I’ve had a bit of an up and down week but was feeling good enough on Wednesday to drive up to Trader Vic’s Emeryville for the One Love For Jamaica, Rum Relief Fundraiser. The ticketed event featured a DJ, one cocktail and rum tastings from a variety of Jamaican rums, plus a silent auction. I’ve tasted most of the rums before but was impressed by a Planteray Single Cask that was new to me.
The cocktail I tried was called Island Spirit, featuring lemon, pineapple, grog mix, and Planteray’s Xaymaca and Original Dark rums. Quite easy drinking and plenty of great Jamaican rum flavor.
The centerpiece of the event was a silent auction that included rum bottles, merchandise from vendors, and even some items donated by Trader Vic’s. I bid on several items but left early and so was outbid at the end. I donated a private Ultimate Mai Tai Happy Hour cocktail experience which sold for $160. I’ve already started to make arrangements with the winner and was pleased I could help raise funds for those in Jamaica impacted by Hurricane Melissa.
Trader Vic’s employee Jhan spoke briefly about the impact in Jamaica where it took a couple weeks to hear from loved ones living there. Vic’s continues to be heart of the Bay Area tiki scene and this event proved it once again. Thank you to Eve, Aaron, Carlos and all the staff at Trader Vic’s for putting this together and to all who donated and bid on auction items.
