Come on a journey with us, as we explore global comfort food!
This menu is inspired by the relationship between the Caribbean and South Asia, and how much intersectionality there is in the food culture based on the spice trade. The similarities in the flavor profiles and cuisine is something in itself to be celebrated. Ranging from various curries and spice blends that include masalas and jerk, to the preparations and techniques applied to the food, they harken back to their origins and history.
The spice routes, also known as maritime silk roads have been trade routes that extend from Japan through islands of Indonesia, around India, Sri Lanka, to the lands of Middle East and from there across the Mediterranean to Europe. Besides the exchange of spices, silk, ivory, porcelain, the most important exchange was of knowledge: knowledge of new culture, people, religion and food.
Sugar, once considered as spice began its journey in South Asia. It spread through Asia, and to the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands before Columbus took it to West Indies. Later on from 1838-1917, over half a million Indians from Colonial India would make their perilous voyage to thirteen mainland and island nations in the Caribbean as indentured servants. Along on this journey, came coffee, okra, coconut, mango, and yuca as crops that were traded in the Caribbean.
Previous Menu: Little Dipper Residency Summer/Fall 2021
Small Plates
Jerk Jackfruit Sliders
Two sliders with Pickled Red Onion, Coriander Aioli, Baby Arugula
- Vegetarian
Grilled Prawns
Sherry Peppers, Mango Chow
- Gluten-friendly
Seasonal Salad
Baby Gem Lettuce, Cara Cara Orange, Toasted Almonds, Roasted Chioggia Beets, House-made Ricotta, Balsamic Pomegranate Vinaigrette
- Vegetarian, Gluten-friendly
Okra
Sautéed Okra, Masala Spiced Yogurt, Plantain Crumb
- Vegetarian, Gluten-friendly
Jackfruit is widely cultivated throughout tropical regions of the world and commonly used in South Asia. Jerk is a prevailing combination of the different spices that were going through the silk road and became a staple in the Caribbean. Pairing jackfruit and jerk is our way of saying “hello” from the islands.
Sherry Peppers originated centuries ago when sailors traveling through the Caribbean would fortify the sherry barrels with hot peppers. This would help to mask the strong ship rations during the long voyages. Over time, they started using local Pequin Peppers and it was adapted by locals as a condiment.
Okra is an ingredient that transcends every story that this menu tells, from its origins in Africa to its journey on the silk road. Usually served as an accompanying ingredient, Okra is a vegetable that deserves a starring role and can stand on its own deliciously!
Large plates
Jerk Roasted Duck
Duck Leg, Rice & Peas, Pikliz
- Gluten-friendly
New Fish Curry
Hake, Coconut Curry Brodo, Marble Potatoes, Rainbow Carrots, Herb Pistou, House-made Roti
- Gluten-friendly (without Roti)
Potato Curry Cake w/ Tomato Jam
Herb Salad, Lemon Yogurt, Lemon Vinaigrette
- Vegetarian
Beef Short Rib
Stout Coffee Lacquer, Braised Greens, Yuca Frites
Jerk is typically featured as a roadside grilled snack. Jerk chicken is an island comfort food tradition, but outside of that, jerk highlights all the spices that have traveled the all foodways leading here. Enslaved peoples from the plantations of Jamaica fled to the mountains and coexisted with the indigenous Tainos people where they combined their cooking techniques and spice profiles to what we know today as jerk. We are using duck in this dish as a nod to its popularity in parts of Asia.
Curry is a bold statement of spice and trade, in the Caribbean and all over Asia. This dish is our interpretation of what would happen if a white fish stew met a fish curry and they moved to a tropical island. We paired this with our house-made roti which is more of a South Asian version to honor the indentured servants who shared their cuisine with locals, and has since become a staple dish in the Caribbean. Aloo matar is one of the many potato curries in South Asia. These crispy potato cakes celebrate those spices and curries.
Coffee trade and its export from the Caribbean became an integral cash crop not only between islands but also to the rest of the world. This dish is a nod to coffee and all the coffee lovers.