Bliss. What a very appropriate title for Esquire Entertainment's all-inclusive Crop-Over party last Saturday that gave as well as it got.

At $130 for a ticket, the price tag was less than other all-inclusives yet Esquire delivered on the 'inclusive' elements and could probably give some higher priced all-inclusives a lesson on how to do it.

Music - 9/10

The various sounds acquitted themselves well with Mayhem Sounds, Jon Doe, Stan and Bubbles, Boomtribe DJs and D.J. Billy from Jamaica, all fulfilling their particular roles, whether it was to ease people into the partying mood, hype them up or cool things down. Esquire's audience is distinctly 'CSME' with a variety of regional accents being heard at the exclusive Holder's House, St. James venue. Hence it was not surprising that the music selections reflected this, with an almost equal balance of Bajan and Trini soca, both recent and vintage and a healthy serving of Jamaican dancehall. On that last note, both the locals and the many 'yardies' in attendance appreciated the explosive opening session of old dub from DJ Billy.

Food - 7/10

The servings were small but the service was quick, enabling patrons to take their tiny plates back several times to satisfy their appetites! Having several different food courts scattered around the northern end of the venue may well have contributed to the speedy service as there was no need for everyone to queue at one spot for food. The food itself was quality - shrimp, salmon smothered in cheese sauce and little containers of Haagen Dazs ice cream were among the offerings.

Bars - 6/10

While the bars had a respectable selection of premium drinks and were reasonably swift on service, they encountered logistical difficulties towards the end of the night, such as running out of cups, forcing patrons to hoard the cups they already had.

Vibes 8/10

Despite being sold out within a day and a half, Holder's House was not packed to capacity. There was plenty space to move around comfortably and more importantly, to wuk up, an indication that Esquire appreciates quality over quantity. Considering that it was probably one of the most sweltering nights of the year, the extra room was a definite plus.

Parking 4/10

The one demerit on an otherwise great event. While the parking on the edge of the pasture at the north-western end of the venue was decent enough, the parking at the eastern end, closer to Holder's Terrace left much to be desired, as it was bathed in darkness and in the middle of an overgrown pasture. Patrons had to walk through knee-high bush to get to the walk way and down to the event.