Fire Fundraiser at Iguana Juan’s

When living on a small island with a wonderful tight-net community, we come together for each other. A recent fire that took out many families homes inspired a wonderful restaurant, Iguana Juan’s, to put together an evening of a gorgeous 3-course meal with accompanying music….and proceeds going towards the victims. With an extremely talented chef and superb service….the event began!!

Upon arrival, we received the yummiest homemade sangria and were seated at a table surrounded by other like-minded, kind-hearted awesome people to enjoy the evening with. After another tasty sangria, with fresh chunks of fruit, the first course came out for everyone to enjoy and discuss…..while a beautiful acoustic guitar serenaded. With each exquisite course came another glass of sangria with the most robust colour and flavor; conversation and laughter was had from all. By the end of the evening, and the tasty 3 courses, everyone was over-the-top satisfied, a bit tipsy, sporting wonderful smiles and the evening raised a lot of money and help for the charity! Win-win for everyone.

Sometimes people think we sacrifice a lot to live on a tiny island…..I’m sorry, we think the sacrifice is yours that do not live here. Positive outlooks, desire to help others, feeling of family and friends everywhere…..and some good sangria: this is my recipe for a good life; no sacrifice. Written by Madison Stone.

That first bit was from my plus one, Madison from Belizean Ink.

It was night number two of enjoying Patrick Parmentier’s multi-course meals (night one coming soon) and we were both looking forward to it. Minutes before leaving the house, the sky opened up and it down poured. I grabbed my trenchcoat and two umbrellas and walked over to the tattoo shop. I gave one to Madison and told her to meet me at the event when she was done inking. Smart move on my part, even though Belizean Ink is a stone throw away from Iguana Juan’s restaurant the rain was coming down hard when Madison flip-flopped over to the party.

When I arrived it was already well turned out including the Diamond Lodge and Marbucks folks, both donated silent auction prizes along with: Juice Dive, Pur Boutique Cabanas and Taco Bar, Shoots Alive, Belize Parasail Plus, Coconut Carts Belize, Sandbar Beachfront Hostel and Restaurant, Palapa Bar and Grill, Stella’s Sunset, The Truck Stop, Chill n Cruise, The Coconut Cafe,, Paradice Cream, Iguana Juan’s Restaurant and Bar, Le Foo Frog Private Chef and Catering Services, Crazy Canucks Beach Bar, Science and Soul Wellness, Jordana’s Art of Touch Spa.

We ended up squeezing ourselves in at a big round table with Jon, Eddie, Lynn and Chris.

Our 3-course meal was delicious from start to finish. First came mango aioli shrimp skewer and crispy pork belly appetizers, Yucatan style conchinita pork pibil with an achiote marinade or Caribbean curried chicken for main course and coconut & caramel cheesecake flan for a sweet treat. We both opted for chicken on Chef Patrick’s advice since we ate his pork the night before.

The events combined silent auction and ticket sales, raised $2,110 to help those families affected by the Boca del Rio blaze.

This fundraiser was not only about helping the community at large, but Iguana Juan’s cook (and his cousin) were also affected by the fire and restaurant owners Shannon and Brad wanted to help ensure that their staff member felt supported by his place of work.

Fire Fundraiser at Iguana Juan’s

If you have not got a ticket yet do so now as tonight’s (Saturday, August 25) Food, Fellowship, and Fundraising effort at Iguana Juan’s is an event worth attending.

Chef Patrick Parmentier of Le Foo Frog will provide meals at a special event to raise funds for the victims of the August 4th San Pedro fire. Chef Patrick also does Personal Chef Services and Catering.

The event is about strengthening community bonds through inspired cuisine, creative cocktails and live music. Shoppers take note, there will be a silent auction with items from local businesses.

A portion of the $76.50 BZD Latin American themed dinner and all proceeds from the silent auction will be donated to Hope Haven Shelter for their continued fire relief efforts. Price includes a glass of sangria upon arrival, a three-course dinner, GST, and gratuity. Any additional drinks ordered are on your tab.

Tickets are on sale in person at Iguana Juan’s, located in town, upstairs on the corner of Pelican and Angel Coral (Back) Street. Doors will open at 6:00 pm for drinks and silent auction preview, with dinner being served at 7:00 pm.

A Celebration of Latin American Flavor

First Course: Crispy Pork Lechon Y Brocheta de Gambas Crujientes – Crispy BBQ Pork Belly Served with grilled shrimp skewer and mango aioli.

Second Course: Choice of Caribbean Chicken Curry with braised vegetables and sweet potatoes or Yucatan-Style Conchinita Pork Tenderloin Pibil, white rice, black beans, zucchini and sweet potato

Dessert: Flan de Coco y Queso – coconut and caramel flan cheesecake

Silent Auction Contributors: Juice Dive, Paradice Cream, Pur Boutique Cabanas and Taco Bar, Stella’s Sunset, The Truck Stop, Chill n Cruise, The Coconut Cafe, Shoots Alive, Belize Parasail Plus, Coconut Carts Belize, Sandbar Beachfront Hostel and Restaurant, Palapa Bar and Grill, Iguana Juan’s Restaurant and Bar, Le Foo Frog Private Chef and Catering Services, Crazy Canucks Beach Bar, Marbucks Coffee House, Science and Soul Wellness, Diamond Lodge, Jordana’s Art of Touch Spa.