George's Cricket Club in the east end. Each year the venues change between the clubs. The game became so popular that people would miss work to go out and support their team and as a result we now have the two day holiday know as Cup Match that was officially started in 1947 and we look forward to it every year! Thank you kindly for the two days off guys!

If you are not sure of the color Somerset in DARK BLUE and RED, St. George's in LIGHT BLUE and DARK BLUE. The First day of Cup Match, was formally renamed Emancipation Day and the second day is officially known as Somer's Day. No matter where the game it held you can always play Crown and Anchor, open gambling, this is the only time on Bermuda that gambling is not illegal, so enjoy while you can.

There is so much to see and do at a game, look out for the fashion, ladies and gentlemen take the clothes the pick out for Cup Match very seriously for it is one of the most social events of the year. Oh and the bands and participating musical groups, such a great mix of calypso, reggae, soca, rap and any other music. Don’t worry about going hungry or thirsty; there are plenty of food and drink vendors at the game!

Did you know there are four streets in Bermuda named in honor of cricket?
Fielders Lane
Bat 'n' Ball Lane
Cricket Lane
Grandstand Lane
Take a ride one Sunday and see you can find them!

Well July 4th has come and gone! I bet you plenty of burgers and hot dogs were devoured that day! And now here in Bermuda it’s fishing tournament season and since the Gourmet God (my husband) is heavily involved this may be my only post for the month, we’ll see how it goes!

We fished the Blue Marlin World Cup (on July 4th) and for awhile we were top boat in Bermuda until a friend and fellow charter fisherman caught a whopping 865 lb Blue Marlin, yes, it was very impressive, even though we were bummed out we were also very happy for our friend who was all “Wound UP” with his catch, it couldn’t have happened to nicer guy! Congrats!

Anyway, have had our rest and now on to the next tournament, Bermuda Big Game Classic…read more about the Classic here http://www.bermudabiggameclassic.com/article.jsp?ID=35792

So with all these tournaments it always sparks...DOCK PARTIES! Which you know involve my favorite thing, FOOD! I can’t wait to whip up a few quick things to take to the next dock party, my go to…PIZZA!

I always keep some frozen or refrigerator dough ready around this time of year, just spread out, throw on your choice of toppings bake and out the door…Grilled veggies with goat cheese or how about a taco pizza, a small amount of mild taco sauce, taco seasoned burger with taco cheese bake and then top with some sliced jalapenos and sour cream and then of course the all time standard BBQ Chicken Pizza, small amount of your favorite BBQ sauce on the bottom, take precooked chicken mixed with some BBQ sauce and pile on, now add red onions and mozzarella and bake.

We use to throw some pretty cool “Grill” Pizza parties, we would have every topping imaginable set up, everyone would receive their own personal pizza board and we would let our guest create their own pizzas, to cook we would place on the grill, sometimes it would become a cook off to see who could make the best pizza. We use to have so much fun; I really should have another Grill Pizza Party!

Have fun and host your own Pizza Party, come on think about it when was the last time you were invited to a pizza party?

Whatever your summer brings you…I hope its DELICIOUS!
The Bermuda Gourmet Goddess