Dunns River Island Café Brings Jamaican Fusion To South Florida

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June 1, 2019

Dunns River Island Café is a casual dining, Jamaican restaurant serving up delicious traditional dishes and cultural fusion cuisine. It boasts an extensive seafood selection and tasty vegan options. The restaurant, established in Tampa in 2012, found a second home in Hallandale, South Florida last year.

Conveniently located on West Hallandale Beach Boulevard just east of the I-95 highway, Dunns River Café welcomes customers with an eclectic mix of reggae and dancehall music, matching perfectly the aromas of their Jamaican-style cuisine. Their rustic yet refined décor creates a pleasant ambiance for diners, who can enjoy meals and beverages in a variety of spaces, including the full-service bar with mounted flat screen TVs for sports fans, or dining tables and booths for more intimate or casual diners. There’s also a well-equipped stage for live entertainment.

While there, I spoke with Head Chef Sheldon Cooper, along with chefs Kashmar Brown and Claude Bucknall—the three men that coordinate, produce, and prepare everything Dunns River offers at this new location. And, of course, I had the pleasure of sampling their mouth-watering creations. The chefs describe their working relationship as familial, with the usual ups and downs, but said they helped each other work towards excellence as a team. They were also very happy to tell me they have lots of fun in the kitchen.

Classic Remix

As a food-a-holic, I’ve often allowed my server to choose my meal, which is a really great way to try any restaurant’s best cuisine. On prior occasions when I had been to this restaurant, I used this method and ended up with some really amazing tastings. For this particular visit, it was no different. I asked my server, Alia, to bring me their best dishes to be photographed and reviewed. She presented me with the Reggae Jerk Chicken and the Lobster Trio.

A significant serving of moist, well-seasoned, spicy jerk chicken sat atop a mound of coconut milk-infused rice and peas, accompanied by mixed, steamed vegetables and fried, sweet plantains for a beautifully plated dish. It quickly made its way to my taste buds, much to my delight. The side of steamed veg deserves special mention, since it was nicely seasoned with a blend of mild spices and had a pleasant crunch—it’s one of the best I’ve had in my life. And the gravy—an outstanding balance of authentic jerk sauce with a consistency typically found in Jamaican stews. The combination of all the components of the meal offered a delightful melding of flavors I’d almost be willing to die for.

The Lobster Trio is another aesthetically pleasing dish served with mashed potatoes beneath a slice of baked salmon adorned with grilled shrimp, and topped by a grilled, jerk lobster tail, split in its shell. A flavorful combination of seafoods, each item had just enough spiciness to add some zing, but was not as hot as typical jerk meats. The salmon in particular had a mild jerk flavor, enhanced by the crunchy skin. I enjoyed the juiciness and tenderness of the lobster tail complemented by the rich jerk flavor.

Final Finish

To accompany my meal, I sampled two of the restaurant’s natural juices—cucumber and “cold defender.” The cucumber juice, mixed with ginger, was a simple, cool flavor which pairs well with most meals. Meanwhile the cold defender, with its blend of pineapple, green-apple, and ginger, was more on the sweet side and would be more appropriate for a post-meal beverage. All-in-all, the food was delightful, and was the highlight of a very memorable experience. I look forward to trying more of their delectable cuisine.
Visit Dunns River Island Café at 908 W Hallandale Beach Blvd, and tell them Island Origins sent you.

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Try On These Dreamy Wedding Dresses by Caribbean Designers

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Monique McIntosh

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May 29, 2019

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Filled with breathtaking beaches and stunning landscapes, the Caribbean has become one of the most romantic places on earth for destination weddings. But the region deserves equal acclaim as a creative hub for bridal design. A new generation of designers from the Caribbean and wider Diaspora is making a mark on wedding fashion, creating stunning gowns for every bridal personality. For those whose destination wedding is on the horizon (or still only in your dreams, so far), check out these beautiful creations by Caribbean designers.

Cushnie

Known for her minimalist gowns with sexy cut-out details, Jamaican-British designer Carly Cushnie easily adapted her signature style for her label’s bridal collection, launched last year. These new designs for her Bridal Spring 2020 collection continue along the same vein, featuring streamlines silhouettes, thigh-high slits and peak-a-boo lace accents. The line also offers pantsuit options for the more modern Caribbean bride.

Neha Karina

Young Trinidadian designer Neha Karina has quickly become the go-to Caribbean label for amazing traditional Indian bridal wear. Based in Port-of Spain, the brand goes beyond expectations with her modern approach to the classics. For her bridal gowns, she often depart from traditional red in favor of more modern color choices. And the stunning beading details of her bridal couture also prove a sight to behold.

Lazaro

If you’re a serial binger of the popular TV show “Say Yes To The Dress,” you’ve probably dreamt of an appointment at the iconic Kleinfeld Bridal Salon in New York. Whenever you do make the trip, be sure to try on the high-glamor gowns of Cuban-born designer Lazaro. He has proven a master of all styles, from sweeping ball gowns to slinky trumpets. Each design features his signature use of sumptuous fabrics and painstaking details, from botanical lace to metallic finishes.

Harry Robles

Known as one of Puerto Rico’s most accomplished designers, Harry Robles has mastered the art of the evening gown, creating couture-worthy finishes. Based in San Juan, he’s also brought these skills to his stunning custom bridal line, a particular favorite of local and international celebrities. His Spring 2019 wedding dress collection leans in on these dreamy details, with loads of delicate lace, beading and intricate, dripping feather-work straight out of a fairytale.

Jean-Ralph Thurin

For brides looking to declare their own independent style on their big day, they can’t go wrong with a custom gown from Haitian-American designer Jean-Ralph Thurin. The New Jersey-based brand had developed a reputation for unique, custom creations, mastering various styles for every bridal personality. A Parsons School of Design grad, Thurin proves fearless with unexpected touches, including this blush pink number above with pleated chiffon skirt detail.

Viviane Valerius

Haitian-born designer Viviane Valerius brings Caribbean couture design to Miami with her eponymous bridal line. She has quickly developed a following in the 305 for her sensual take on wedding dress design. Think bold, graphic lace embellishments and plenty of sheer paneling. The brand also prides itself on creating custom looks for women of all sizes and styles at her private atelier.

Pantora Bridal

Brooklyn’s current cultural renaissance owes much to the young generation of creators who call the New York borough home. This includes Jamaican-American designer Andrea Pitter Campbell, who opened up her Crown Heights-boutique in 2013. Since then, she’s garnered fashionista fans for her contemporary take on traditional silhouettes. In addition to her bridal collection and custom commissions, check out her adorable Pantora Mini line for flower girls.

Jaye Applewaite Bridal

Barbados has become the go-to location for romantic destination weddings. But true fashion insiders also know the island as home to stunning bridal style, thanks to local designers like Jaye Applewaite. A former civil engineer, Applewaite turned her critical eye to creating bespoke wedding dresses, with hand-sewn beading and lacework. And each design is custom-fitted to the bride’s body for a true couture experience unique in the Caribbean.

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Diaspora mourns death of Former Jamaican PM Edward Seaga

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Monique McIntosh

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May 29, 2019

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Condolences continue to pour in from the Diaspora following the death of Jamaica’s fifth Prime Minister, Edward Philip George Seaga, at age 89. The statesman passed away on May 28th at a Miami hospital, where he was undergoing treatment for cancer and related complications.

In a statement, Consul General R. Oliver Mair spoke of his long and extensive political career and his immense contribution to independent Jamaica. “Spanning a political career for more than 40 years, Mr. Seaga is well admired for his expansive contributions to the nation’s economic and financial development, including the building of a wide range of social program to help the under-privileged,” said Mair. “[He] was also instrumental in initiating reforms which were critical and still relevant to Jamaica’s economic development.”

Mr. Seaga served as Prime Minister from October 1980 to February 1989. He was the country’s longest-serving Member of Parliament, representing West Kingston from 1962 until his official retirement in 2005. During his tenure, he established many tentpole institutions, including the HEART Trust/NTA, the Urban Development Corporation, the Jamaica Stock Exchange and the Jamaica Unit Trust. He is also regarded as a founding father for his contributions to framing the nation’s constitution in 1961.

An accomplished scholar with landmark anthropological research in Jamaican folk traditions, he was later named Chancellor at the University of Technology in 2010.

Snapshots Galore From Caribbean Festival Unifest

By

David I. Muir

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May 28, 2019

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Kudos to UNIFEST 2019 on their 25 years celebrating this landmark annual Caribbean cultural event in Lauderdale Lakes. The day proved truly a fun-filled, family day that culminated in an amazing concert.

The featured acts include reggae star Hezron, soca parang artiste Leon Coldero, Mickey Spice, Etana, and Culture and Agent Sasco, aka Assassin. The acts performed short, but very entertaining, sets with all of them doing well. But for me, Culture and Agent Sasco were outstanding. I really enjoyed capturing their performances. Have a look at some of the snaps below, made possible by our partners at Yellow Cab of Broward.

Snapshots Galore From Caribbean Festival Unifest

Photo by David I Muir

Inside The Mind Of Reggae’s Man of the World, Julian Marley

By

Richard M. Wright

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May 27, 2019

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Successfully crisscrossing the world of music and the booming cannabis enterprise is another member of Jamaica’s Royal Family of Reggae, Julian Marley. My conversation with him was warm and enlightening… like catching up with a longtime friend.

You could hear the smile crinkles in his voice as he spoke, echoing some of the cadence of his iconic dad Bob. We spoke about As I Am—his first new album since 2009, his entrepreneurial ventures in wellness with his new JuJu Royal CBD-infused olive oil product, and his identity as a Jamaican man born in England.

We caught up with the star during promotions for his album and the Kaya Festival he and his brothers produce in Miami.

The timing of the As I Am album following a 10-year hiatus, he said, was organic. “It feel to just come now,” there was no rushing or forcing the flow. He hadn’t stopped writing and recording during that time; he was in fact “still making music in the laboratory, still writing songs in the bedroom, and still writing songs on the beach.”

Julian Marley “As I Am“

Inside The Mind Of Reggae's Man of the World, Julian Marley — Photo: David I. Muir

The album’s many themes include love, revolution, community, ganja, and wise philosophies for life too. As a person passionate about social justice, one of my favorite tracks is called “Can’t Cool The Fire.”

“Well that one as you know is to rebelize and wake the minds of the people. It was produced by Stephen, my brother. ‘You nah cool the pressure, we nah cool the fire,’ that’s what we are saying. If Babylon don’t cool the pressure, the people have to stand up and still have to fight for their rights?”

While solo records like “Straighter Roads” and “Hey Jack” have already helped catapult the album way up into the Top Ten Billboard Reggae charts, As I Am also features some powerful collaborations.

On “Too Hot To Dance,” a collaboration that took shape after the two connected at the Raggamuffin Festival in Australia, Shaggy adds his “Boombastic” stylings to a New Orleans brass-band-meets-pop-reggae sound, and Julian delivers that Marley vocal sunshine.

Beenie Man was perfect for “What’s New Pussycat,” complementing Julian’s rendition of a classic Burt Bacharat tune, also covered by Bob in 1965, with his incomparable dancehall don flow. Spragga Benz provided a pleasant surprise on the track “Panic Mind States.” Overhearing the ska-tempo roots reggae track while randomly passing by Julian’s recording session, Spragga offered to do a feature. The track turned out nothing like we’ve heard him on before!

As I Am is a gift well worth the wait. It’s an honest, soulful and dynamic album with songs that dance between traditional roots reggae, and rock, jazz, funk and dancehall-infused riddims. It closes out with an instrumental track I Am The Sound (Addis Pablo Version), nostalgically laced with a haunting melodica solo—a contemplative and nourishing conclusion with which to digest all the goodness of the album, and a respectful nod to the dub pioneer Augustus Pablo.

More Than a Musician

Julian Marley is also a social entrepreneur, through his work, championing the message that Rastafari has been preaching for decades—that cannabis offers many healing properties and benefits. He is the founder of the Juju Royal brand, and is currently distributing a new CBD-infused olive oil product under it. “You can cook with it, heal yourself, calm your nerves, all with eating.”

It’s a product that has great synergy with one of his other business endeavors, the Kaya Festival. “Kaya, now that is obviously my father’s album,” he said. I couldn’t help reverting to a fanboy and recalling my first favorite Bob Marley record that I played front to back over and over as a pre-teen. I blurted out a “Yes!! Definitely! Respect!”

That smile in his voice persisted as he said, “Give thanks.” He explained his brother Stephen took the classic album and transformed it into a festival concept.

The festival teaches people about “the herb, the earth, the plants, and the benefits and healing agents of the plants, which Rasta has been speaking about for all these decades.” It also features five Marley brothers—Ziggy, Stephen, Ky-Mani, Damian, and of course, Julian—on stage.

Julian has become clearly driven by the fulfillment of a long-held Rasta mission to legalize cannabis. He reflected on how JuJu Royal and the Kaya Festival could impact this movement.

“It’s a great thing to be a part of, especially as Rasta. If Rasta had our way from back then, we probably would have been doing the same thing then too. Like when Peter [Tosh] say “Legalize it…” from 1976, you know? So it’s something that we see as natural to be a part of, and also to teach the people that it’s a spiritual connection, not just make it free up because it’s good for the people, or good for your pocket.”

“It’s different from alcohol. It’s a spiritual strengthening agent with a whole heap of benefits. Yes, even the doctors are telling us now. And we were telling them then! Full circle. Is a greatness to see the education finally coming out about this plant. We are the spokespeople for the herb.”

A Man of the World

Born and raised in England, and having lived in Jamaica and the U.S., Marley is a global citizen, yet profoundly and unquestionably Jamaican. We found common ground here. I was born in New York City. I’m a descendant of Maroons. My parents were born in Jamaica, and most of my schooling happened there. But people still try to tell me I’m not a “real Jamaican.” Julian responded vociferously, “Can’t say dat! Can’t tell me dat!”

“Being a traveler and live-r on the earth, I have come to find out one thing,” says Julian. “The only thing that divides us is language, barriers, and accent. And you know, maybe a taste of cuisine. But differently me learn that we are all the same. Whereas, what is my culture? What has been growing me all of these years coming up? Reggae music, Bob Marley, Rastafari, Jamaica, you know?”

“Cause even when you are in England, you’re getting all of that culture. England is different than the U.S. In England, you get it like you almost in Jamaica. Because the people gravitate to the music. In every corner you find roots, reggae culture.” This is especially true of British Jamaican cultural strongholds like Brixton, and throughout the U.K. where you can hear Jamaican-isms infused into Black British culture.

Julian concluded: “For me, I just be natural. Even like me now, born in England, come to Jamaica, now I’m in America—but yet the accent is Jamaican. My ting jus’ a mix up, like you blend a nice smoothie with plenty different fruits.” We both laughed at that one.

Julian’s “Straighter Roads,” and “Hey Jack” videos are out now. He’s also looking forward to interacting with all the “wonderful fans and beautiful people” on his 2019 east coast tour.

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How The Caribbean’s Black-Sand Beaches Inspired This Home Design

By

Monique McIntosh

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May 25, 2019

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Home Design — Photo: TAMPA BAY HOME TOURS

Taking inspiration from the sea and sky, Florida’s coastal style remains timeless thanks to its bright, fresh palette and natural textures. But designer Tamara Archer, founder of T. Archer Design, went a bolder, more unexpected route when tasked to transform this Tampa Bay home into a beachy oasis. As avid globetrotters, the homeowners also “wanted their home to reflect their lifestyle and capture some of the places they had traveled,” explains the designer.

Looking through snapshots from her clients’ various trips, she became instantly drawn to images of black sand beaches in the Caribbean. Growing up with Trinidadian parents, Archer was inspired by the Caribbean’s unique, tropical environs. “The colors and the serenity of the region have definitely had an impact on my personal design aesthetic,” she says. “And in the Caribbean, there are so many different types of beaches, from black to pink sands. And each place has its unique vibe.”

To create a more contemporary twist on coastal living, the designer used tones of deep blues, grays, and blacks to mimic the dramatic contrast of black sands against stormy seas. She added a hazy blue (Faded Denim by Glidden Paint) on the walls, and brought in new furnishings to emphasize the palette, like the gray sectional in the den and the black Eames-style chairs in the dining room.

Additional pieces featuring exotic wood grain helped bring in more of the outdoors, like the Parsons-style dining table made from mango wood. “Because I focus on a lot of tropical, serene spaces, I like to use nature to really style the home,” Archer notes. She also incorporated more potted plants, such as the fiddle leaf fig in the dining room and Dracaena in the den, to “mimic the tropical setting of the beach.”

For homeowners dreaming of reinterpreting coastal living for their own abodes, Archer urges them to think outside the box. “Don’t be afraid to mix styles,” she advises. “Instead of going straight modern or traditional, try creating a hybrid that truly reflects you.”

Modern Edge

How The Caribbean's Black-Sand Beaches Inspired This Home Design One doesn’t need to start from scratch to truly transform a place, says Archer. In the living room, the owners had an existing white leather sectional, which she incorporated into the design. “I used the white sectional to create a more modern edge in the living room.” She softened the sofa’s sharp lines with cozy throw pillows in shades of gray.

Face Lift

The designer added a few modern updates to the kitchen, swapping out traditional lighting for more streamlined pendants. “We wanted to add a more industrial edge to the space,” notes Archer. Continuing this theme, she also replaced the existing backsplash with embossed tin tiles.

Ocean View

Inspired by dramatic beach vistas, Archer also wanted to integrate some natural coastal imagery into the dining room. She used original photos from her husband (an avid photographer), as seen here in the dining room. The images were printed onto canvas and broken into triptychs for a more substantial impact on the walls.

Strong Foundations

The home features two fireplaces, a rarity in Florida, including this traditional wood-burning stove in the den backed by elaborate stonework. The original stone features “were really dark, and very heavy,” says Archer. “So we did a whitewash to create a glaze, so you can still see through to the natural stone. But the whitewash tones it down a bit to better suit the space.”

Quiet Moment

Incorporating wooden elements like this sculptural end table proved crucial “in bringing nature into the home,” says Archer. She paired this vignette with another Eames Shell-style armchair in blue and a throw blanket for added coziness.

Take These New Beach Reads By Caribbean Authors on Your Next Vacay

By

Monique McIntosh

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May 21, 2019

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Is your dream Caribbean vacation less jet skis and zip lines, and more lazy afternoons reading on the beach? We have your back with these amazing beach reads by authors from the Caribbean and wider diaspora. Whether you crave romance or fantasy adventure in the sunshine, there’s a page-turner here for every book worm.

For Bridget Jones Fans: Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams

Looking for a new heroine to cheer on in her search for love and happiness? You can’t go wrong following the adventures of Queenie Jenkins: a 25-year-old Jamaican British woman living in London, straddling two cultures and slotting neatly into neither. This debut by author Candice Carty-Williams proves full of humor and heart, chronicling Queenie’s struggle to find life balance after a break-up. In addition to its romance, the book also delves deeper into modern black British identity.

For Summer Suspense: When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton

The cultural and political upheaval of revolutionary Cuba lives on in the public imagination. And it certainly makes a rich backdrop for this historical novel/ summer thriller by Cuban-American writer Chanel Cleeton. The author mined her family roots to tell the tale of Beatriz Perez, a Cuban exile tasked by the CIA to infiltrate Fidel Castro’s inner circle. Complications ensue when she must choose between the island she loves and the man who has stolen her heart.

For Unexpected Romance: American Dreamer by Adriana Herrera

Forget bodice rippers. Delicious Caribbean food and the American Dream get all mixed up in this refreshingly-modern Harlequin romance by author Adriana Herrara. The new novel tells the story of Nesto Vasquez, who takes a business gamble by bringing his Afro-Caribbean food truck to Upstate New York. There he meets Jude Fuller, who falls in love with the new food, as well as the talented chef behind the stove. An opportunity too good to pass up could mean a way to stay together and an incredible future for them both…if Nesto can remember happiness isn’t always measured by business success.

For Teen Angst: The Field Guide To The North American Teenager by Ben Philippe

Would summer be complete without a coming-of-age tale? Haitian-Canadian author Ben Philippe takes on this classic theme in this new young adult novel. The story follows Norris Kaplan, a Black French Canadian teenager forced to move with his family to Austin, Texas. Filled with wit (and equipped with a shape tongue to match), Kaplan must learn to navigate high school, and discover that the teenage stereotypes of jocks, cheerleaders and nerds aren’t all what they’re cracked up to be.

For Fantasy Fans: Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James

Grieving the end of the “Game of Thrones” TV show and can’t wait for George R. Martin to finish his Song of Ice and Fire (god knows when)? Sooth your fantasy cravings with this latest novel by prize-winning Jamaican author Marlon James. As the first book of a planned “Dark Star” trilogy, the novel breaks down traditional fantasy with rich African folklore and mythology. The first installment follows Tracker, a mercenary hired to find a missing child among a contentious, magical landscape.

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Exploring Island Cuisine With These Amazing Caribbean Chefs

By

Ghenete 'G' Wright Muir

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May 20, 2019

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20181018_074723 (1) — Cynthia “Chef Thia” Verna

Each year, a choice group of the most acclaimed Caribbean chefs and mixologists come together to represent their islands at Fort Lauderdale’s signature Caribbean culinary festival—The Taste the Islands Experience. Inspired by their respective cultures, they create unique gastronomic masterpieces for South Floridians to indulge. Let’s peek behind the curtain to learn about the people who bring island flavor to life. It’s time to Taste the Islands!

Chef Ralph Motta – USVI

Chef Ralph Motta, representing the U.S. Virgin Islands, is strongly influenced by the food of St. Croix—his home island—and the food of the multi-island U.S. territory in general. His approach is a modern Crucian, French, and American fusion, focusing on cleaner, healthier dishes, while integrating traditional methods and ingredients. During Chef Motta’s college years on the mainland, he wanted to avoid eating unhealthy cafeteria food, so he began cooking for himself and his roommates. By the time he got his bachelor’s degree in art, he was a full-fledged, self-taught chef.

His signature dishes include roast goat tarts and cilantro spinach mac ‘n’ cheese.

Fun Facts:

Craziest thing I’ve ever done: Parasailing
Weirdest thing I’ve ever eaten: Kudu (antelope)
If my personality was an ingredient it would be: Passion fruit

Mixologist Marv “Mr. Mix” Cunningham – The Bahamas

Caribbean Chefs — Photography: Makiah Cunningham

Now, to quench that thirst! Mixologist Marv “Mr. Mix” Cunningham was a bartender in The Bahamas and became a mixologist when he started creating original cocktails based on his guests’ likings. It was a unique daiquiri that he concocted for a customer that started his elevation from bartender (who simply mixes drinks) to mixologist (who creates recipes for them).

Mr. Mix loves to incorporate the fruits of The Bahamas—sea grapes, guava, tamarind, pineapple—and he uses these fresh fruits to create and garnish his cocktails. He also has a passion for art, which translates into his drink presentations. He actually sketches out his creations—including the type of glass, the color of the drink, and the type and shape of the garnish.

Fun Facts:

Craziest thing I’ve ever done: Create a cocktail out of conch
Weirdest thing I’ve ever drunk: A sweet potato cocktail I made
If my personality was an ingredient it would be: Goat pepper

Cynthia “Chef Thia” Verna – Haiti

As a little girl, Chef Thia was intrigued by the Sunday meals her grandmother would cook. One day Grandma allowed her to prepare a meal for the family all by herself; that’s when she fell in love with cooking. Now she boldly experiments with ingredients from international cuisines, combining them with her own simple, fresh Haitian style. Her magic ingredient though, is “Chef Thia’s Spice.” It’s her own special version of the popular Haitian base seasoning, “Epis,” which is a blend of onions, scallions, garlic, parsley, and peppers. She uses it both in everyday food prep, and in her signature creations including the “griot wrap.”

Thia, who was an artist for many years before she started cooking professionally, studied at Le Cordon Bleu and worked as a chef at the Ritz Carlton. She emphasizes that people eat with their eyes first, so food should always be visually appealing.

Fun Facts:

Craziest thing I’ve ever done: Bought an airline ticket to a random place and went by myself
Weirdest thing I’ve ever eaten: Soup in the streets of Vietnam
If my personality was an ingredient it would be: Garlic

Mixologist Philip “Casanova” Antoine – Barbados

Barbados boasts that they have the oldest rum factory in the world. Casanova boasts that they also have the best mixologists—like the mentor who inspired him to begin creating his own cocktails.

Coming from the birthplace of rum, his signature drinks all contain that fiery spirit. His spiced rum punch is a twist on the classic, adding cinnamon, ginger, and bay leaf. His Bajan Ruby is a sorrel-based cocktail with rum, and his Bajan Sunshine is his version of a rum-based mojito, using basil, passion fruit, and coconut.

Fun Facts:

Craziest thing I’ve ever done: Jumping out of a vehicle going over 100 mph
Weirdest thing I’ve ever eaten: Snake venom-infused liquor
If my personality was an ingredient it would be: Unicorn Tears (We know… it’s not a real ingredient, but that’s how crazy he is!)

Hugh “Chef Irie” Sinclair – Jamaica

When Chef Irie was an architect, he felt there was a void in his life. So he braved a new path to the kitchen, and now everything is just irie. Classically trained in the Culinary Arts at Johnson and Wales University, he constantly pushes the envelope with Caribbean cuisine.

Chef Irie was inspired by the meals his mother, who he calls an amazing cook, would make when he was a child in Jamaica. His own palate has very traditional leanings—he’s a stew peas freak, and loves pepper pot soup, and chow mein. In terms of spices, he’s heavily influenced by Jamaican cuisine, but is also partial toward African spices and Caribbean cooking in general.

The signature characteristic of his dishes is perhaps how he plates his food. (Now that we know he was an architect, it all makes sense.) His creations are always layered with unique flavors—he loves a fusion of cumin and curry and nutmeg and cinnamon. “I’m not a salt and pepper dude,” he says.

Fun Facts:

Craziest thing I’ve ever done: Rappel down the side of a 20 story building
Weirdest thing I’ve ever eaten: A concoction in China, marinated with creatures in it
If my personality was an ingredient it would be? Scotch bonnet pepper

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Upgrade Your Summer With These Caribbean Beach Essentials

By

Sonia Morgan

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May 19, 2019

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Getting ready for your dream beach vacation this summer? Skip the gift shop basics and pack these stunning accessories perfect for your Caribbean beach escapades, filled with island color and plenty of personality.

ISY B. CAYMAN ISLANDS

Cruise-ready kaftan, made with a luxurious, lightweight silk fabric in an elegant island-inspired print. Versatile and easy to wear—goes flawlessly from breezy top to swimsuit coverup and beyond. isybdesign.com

ISLAND COMPANY

The classic paisley print gets an island-chic makeover in these quick-dry Caribbean Batik Boardshorts. Side cargo pockets offer a place for treasures found on the beach… or cell phone and keys. islandcompany.com

TRÈFLE

Beautifully hand-crafted with a canvas upper, jute welt, and rubber sole, these espadrilles were made specially for the islands. Ideal for comfortable on-foot explorations at ports and duty-free shops. trefledesigns.com

JOVEW BY MAKISA

Meet Isla, a super-cute drawstring bucket bag, crafted with supple faux leather and hand-painted with bold, glossy hues for a pop of personality! Just enough space for bare necessities—wallet, sunglasses, keys, cell phone, makeup, and a bottle of water. jovewbymakisa.com

RSVPHANDCRAFTED

RSVPHandcrafted creates beautiful artisan leather products like this passport cover—hand-stamped with mini palm trees for a tropical touch. It features a contrasting leather name tag for personalization and fits all standard-size passports. etsy.com/shop/RSVPhandcrafted

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Fourth Outing In The Works For Taste The Islands Experience Festival

By

Monique McIntosh

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May 14, 2019

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Fans of Caribbean cuisine, culture and travel enjoyed a weekend of indulgences at the 3rd annual Taste the Islands Experience, held April 27-28 in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Following the success of its third outing, event producers Island Syndicate are already making plans for a stronger showing in 2020.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better weekend,” says Taste The Islands Experience producer Calibe Thompson. “Our partners and vendors presented an amazing level of food, consumer products, and travel options. Seeing the Caribbean presented by Caribbean people and being so well received is a real point of pride for our entire team. We’re looking forward to exponential growth in the coming years.”

The weekend-long event offered a variety of fun and fanciful activities for the discerning food and travel connoisseur. The highlight of Saturday’s main event included culinary demos by Chef Ralph Motta of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Mixologist Marv “Mr Mix” Cunningham of The Bahamas, Cynthia “Chef Thia” Verna of Haiti and singer J. Perry, Mixologist Philip “Casanova” Antoine, and Hugh “Chef Irie” Sinclair and singer Julian Marley.

Marley held a meet-and-greet with adoring fans. Special guests received his new album and samples of his new olive oil from his CBD brand Juju Royal. J. Perry headlined the night, thrilling fans with a set that attendees thoroughly enjoyed.

Guests were able to sample drinks and bites from around the Caribbean region in the “Island Pavilions.” Host islands included The Bahamas, Jamaica, Barbados and the US Virgin Islands. Culinary offerings included loaded mango, jerk chicken sushi rolls, bacon-wrapped scallopfongo and sofrito braised chicken.

For that feeling of ultimate escape from everyday life, guests also enjoyed the glam studio hosted by Makeup by Rory Lee and Natural Trendsetters, and massage studio courtesy of Goldson Spine.

Taste The Islands Experience Chef’s Table

A coalition of celebrated Caribbean chefs also held a panel, discussing their role as evangelists for Caribbean culture via cuisine. Participants include Chef Sheron Chin of Standing Ovation Catering and one of the special few to “Beat Bobby Flay;” Chef Winston Williams of CC Catering – a U.S. Virgin Islands native who has appeared on Cooking Channel’s “Carnival Eats;” Chef Danny Peñalo of Yarumba Dominican Restaurant; and “Taste the Islands” TV show hosts Chef Thia and Chef Irie.

The lounge area also housed a cigar bar, a rum sommelier presentation by Swirl Wine Bistro and Real McCoy Rum, and a live Yellow Cab Karaoke session.

Guests were also treated to a repeat of 2018’s Caribbean Culinary Museum and Theater. The new Tasting Tour feature offered an audiovisual exploration of the Caribbean, sampling signature dishes from each island.

Food, Fashion and Travel

Guests of the Sunday Brunch enjoyed a tropical menu by Chef Irie and Chef Kevin Small of Coalfire Catering. Courses included ropa vieja, macaroni pie and jerk chicken omelets, served alongside a phenomenal mimosa bar.

Korbel Champagne and Barbados teamed up to present four specially-created cocktails by award-winning Barbadian mixologist Philip “Casanova” Antoine. The colorful presentation and edible flowers included were a well appreciated touch, as was Barbados’ giveaway of a 5-day, 4-night stay at the luxurious Treasure Beach Hotel

The highlight of the brunch, however, was the beautifully coordinated fashion show. Tanya Marie Design and Garçon Couture presented a selection of exquisite signature suits and summer wear that had the audience engaged from start to end.