As a restaurant owner, there aren't many things more challenging than keeping a steady stream of customers coming in through the front door. Unfortunately, these kinds of challenges can eventually arrest the cash flow of your business, which can cause all kinds of problems in the long run. About three months ago, I decided that it would be a good idea to start focusing more on my own restaurant so that I could improve things. I started small, by changing the way that our team handled a few things, and then eventually worked towards reworking the entire menu. This blog is all about making your restaurant more profitable.
Exploring a new cuisine is always a lot of fun, but the first time or two you try a new cuisine, you want to play it safe a little. You want to stick with the classics and dishes that are less polarizing to have a good experience, and then branch out later on once you're more familiar. This tactic is as true with Caribbean cuisine as with any other. Here are some approachable, yet delectable dishes to try your first time in a Caribbean restaurant.
1. Jerk Chicken
Hailing from Jamaica, this may just be the most famous Caribbean dish of them all. And it's hard to imagine anyone not enjoying jerk chicken if they like chicken in general. The meat is marinated in a mixture of spices including nutmeg, pimento, and a little cinnamon. Some spice comes from fiery bonnet peppers. Jerk chicken is usually cooked on a grill, but some restaurants roast it, and the resulting dish is delectable either way.
2. Curry Goat
Even if you have never had goat meat before, this dish is worth trying. Goat meat has plenty of flavor and can be a little gamey, but if you like lamb, there's no reason why you won't also like goat. In curry goat, the meat is cooked in a mixture of broth and seasonings until it is incredibly tender and falling off the bones. The resulting, stew-like dish is usually served alongside potatoes, which are used to "mop up" the extra sauce.
3. Saltfish Fritters
Fish is a big part of Caribbean cuisine since, after all, the Caribbean is surrounded by water. Saltfish fritters are a great introduction to the seafood real of Caribbean cooking. They're made from a mixture of shredded fish, flour, and herbs. The fritters are shaped into circles and deep-fried to a crisp. Typically, these are served as an appetizer, but nobody will question you if you order them as a main course.
4. Roasted Breadfruit
Breadfruit is a large fruit that grows on trees on many of the Caribbean islands. It is high in protein and is usually prepared more like a vegetable than a fruit. If you see roasted breadfruit on a menu, this dish is worth a try. The crisp outside and soft inside of the fruit make for a lovely contrast.
Try the dishes above the first time you visit a Caribbean restaurant. You won't be disappointed.
Share14 July 2020
