BaBaLU Caribbean Bar and Grill is one of the newest hot spots in the downtown area. This recently opened establishment features a variety of food from around the Caribbean – Latin, Creole, ‘Soul Food’ and an assortment of pizzas (e.g. Jerk Chicken Pizza).
“If you like to have a good time in a great atmosphere then BaBaLU is for you. There is pretty much something here for everyone”, says Tamiko Fox-Lunn, one of the proprietors. The restaurant/bar is operated under the combined efforts of Brian Aranha, Tamiko Fox-Lunn and Osbourne Pintard, who is also the head chef.

Tamiko says that he would like to see the bar/lounge aspect of BaBaLU become the foundation of the business, and to also have BaBaLU be known as the place to get great food at any hour.
“There’s great food, a great staff and awesome music. As Bahamians have become more exposed and sophisticated, they are no longer satisfied with stopping at a bar and just getting souse or mozzarella sticks with their drinks; however, they still want the friendly atmosphere that bars are known for. It’s not taboo to sit at the bar and have a nice meal. Additionally, our focus is on music as well as the menu. We have music themed nights with a live jazz band every Wednesday and a reggae band.
“Poetic Breeze” is currently held on Monday night. Here local talents gather from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. to sing, read poetry or perform any original material. It is spearheaded by Michelle Hanna, Mario Lord and MC and host Vanderlin.
We explore the entire musical palate from classic roots reggae, jazz, urban jamz, rock, and lounge to the freshest house beats straight from the hottest DJ’s in NYC.”
The place itself can be described as ‘slick’, retro, cool and colourful. It is not a stereotypical bar atmosphere. Tamiko describes it as ‘the one-stop-shopping mentality’ – food, cocktails and fun – a reaction against the barhopping trend.
“People don’t like having to transport themselves or move more than they have to. If they can find somewhere they can dine and feel comfortable staying, they’ll do it. The desire is for an evening that progresses from dining to hanging out, hopefully we will achieve it with BaBaLU.”
But where does a name like “BaBaLU” come from? Brian explained that the origin of the name “BaBaLU, with emphasis on the ‘U’, has several meanings. It is a form of Latin/Caribbean voodoo. It is also a term used to describe one who has had a lot to drink – “He is BaBaLu”. It was a song Ricky Ricardo would sing on the ‘I love Lucy Show’. It is also a Cuban dance, and when one is a little inebriated, it is a term of endearment – “Baby Love” comes out BaBaLu.
The restaurant is currently opened from 4 p.m. until 7 a.m. In the coming weeks, they will also be starting a lunch menu.

Babalu’s Weekly Lineup
Sunday Nights – Blues with Daddy Long Legs and Peter Peters
Monday Nights – Poetic Breeze with Michelle Hanna
Tuesday Nights – Brazilian Jam with Alvin and Mario
Wednesday Nights – Live Jazz Band
Thursday Nights – TBA
Friday Nights – R&B ALL Night
Saturday Nights – Salsa Saturday……Live Latin Band

For more on the Babalu, visit their Facebook page-

Written by Erica Meus-Saunders
Photos by Dwayne Delancy
Nu Woman’s Winter/Spring 2010 issue

March 9th, 2010
Topic: Entertainment, dining Tags: None

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