FOOD & DRINK
TASTE THE ISLANDS // SAK PASE LOUNGE
SAK
PASE LOUNGE WRITER DAVID I. MUIR PHOTOGRAPHY DAVID I. MUIR
Executive Chef, Gary Rice
UPON ENTRY, I WAS SUBMERGED IN AUTHENTIC HAITIAN CULTURE. FLAGS, THATCH AND BAMBOO DECOR MADE FOR AN ECLECTIC AND INVITING ATMOSPHERE. KOMPA MUSIC KEPT ME SWAYING IN MY SEAT THROUGHOUT THE VISIT, AND WAS A WELCOME ACCOMPANIMENT TO THE SELECTION OF BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED DISHES I WAS OFFERED. SAK PASE LOUNGE, an intimate eatery, sits within the very
with flavor and is a dish that would keep me coming back for more!
casual Caribbean Sunshine restaurant complex in Orlando, Florida,
Chef Rice surprised me with his Sake Pase Bowls - fried green
but has its own distinct vibe.
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plantains shaped into curved receptacles, filled with pulled turkey
Their standard appetizer, Pate Kode, is a chicken patty with a
sautéed in his Sak Pase sauce, and topped off with Haitian Pikliz
light, flaky pastry filled with meat more reminiscent of lamb than
(spicy coleslaw). This unique treat too could have been a meal on
the chicken advertised. It was served with Bannann Peze, fried green
its own, and I’d recommend you try this as an appetizer before your
plantains similar to tostones, and a bowl of their “famous” spicy Sak
choice entrée. Their Passion Fruit Lemonade also deserves honorable
Pase Sauce.
mention.
Their Griot (Griyo) is amazing. It looks like no frills fried chunks
It seems obvious to me but it is worth noting that the food was
of pork, yet its slightly crunchy covering disguised a tender, citrus
served with a smile, making for an even more enjoyable experience.
infused paradise within. Served with Diri Kole, a richly flavored
Both the presentation and the service were excellent, and the pricing
version of rice and beans made with tomato paste and spices, and
made it a superb value for money. Sak Pase Lounge is an excellent
Bannann Peze, this meal could feed two. Their rice and beans is rich
choice for Haitian American dining.
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TASTE THE ISLANDS // DIRI KOLE AND BLACK BEAN SALSA
DIRI KOLE (RICE & BEANS)
RECIPES
by Chef Thia Ingredients 2 cups Lakay Red Beans, cooked 3 cups Lakay Parboiled Basmati Rice, rinsed ¼ cup Lakay Tomato Paste 2 cups Top Top Coconut Milk ½ Red Bell Pepper ½ cup Chef Thia’s Spice or Haitian Epis* *(Your own blend of parsley, thyme, garlic, onions, bell peppers and scallions with oil)
2 stalks Scallion 4 tbsp Canola Oil 1 stalk Parsley 2 stalks Thyme 1 tbsp Salt ½ tbsp Black Pepper 1 whole Scotch Bonnet Pepper Method 1. Boil Lakay Red Beans in 6 cups water for 20 minutes or until tender 2. Drain the beans reserving 4 cups of the bean water 3. Over high heat, heat canola oil in
4.
5.
6.
7.
a dutch pot, then add bell peppers and scallion, stirring for about a minute to release flavors. Stir in epis and Lakay Tomato Paste, then add cooked Lakay Red Beans and stir to coat the beans with the seasonings. Stir in seasoning blend, then add bean water and Lakay Top Top Coconut Milk, and stir to combine. Wrap the parsley around the thyme to create a “bouquet garni” and add to the mixture along with a whole scotch bonnet pepper. When the mixture begins to boil, add the Lakay Parboiled Basmati Rice and stir continuously, scraping the sides of the pot to make sure the rice doesn’t stick and being very careful not to burst the pepper.Once the liquid is fully absorbed, cover the pot and lower the heat to simmer. Let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, then serve hot with your favorite protein.
BLACK BEAN SALSA By Chef Thia Ingredients 2 cups Lakay Black Beans, cooked 1 cup Sweet Whole Kernel Corn ¼ cup Red Onions ¼ cup each Red, Orange and Yellow Bell Peppers 2 tbsp Scallion ¼ cup parsley 3 tbsp Canola Oil 4 capfuls Lakay Lemon Blend ½ tsp Scotch Bonnet Pepper ½ tsp Salt ¼ tsp Black Pepper Method 1. Dice the bell peppers and red onions. 2. Chop the parsley and scallions finely. 3. Add Lakay Black Beans to a large bowl, along with remaining ingredients, including Lakay Lemon Blend. 4. Stir to combine. 5. Serve with tortilla or plantain chips.
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See the instructional videos for these recipes on our website at www.islandoriginsmag.com.
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TASTE THE ISLANDS // RESTAURANT REVIEW
WRITER DAVID I. MUIR
PHOTOGRAPHY DAVID I. MUIR
LOCATED IN THE MIDST OF CENTRAL BROWARD’S CARIBBEAN POPULATED CITY OF LAUDERHILL, THE AUTHENTIC ISLAND EATERY, JOY’S ROTI DELIGHT, STANDS ALONE, JUST OFF THE LAUDERHILL MALL. ON ENTRY, YOU ARE GREETED BY THE SLIGHTLY-TOO-LOUD SOUNDS OF CARIBBEAN MUSIC, AND THE COMPLEMENTARY, YET COMPETING, CHATTER OF PATRONS ‘LABRISHING’ AROUND YOU. THE SIMPLE, PRACTICAL DÉCOR DOESN’T TIP YOU OFF TO THE CULTURAL, CULINARY EXPERIENCE AHEAD. MY STARTER - DOUBLES - a common street food in Trinidad and
Joy’s Pumpkin, looks much like candied yams. Its creamy, buttery
Tobago, looks similar to a burrito, and is a favorite for breakfast or as
texture compliments the fusion of island spices vividly enhancing its
an appetizer. Doubles, made up of two fluffy, fried flatbreads, which
flavor. It pairs extremely well with “Buss-Up Shut.”
form its soft taco-like skin, is stuffed with a flavorful sweet and savory curried chickpea filling. The consistency of the chickpeas is mostly like
large, tender shrimps, submerged in a light, yellow, curry sauce.
minced meat, though I occasionally bite into fully formed soft peas,
To complete my meal experience, I drank freshly mixed Peanut
resulting in a texture combination that delightfully enhances the party
Punch, which looks like a glass of milk with ice, but tastes like a peanut
occurring in my mouth. Today’s Doubles are served with tamarind
flavored milk-shake, and served as my dessert!
chutney (mango chutney is another available option), and Joy’s hotpepper sauce on the side.
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The Curried Shrimp is a hot and mildly spicy treat, featuring fairly
Joy’s Roti Delight was opened on Valentine’s Day in 1992, a few years after the family moved to Florida from Trinidad. Proprietor, Sheila Sawh
Chef Mike presents me with a platter of restaurant favorites including
Gowkaran recalls the day they registered Joy’s at City Hall. They arrived
Shrimp Curry, Curried Chicken, Curried Beef and vegetarian options -
at the city without having determined the restaurant’s name. Her now
Curried Potatoes and Pumpkin, as well as Dhalpourie Roti and Paratha,
late husband suggested they call it Shelia’s, but she insisted that Joy,
another flatbread more popularly known as “Buss-Up Shut.”
her late husband’s name, was a much better choice, and so they went
From the selection of foods presented, what really stood out for me
with that. When asked about the relevance of their Valentine’s Day
was the Pumpkin, Channa (Curried Chickpeas), Paratha and Curried
start, Sheila reminds me that a main ingredient of the food at Joy’s Roti
Shrimp.
Delight is LOVE.
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TASTE THE ISLANDS // RECIPES
RECIPES BAHAMIAN CONCH FRITTERS Fritter Ingredients ½ lb Conch meat, diced ½ medium Onion, diced 1 stick Celery, diced 1 ½ Roma Tomatoes, diced 3 tsp Salt ½ Habanero Pepper 2 tsp Hot Sauce ¾ cup Lakay Tomato Paste 1 tbsp Thyme Leaves 2 cups All Purpose Flour 2 tsp Baking Powder 1 ¼ cups Water Vegetable Oil for deep frying
Fr it t er s h c n o C n ia m a h Ba
Dipping Sauce Ingredients ½ cup Mayonnaise ½ cup Ketchup 1 tsp. Mustard 1 tsp. Hot Sauce
Method 1. In a large bowl, mix everything together except the flour, baking powder, and water. 2. In a smaller bowl, mix together the flour and the baking powder. 3. Add the dry ingredients to the large bowl, stir, and then add the water slowly. 4. Pre-heat a pot or deep fryer with oil, several inches deep, over high heat. 5. Scoop tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil and allow to fry until golden brown on all sides. Don’t over-crowd them, only fry a few fritters at a time. 6. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to soak away some of the oil. 7. Whisk all sauce ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Serve with hot fritters.
BAHAMIAN JOHNNY BREAD Ingredients 6 cups All Purpose Flour ¾ cup Sugar 6 tbsp Baking Powder 1 tsp Salt ½ cup Unsalted Butter, softened + ¼ cup Unsalted Butter, melted 2 cups Milk 1 cup Water 4 Eggs ¼ cup Vegetable Oil
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Method 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 8” round baking pans. 2. In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Stir in the sugar and salt. 3. Add the softened butter and gently knead until well incorporated. 4. Add the eggs, vegetable oil, milk and water. Mix well with a spoon until the texture of your mixture is between that of bread dough and cake batter, adding more water if necessary. 5. Pour the mixture into the greased pans and bake for 30 minutes. 6. Brush the melted butter over the top and continue to bake for 15 more minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the middle. 7. Cut into slices and serve warm with butter or jam.
Bah amian J oh n n y Br e ad
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FEATURE // COWFOOT BY CANDLELIGHT
COWFOOT BY CANDLELIGHT WRITER *+(1(7( :5,*+7 08,5 PHOTOGRAPHY '$9,' , 08,5
THE QUEST TO FIND REAL JAMAICAN FOOD IN AN UPSCALE SETTING
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TASTE THE ISLANDS // RESTAURANT REVIEW
SWIRL WINE BISTRO WRITER DAVID I. MUIR PHOTOGRAPHY DAVID I. MUIR
AFTER MULTIPLE REFERRALS FROM FELLOW FOODIES, AND HAVING SAMPLED THEIR FARE AT LOCAL EVENTS, I DECIDED IT WAS TIME TO VISIT SWIRL WINE BISTRO, A DELIGHTFULLY QUAINT RESTAURANT TUCKED AWAY IN COCONUT CREEK, FLORIDA. “WE WANTED IT TO BE A FUSION RESTAURANT. Flavors of the Caribbean but not necessarily Caribbean food,” says Chef Judith Able, who opened Swirl Wine Bistro with her husband Mike in March 2017. With degrees in culinary art and management, Chef Judith has successfully owned and managed a Kingston, Jamaica restaurant, and has operated as a caterer in Florida for over a decade. Swirl offers a relaxing, inviting ambience ideal for small groups, a date, or even a solo gastronomic experience. Its walls are littered with original art hung by local artists and they play an eclectic mix of music in the dimly lit dining area. I started with a true comfort dish, the Pumpkin Risotto, prepared with real pumpkin from Jamaica. Topped with a generous helping of scallions and sliced parmesan cheese, the small bowl appeared to host more of a bisque. It was love at first taste—a warm, delightful pumpkin flavor with the consistency of thick and creamy mac n’ cheese. Next, it was time to try the Pork Belly Tacos. The layers of flavors, textures, and sauces in this dish are worthy of a celebration! The pork is well-seasoned and remains tender and juicy with a crispy, braised exte-
SNAPPER ESCOVITCH
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PORK BELLY TACOS
rior. Inside the soft taco shells is a base layer of seasoned, moist red cabbage. Then, atop the pork pieces is a simple coleslaw with an extra drizzle of green sauce. Just perfect. For the main course, I opted for the Snapper Escovitch instead of the signature Oxtail Ravioli my friends recommended. The escovitch sauce was a mildly peppered mix of pickled carrots, onions, and micro-greens, with a very appropriate surprise of okras. It topped my pan-seared, deboned snapper, which laid atop the “converted bammy,” to create Chef Judith’s play on the French croquette. Unlike the crisp, meatstuffed rolls however, she uses Jamaican cassava flatbread, fried crunchy on the outside and still gooey on the inside. I ended my meal with Swirl’s Chocolate Bread Pudding served with fruit in an appealing plate, garnished with fruit drizzles. Made with croissants, this bread pudding is not too sweet, not too moist, and has genuine chocolate bits. Even the whipped cream is made from scratch onsite. Swirl Wine Bistro is definitely on my revisit list. I’ve seen a few musttry menu items, so maybe one night soon I’ll be back in there enjoying “cowfoot by candlelight.”
PUMPKIN RISOTTO
CHOCOLATE BREAD PUDDING
TASTE THE ISLANDS // RESTAURANT DIRECTORY
RESTAURANT
LISTING IN SOUTH FLORIDA
AVERAGE COST PER PERSON BEFORE DRINKS, TAX AND TIP. $ Under $10 / person $$ Under $20 / person $$$ Under $40 / person $$$$ Over $40 / person 925 NUEVO’S CUBANO’S | $ Cuban Serving succulent roast pork and delicious sandwiches. 925 N Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale ALBERTE’S RESTAURANT I $$ Haitian Unique and authentic Caribbean dishes, with live music on Fridays and Saturdays. 1201 NE 38th St, Oakland Park albertesrestaurant.com
ALEXSANDRA’S CARIBBEAN CAFE | $$ Caribbean, Jamaican Soak up some sun while enjoying their famous jerk chicken sandwich and patties. 235 E Commercial Blvd, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea ALI’S ROTI SHOP | $ Caribbean, Indian, Vegetarian Tiny counter-serve joint dishing up Trinidadian comfort food like doubles & aloo pie. 303 S State Road 7, Plantation LA BELLE JACMELIENNE CAFE | $$ Haitian Haitian decor and friendly staff serving up a wide array of Haitian cuisine. 3328 South University Dr, Miramar
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BAHAMA GRILL | $$ Bahamian Indoor / outdoor dining, with Bahamian favorites smoked pork, baby-back ribs and grilled conch. 7619 N State Road 7, Parkland bahamagrill.com
BAMBOO SHACK | $$ Bahamian Quick-service restaurant serving snacks and traditional Bahamian items. 18450 NW 2nd Ave, Miami Gardens BAHAMIAN REEF SEAFOOD RESTAURANT |$$$ Seafood Low key and casual with colorful interior. 7836 NW 44th St, Sunrise EL BOHIO DE MAMA | $$ Dominican Family style restaurant offering music, mofongo, shrimp and dancing. 2181 State Road 7, Margate
CALYPSO RESTAURANT & RAW BAR | $$ Caribbean Try their Caribbean-style seafood and Jamaican Jerk and curry dishes. 460 S Cypress Rd, Pompano Beach
CONCH KRAWL CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT | $$ Bahamian, Seafood Enjoy traditional Bahamian and other Caribbean dishes. 2600 S University Dr #106, Miramar
calypsorestaurant.com
DONNA’S CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT | $$ Jamaican Authentic Jamaican food all day, plus cocktails and Sunday brunch. 9 locations around South Florida. 5434 N University Drive, Lauderhill
CHEF CREOLE | $$ Haitian Simply delicious signature Haitian seafood. 200 NW 54th St, Miami, FL chefcreole.com
CLIVE’S CAFE | $ Jamaican Popular spot for jerk chicken and curry goat. 5890 NW 2nd Ave, Miami clivescafe.com
COLADA | $ Cuban Family-owned bakery serving savory and sweet Cuban treats and other Cuban cuisine. 525 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale coladahouse.com
donnascaribbean.com
HAVANA 1957 | $$ Cuban Quick bites in a buzzing backdrop with Havana memorabilia 405 Espanola Way, Miami Beach havana1957.com ISLAND FUSION GRILL | $$ Jamaican, Cuban Jamaican, Cuban, Asian and Creole flavors with seafood and vegetarian options 4811 S State Rd 7, Davie, FL 33314 islandfusiongrill.com
DUTCH POT JAMAICAN RESTAURANT | $$ Jamaican Authentic Jamaican cuisine. 111 N State Rd 7, Plantation dutchpotrestaurants.com
FIERY IRIE | $$ Caribbean All your favorite authentic Jamaican dishes 100 S Flamingo Rd, Pembroke Pines fieryirie.com
LC ROTI SHOP | $ Indian, Vegetarian Cash-only eatery, serving Caribbean eats & housemade roti with pepper sauce. 19505 NW 2nd Ave, Miami LITTLE HAVANA | $$ Cuban Authentic Cuban Cuisine 12727 Biscayne Blvd, North Miami littlehavanarestaurant. com
DON ARTURO RESTAURANT | $$ Cuban Serving traditional recipes & drinks in kid-friendly environment. 1198 SW 27th Ave, Fort Lauderdale donarturorestaurant.com
CONCH HEAVEN | $$ Bahamian Lots of conch based comfort foods, with locations in Miami, Plantation and Atlanta 11275 NW 27th Ave, Miami conchheaven.com
FINLEY’S BAHAMIAN RESTAURANT | $$ Bahamian Try their breakfast served with Johnny cakes or grits, lunch specials daily 2710 W Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach finleysbahamianrestaurant.com
LOCALICIOUS JAX ICE CREAM | $ Ice Cream Old fashioned, hand made ice cream including Caribbean flavors. 4220 NW 12th St, Lauderhill
JAMAICA KITCHEN | $$ Jamaican Known for their extra spicy beef patties 8736 SW 72nd St, Miami www.jamaicakitchen.com
JOY’S ROTI DELIGHT | $$ Trinidadian, Indian Counter serve cafe with Indian inspired Caribbean cuisine. 1205 NW 40th Ave, Lauderhill joysrotidelight.com
JUANA LA CUBANA CAFE | $ Cuban Cuban sandwiches & dishes like ropa vieja & roast pork. 2850 SW 54th St, Fort Lauderdale juanalacubana.com
LAS OLAS CAFE | $ Cuban Freshly squeezed juices and Cuban sandwiches. 644 6th St, Miami Beach lasolascafesb.com
LAS VEGAS CUBAN CUISINE | $$ Cuban, Latin American A dine in hot spot with 16 South Florida locations offering Cuban meals and cocktails. 2807 E Oakland Park Blvd, Ft. Lauderdale Lasvegascubancuisine.com
EL MAGO DE LAS FRITAS | $ Cuban Cozy spot for Cuban burgers. 5828 SW 8th St, Miami elmagodelasfritas.com
JUANA’S LATIN SPORTS BAR & GRILL | $$ Latin Casual Dominican, Puerto Rican & American sports bar and grill. 11602 City Hall Promenade, Miramar juanaslatinsportsbar.com
LALLO’S | $$ Caribbean, Indian Serves a wide variety of roti and the fresh catch of the day on a Friday. 1401 NW 39 Terrace, Lauderhill lalloscaribbeanrestaurant.com
MANGU CAFE RESTAURANT | $$ Dominican Bare-bones Dominican spot serving pernil, goat stew, beer & wine. 2007 W 62nd St, Hialeah MARIO’S CATALINA RESTAURANT | $$$ Cuban Dine in relaxing ambiance, eating Cuban and Spanish cuisine. 1611 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale
TAP TAP | $$$ Haitian Colorful interior and authentic creole cuisine. 819 5th St, Miami Beach
ORTANIQUE ON THE MILE | $$$$ Caribbean Fusion Island flavors, local ingredients, creative cocktails, tropical-themed decor. 278 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables ortaniquerestaurants.com
REED’S CATERING & CONCESSIONS | $$ Seafood, Caribbean Late night seafood truck, with a specialty of conch salad. 12203 NW 27th Ave, Miami
PADRINO’S CUBAN CUISINE | $$ Cuban Serving the best mariquitas, mojito and flan for the past 40 years. 1135 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale padrinos.com
REGGAE PON THE GRILLE | $$ Jamaican, Caribbean Buffet style dining offering tasty Jamaican dishes. 8032 W McNab Rd, North Lauderdale reggaeonthegrille.com
TROPICAL KRAVE | $$ Caribbean, Seafood Enjoy great food and great wines, indoor or outdoor. 222 Commercial Blvd, Ste 103, Lauderdaleby-the-Sea
PANFRIDAYS | $$ Jamaican Try their popular jerk chicken and shrimp pasta. 7183 W Oakland Park Blvd, Lauderhill
SAZON CUBAN CUISINE | $ Cuban Tasty Caribbean cuisine and live weekend entertainment. 7305 Collins Ave, Miami Beach
VERSAILLES | $$ Cuban, Latin American Serving tasty Cuban cuisine and culture for four decades. The gauge of the community’s pulse. 3555 Southwest 8th Street, Miami
panfridays.com
POLLO EL COJIDO | $$ Dominican Delicious mofongo, quesadilla and sancocho. 5859 N University Dr, Pompano Beach POLLO TIPICO | $ Dominican Traditional Dominican dishes in a laid back atmosphere 5011 State Road 7, Fort Lauderdale PUERTO SAGUA RESTAURANT | $$ Cuban Known for their soup and oxtail stews 700 Collins Ave, Miami Beach
taptapsouthbeach.com
sazoncubancuisine.com
versaillesrestaurant.com
SHALAMA’S HALAL ROTI SHOP | $ Caribbean, Indian Casual ethnic take out spot with authentic roti, curries and pepper sauce. 1432 State Road 7, Margate
YARUMBA RESTAURANT & LOUNGE | $$ Dominican Try their traditional stews or Churrasco with live music. 4740 NW 167th St, Miami Gardens yarumbarestaurant.com
SHEIKS BAKERY & CAFE | $ Caribbean, Indian East & West Indian food including halal meats, spices & baked goods. 154 University Dr, Pembroke Pines sheiksbakery.com
ZEST MIAMI | $$$ Caribbean fusion A modern restaurant & market with creative island fare. 200 S Biscayne Blvd, Miami zestmiami.com
islandoriginsmag.com
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