Posts Tagged ‘food’

Patrick

On-Site Barbados: Sea Side Bar – Your Home for Booze, Bajan Cuisine and a History Lesson

Chicken, Macaroni Pie and Salad at Sea Side Bar, Barbados

Perched on a hill across the street from the famed Bathsheba Rock, Sea Side Bar is the perfect place to stop to refuel on rum punches, Bajan staples and “old talk” while exploring Barbados’ unique east coast.

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Steve

Taste of the Caribbean: Curry Crab & Dumpling, a True Tobago Treat

Curry Crab & Dumpling from Tobago/SBPR

Ewwww, gross!
That’s the typical reaction most newcomers to Tobago have at their first sight of the island’s signature dish, Curry Crab & Dumpling, or CnD for short. I mean just check the photo… That’s about as scary-looking a collection of edible entities as have ever been set before me!
In the case of CnD, though, all that ugly adds up to something insanely yummy, and just as importantly to your visitor experience on the island, something uniquely Tobagonian…

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Steve

Taste of the Caribbean: Don’t Be Afraid to Savor Sea Grapes

Sea Grapes at Sandy Pt., St. Croix/SBPR

If there’s any one West Indian fruit that could use an image makeover or some good PR it’s the much maligned sea grape. It’s not ugly or smelly, or anything like that. The tree upon which it grows isn’t a nuisance either. In fact, when tamed, the tree makes a rather attractive hedge (see photo below).
No, this fruit’s main image problem revolves around a lie long held in some parts of the Caribbean: sea grapes are poisonous.

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Patrick

On-Site Barbados: Surfer’s Bay Beach Bar – No Kooks, No Problems

Surfer's Bay Beach Bar

Luckily Surfer’s Bay Beach Bar isn’t exclusive to those with a penchant for getting tubed, pulling aerials or catching the perfect wave. All you need is a laid-back vibe and you’ll fit in perfectly at this idyllic beach bar on the southernmost tip of Barbados.
On our first visit last year after surfing the afternoon away with Boosy of Boosy’s Surf School, the small bonfire was crackling, lofting glowing embers into the West Indian evening, chill tunes we being pumped from hidden speakers, the open air seating area was lightly bustling with activity, the man behind the bar was flashing smiles at his thirsty flock, a beautiful young woman with a pleasant British accent floated among the crowd letting patrons know when their food orders were ready to be picked up and two local ladies were in the back kitchen efficiently preparing Bajan staples like macaroni pie and fried fish as well as more upscale fare like grilled tuna.

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Steve

Taste of the Caribbean: What’s the Best BBQ Place in Trinidad?

Paul Lowry via flickr

Greetings from warm and wonderful Port-of-Spain, Trinidad! As UC Facebook fans already know, I’m visiting my and Patrick‘s ancestral homeland this week at the invitation of the country’s Ministry of Tourism. Indeed, it’s not the usual wildly independent method of travel we prefer, but with an itinerary that includes such uncommon spots as the Waterloo Sea Temple, Maracas Beach and the Gasparee Caves, well, what’s not to like?
There’s also a good bit of free time worked into the schedule, which will hopefully give me time to answer the question that’s in the title of this post.

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Steve

Maybe, Possibly the BEST Christmas Gift I’ve Ever Received

Bklyn Bennett's Black Cake/SBPR

December 26th has long been celebrated as Boxing Day throughout much of the Caribbean; an added extra day off after Christmas to allow for more re-connecting with family and friends, revelry and rum. Here in the States, though, the day after Christmas is mostly about one thing – RETURNS!
Americans are hauling an estimated $46 billion worth of gifts back to stores today, exchanging misfit toys and other assorted misguided presents for treasures they’ll truly treasure. Thanks to my brother/UC partner, Patrick, and his lovely wife, I won’t be one of them!

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Steve

Taste of the Caribbean: ‘Tis the Season for Sweet Bread

Sweet Bread/SBPR

Black Cake, Ponche de Creme, Coquito, Rum Balls – all wonderful Holiday Season treats from my Trini/Crucian heritage that my family has spent the past few weeks enjoying in the run up to Christmas Day…
Well, most of my family anyway.
In truth, the grown-ups have been doing virtually all the enjoying. Why? This recent question from one of my sons illustrates the answer:

Does all Christmas food from the Caribbean have rum in it?

Hmm… I must admit, this one stumped me initially.

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