A hot new resto, sexy beachwear, a day at the races, and a performing-arts jamboree

When we asked our villa experts about what’s going on right now in their part of the world, Jennifer Allen of Altman Villa Rentals sent us this intriguing update from Barbados.

The opening of 1359a slow-food restaurant on the marina at Port Ferdinand, has foodies salivating and is making a whole lot of Barbados farmers and fishermen very happy: Finally, they have a proper showcase for their wares. 1359 (named for the island’s geographic coordinates) combines fresh local ingredients, sourced from small suppliers, with the inventiveness of executive chef Andy Turner and his partner Roz Allen. There’s an extensive wine cellar, a no-hurry atmosphere, and a 10-course tasting menu. (St. Thomas suckling pig with pickled star fruit is a popular dish; so is king fish ceviche.) 1359 is at Port Ferdinand Marina and Luxury Residences, a new resort on the northwest coast near Speightstown.

In the “Stores We Love” category: Butterfly Boutique, a women’s clothing store in Holetown, gets high marks for its ultrasexy beachwear. Check out its Facebook page for photos.

Jennifer also reminded us that two big events are coming up in March. The first is the Sandy Lane Gold Cup horse race held on Saturday, March 5, at the Garrison Savannah (near Bridgetown). The 11-furlong track dates from 1845, when British officers held race meets on what was then a parade ground, matching their horses against those of wealthy merchants and planters. Organized by the Barbados Turf Club, the races have attracted an international following, with horses and jockeys coming from the U.S. and Canada as well as across the Caribbean. (You can read about the history of the race at TotallyBarbarbados.com.) The Barbados Turf Club organizes three seasons of horse races, and the events, which take places almost every Saturday, draw both tourists and locals and are a fun day for the whole family. The Gold Cup is one of the biggest events in Barbados, and it’s surrounded by all kinds of festivities.

The second big event in March is the annual performing arts festival in the Little Theater at beautiful Holders Plantation House (March 9–19). The 2016 Holders Season features an international lineup that includes storytelling, comedy, and a wide range of music. See the full lineup at holdersseason.com. Here’s an abbreviated version:

Wednesday, March 9: Blues and Gospel Night with the Campbell Brothers. African-American gospel music with electric steel guitar and vocals.

Friday, March 11: Judy Carmichael, the queen of New York’s Cabaret Rooms. One of the world’s leading interpreters of stride piano and swing, Carmichael has played Carnegie Hall and performed private recitals for everyone from Rod Stewart and Robert Redford to President Clinton and Gianni Agnelli.

Saturday, March 12: Miles Davis Lives! Jazz Night with Keyon Harrold. Trumpeter Keyon Harrold has worked with many of the world’s top musicians (Beyoncé, LL Cool J) and is featured as the trumpet sound of Don Cheadle playing Miles Davis in the upcoming biopic Miles Ahead.

Monday, March 14: Classical Night with Simon Mulligan (piano) and Amy Dickson (saxophone). A classical night of the highest quality, from two exceptional international artists.

Tuesday, March 15: Comedy Night Double Bill with Alex Edelman and Steve Ross. Edelman is rising young star who has wowed audiences at the New York Underground Comedy Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (where he won the prestigious Foster’s Comedy Award for Best Newcomer) and has become a regular at many New York comedy clubs, performing alongside Louis CK, Chris Rock, and Jerry Seinfeld. Steve Ross has performed around the world in every kind of venue, from cabarets to Carnegie Hall. For Holders’ comedy night he will perform his show To Wit: Funny Songs Throughout the Ages.

Thursday, March 17: Theatre Night—Hemingway’s Havana by Toby Gough. Canadian actor Brian Gordon Sinclair plays Hemingway, recounting stories of lion taming, bull fighting, marlin fishing, his writing, his loves, and the reasons for his tragic end. Musicians and dancers recreate the nightlife of Havana in the fifties, the era of the rumba, the mambo, and the cha cha cha. From the director of Lady Salsa and The Bar at Buena Vista.

Saturday, March 19:  Gala Night with Noah Stewart. One of opera’s most sought-after tenors performs his new program “So in Love,” an intoxicating mix of Broadway show tunes, spirituals, and classical music.

Barbados Restaurant 1358

Restaurant 1359 at Port Ferdinand Marina and Luxury Residences, a new resort near Speightstown.

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