Uncovering a Local Secret - "Cuz" We Think You Should Know

Down on the South coast of Barbados,  next to the Hilton car park is a small, crazy coloured hut and a  gentleman by the name of Cuz who has set up shop and sells some of the best 'cutters'  (salt bread bun sandwiches) on the island! For over two decades Cuz has been selling pan fried fish, egg and cheese cutters (if you want all three in one bread that's fine too). He is adored by locals and travelers alike for selling famously tender and tasty cutters at famously fresh prices. When we asked him the trick behind it all...he laughed out loud and said "now why would I tell you that". All we can guess is- its all the love he puts in his cooking and the fact that he serves the freshest of fresh fish which comes straight out our beautiful Bajan seas.

Cuz's crazy but fun hut, Barbados

The man himself, Cuz

So next time you are in the island or in the area don't forget to stop by and see for yourself how incredibly scrumptious these cutters really are.

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Loop Barbados

It's Local!

I love when we can eat local foods...especially vegetables and fruits. Barbados is full of sunlight and has the perfect climate for many food crops, however we always seem to be importing a never ending supply of them. Today we thought we would talk about a type of lettuce which is locally grown but greatly underused in many hotels, restaurants and homes across the island.

Local Lettuce Barbados

Local lettuce, as it is called, is of the leafy type and has fantastic flavor. Not to mention it is loaded with Vitamin A, C, K, frolic acid, magnesium and potassium. Delicate and fresh, local lettuce can be enjoyed with a variety of vinaigrettes or as a healthy addition to any sandwich. Ask for it the next time you dine out...with increased demand comes increased supply!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Loop Barbados

Cooking Bajan Style: Bul Jol

Bul Jol  is a very popular delicacy in Barbados and even though it originated in Trinidad it is a must serve at many local parties, gatherings or festivals. Recently a new restaurant in Barbados, Naru Restaurant and Lounge started incorporating it into sushi!  Bul Jol is made from salted cod and various vegetables and herbs such as sweet pepper, tomato, cucumber, thyme, marjoram etc. A vital component of Bul Jol is also the famous hot scotch bonnet peppers! In Bul Jol, the saltiness of the cod coupled with the crisp and wet coolness of the vegetables make this dish ideal. Additionally, the variation of the ingredients provide a pleasant texture. We, over at Loop Barbados, prepare Bul Jol on a regular basis, as not only is it extremely delicious but also low in fat and cholesterol. See below for our special Bul Jol recipe.

Bul Jol, Barbados

Bul Jol, Barbados

BUL JOL RECIPE 

1/4 lb dried salt cod
1/2 medium onion -sliced very thin

1 medium tomato -cubed

1 clove garlic - minced
1/4 cup green bell pepper -cubed

5-10 sprigs of thyme
1/4 cup marjoram - Chopped
1 green onion (scallion) -chopped
1/4 of a Scotch Bonnet Pepper - seeded and minced
Dash of black pepper
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Place the salted fish in a deep bowl and boil enough water to completely cover it. After the water reaches boiling point (I use our electric kettle) pour it over the fish and allow it to soak for about 15 minutes or until it’s cool enough to work with. This water will help remove most of the “salt” that was used to cure the fish, or you’ll be stuck with a very salty dish. Not only does the hot water help remove the excess salt, it also makes the fish a bit tender and easier to shred. Drain and rinse with tap water, then shred the fish into tiny bits. Try and squeeze out any remaining water that it may still have as best as possible. Now slice, dice and chop the pepper, onion, tomato, scallion, thyme, marjoram and garlic and add to the bowl with the shredded saltfish. Give it a good dose of fresh cracked black pepper and mix. Finally, heat the olive oil in a frying pan and just before it starts to smoke, pour the heated olive oil onto the everything in the bowl. Mix thoroughly and serve the fabulous Bul Jol.

  

Melanie & Kimberly*

Images: Loop Barbados

Sugar Sugar!

What we are going to talk about today is considered a Bajan Delicacy- Coconut Sugar Cakes also known as Coconut Ice! It is a sugary sweet with fresh coconut which pairs perfectly with tea and other desserts. To make this well know delicacy see below for the recipe:

Famous Coconut Sugar Cakes

COCONUT SUGAR CAKES

• 1/2 lb. grated fresh coconut
• 1/4 pt. water
• 3/4 lb. sugar

Place the sugar in a saucepan and add water. Simmer until the sugar melts. Then add the coconut. 
Let boil slowly, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Allow to cook until it thickens and takes on a greasy look. Drop mixture by tablespoonfuls onto a shallow plate or cookie sheet that has been moistened with water. Leave to set.

A must try in Barbados!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Images: Loop Barbados

The Taste of Pan-Asian Heaven

Last week the two of us decided to try a restaurant which recently opened on our little rock  - Naru Restaurant and Lounge. Naru unfolds across the recently built boardwalk on the South coast and the Pan-Asian/fusion style menu is a different concept (tapas style) to many other eateries here on the island. We thought we would try a dinner slightly different than the regular eclectic..and boy were we happy we did.

Naru Restaurant and Lounge, Barbados

On arriving we were greeted by a lovely hostess who showed us to our seats (which I will mention were right on the boardwalk and seaside). We ordered a bottle of Pinot Grigio and started taking a look at the menu. Usually it is quite easy for me to decide what I am eating but this time...let's just say it took a while. All the dishes were interestingly composed (I guess that's why they can call it fusion styled food). It was a good thing they were tapas sized which meant we could try different dishes. In the end we decided on (1) The Carnival; (2) The Duality; (3) Grilled fresh water shrimp with roasted pumpkin puree, tempura zucchini, fresh herb and chili Vinaigrette and finally (4) Grilled fillet of Angus rib eye with cassava puree, sauteed wild mushrooms, teriyaki and balsamic sauce.

Naru Restaurant and Lounge, Barbados

The Carnival sushi caught my eye because it had a very Caribbean spin to it. This maki roll actually contained Bul Jol (a salted cod Caribbean delicacy) along with cucumber, wasabi seasame seeds and chili. The flavours of the Caribbean bul jol combined with the crispness of the cucumber and the slight heat of the seeds made your mouth water (literally) for more.

Carnival Sushi, Naru Restaurant and Lounge, Barbados

The Duality was more of a classic roll containing crab meat, tempura shrimp (a must when we are eating Asian cuisine) and cucumber.  It was served with a spicy mayonnaise and in addition to the crunch from the tempura shrimp the rice itself had a slight tempura batter (and who does not like a little added crunch).

Duality Sushi Roll, Naru Restaurant and Lounge, Barbados

The grilled fresh water shrimp with roasted pumpkin puree, tempura zucchini, fresh herb and chilli vinaigrette was again superb. The charcoal flavour of the shrimp, which I will mention was cooked excellently, along with the sweet roasted notes of the pumpkin, and the crispy texture of the zucchini complimented one another ideally. You know in life how certain things just work...well this was most definitely one of those things.

Grilled Fresh Water Shrimp, Naru Restaurant and Lounge, Barbados

And finally, the grilled Angus rib eye with cassava puree, sauteed wild mushrooms and teriyaki and balsamic sauce was yet another crowd pleaser. I can be very picky about how my beef is cooked. medium is medium and some places just can't seem to get it right. Barry and his staff, thankfully know what medium means. The cassava we found a very interesting choice as it was not the normal fries or english potato but something rooted to Caribbean culture.

Grilled Angus Rib Eye, Naru Restaurant and Lounge, Barbados

As you can tell, the food was exquisite to say the least! Each dish had distinctive layers of flavour that were 'fused' brilliantly.  It is no wonder, as Barry Taylor the executive chef and owner of Naru Restaurant and Lounge, is one of the islands leading chefs. So if you have not already, go on down to Naru Restaurant and Lounge, currently the number one restaurant in Barbados on Trip-Advisor, and have a small taste Pan-Asian Heaven.

Melanie & Kimberly*

Images: Loop Barbados, Naru Restaurant and Bar

A Small Restaurant with Big Flavour

Whether you are staying down the East coast of Barbados or just passing through on one of your adventurous island tours, a must stop for lunch is Sand Dunes Restaurant and Bar. Curtis the owner and his friendly staff will welcome and offer you some traditional Bajan cuisine at great prices. You can either buy a plate which is composed of a protein (such as grilled fish, chicken or pork) and a choice of four sides, or you can purchase a variety of cutters, from ham, to fish to chicken, to egg. The food is fresh and full of that Bajan flavour we all love so much.

Sand Dunes Restaurant and Bar

Sand Dunes Restaurant and Bar

If you do decide to venture down to Sand Dunes Restaurant and Bar when in Barbados,  just look for a green and yellow chattel house towards the end/beginning (depending what direction you are coming from) of Ermy Bourne Highway, also known as the long road that runs along the east coast. If coming from Bathsheba side (as most do) and you arrive at a small roundabout and set of shops on your right you have gone too far.

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Loop Barbados

The Famous Oistins Fishing Village

Oistins Fishing village is an absolute must see (by day and by night) when you visit Barbados. This small village, located in the parish of Christ Church is one of the major fishing communities in Barbados. Watch the Barbadian fishing boats as they float on the crystal clear water, relax on the pier and watch as the fishermen bring in their catch of the day, or buy some freshly caught flying fish, local staples such as bread fruit, sweet potato, yams, etc and take them home to prepare your very own Bajan meal.

Fishing Boats at Oistins, Barbados

Oistins Pier, Barbados

Vendor at Oistins, Barbados

Boat set to Repair at Oistins, Barbados

By night, experience Barbadian culture at its finest and enjoy a true Bajan meal at the Oistins fish fry. As the music beats, mingle with locals (who think the food served here is some of the best on the island). Different kinds of fish (depending what was caught that day) grilled or fried, coupled with sides like macaroni pie, sweet potato pie, yam pie and salad is on the menu.  After dinner, with a Banks beer or rum punch in hand, stroll the area and just simply live in the moment.

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Loop Barbados

Snow in Barbados?

Well not quite, however it is very likely that during your visit to Barbados you will either see a child or an adult buzzing by with a snow cone in hand. Nothing is better than this icy and sugary delight in a hot and sunny climate like Barbados. Usually, you will spot a gentleman (snow-cone men they are called) riding the streets with their shaved ice and flavoured sugar syrup enticing people of all generations, they certainly entice us!

Snow Cone Man Making our Delicious Snow Cones

Snow Cone

 Snow-cones are engrained in Barbadian culture and like ice-cream cannot be resisted by many.

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Loop Barbados

Cooking Bajan Style: Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet Potatoes are tuberous root vegetables belonging to the Morning Glory family and were first discovered in Peru around 8000 BC.  Since sweet potatoes thrive in tropical and subtropical  moist climates, Barbados is a known home for them. As a result, sweet potatoes have grown greatly in popularity among locals, who now consider it one of their staples. Their rich creamy taste and texture make sweet potatoes a very "hard to resist" dish at the dinner or lunch table. Sweet Potatoes can be cooked many ways including fried, pickled, candied etc. But their most famous method of cooking in Barbados is sweet potato pie. See below for the great recipe!

SWEET POTATO PIE
  

3 lbs white-flesh sweet potatoes,peeled, boiled and mashed

1 cup crushed pineapple, drained 

2 Tbsp salted butter, room temperature 

1 Tbsp chopped sage (optional)

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 

1/4 tsp grated nutmeg 

Salt and pepper to taste 

5 - 6 slices pineapple rings (optional) 

5 - 6 stemmed maraschino cherries (optional) 

1 Tbsp melted butter (unsalted)

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

Combine mashed sweet potatoes, crushed pineapple, room temperature butter, sage, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly. Transfer mixture to a greased 8 x 8-inch casserole dish. Arrange pineapple slices on top of mixture and place a cherry in the center of each pineapple ring. Brush the entire top of the pie with the melted butter and bake for 40 minutes or until golden brown.Let pie cool until warm or room temperature before serving.

Enjoy and let us know how it turns out!

 

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Honey and Jam

Santa's Got a Sunburn - the brilliant Jug-Jug

Loop Barbados's next "Santa's got a sunburn feature" will be the famous jug-jug. It's not Christmas in Barbados if there is no Jug-Jug on your table Christmas day. This dish made of pigeon peas, pork, stewed/salted beef, onions, guinea corn flour and spices is one that could/should never be omitted, as for many Barbadians it is what makes a Christmas meal 'Christmassy'. Jug-Jug is a savory like pudding and is said to be a corruption of the Scottish dish haggis first made by Scottish prisoners brought to Barbados after the 1745 Jacobite rebellion.

Take a look at the Jug-Jug  recipe below and add some Barbados to your Christmas this year:

250 grams pork     

250  grams beef     

2  liters water     

1  whole hot pepper     

500  grams pigeon peas     

1  Tbs. thyme     

1  Tbs. parsley     

1  Tbs. chives     

1  medium onion     

125  grams guinea corn     

Cut up meat, chop thyme, parsley and chives. 2. Cook pork for 20 minutes then add beef, season with salt if fresh meat is used. Add pepper, peas and cook for 30 minutes or until peas is soft. Strain and reserve stock. 3. Mince meat finely. Add peas and pound in a mortar or put in an electric blender. 4. In a pot, add thyme, parsley, chives and onion to reserved liquid and boil for 5 minutes. Add guinea corn slowly and stir briskly for 10 minutes.

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Nation News

The Crop of Barbados - Sugar Cane

It was in 1642 that sugar farming was introduced in Barbados by the Dutch and since then, sugar has not only become a major part of our history but also has been a main molding source of our culture and heritage. For years Barbados only used sugar for feedstock, fuel and rum; however in 1664 that changed and the bigger plantations started exporting the sugar and soon it was dominating Barbados's economic growth. "White gold" was the name given to it because of the great wealth, fame and statue it produced for the island.

Sugar Cane, Barbados

Horses in the Paddock with sugar cane in the background, Barbados

Although our main economic driver is no longer sugar  and Barbados does not produce half the amount it did in the past, as you drive through the country side you will most definitely be greeted by fields upon fields of sugar cane. It is a sight you will never forget!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Loop Barbados

In the Heat of the Moment- The Scotch Bonnet Pepper of Barbados

The Scotch Bonnet pepper, also known as Scotty Bon, Boney Pepper or Caribbean red pepper is a variety of the Chili pepper found in Barbados and throughout the Caribbean.  To give you a little bit of an idea on how hot these peppers actually are, a jalapeno pepper has a heat rating of 1000-8000 scoville units whereas a scotch bonnet has a heat rating of  100,000-350,000 scoville units!  From jerk seasoning, to pickle, to fish, to chicken you will find scotch bonnets in almost any traditional cuisine in Barbados. And let us not forget the famed pepper sauce made from scotch bonnets. It is often said that Barbadians have "hard mouths" because of the amount of pepper sauce they place on everything!

These peppers are hot but give such flavor and dimension to any meal!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Images: Flickr

The One And Only Barbadian Conkie

Since yesterday was Independence Day here in Barbados,  Loop Barbados has decided to feature a post on the one and only conkie. These traditional corn based Barbadian delicacies are made during the month of November so as to celebrate our very special Independence. Just to give you all a little history the Ghanaian “kenkey” is probably the origin of the local word, conkie. In Ghana, "kenkey" refers to similarly prepared corn meal dishes. Prior to independence, the eating of conkies were associated with the British Colonial Celebration - Guy Fawkes Day. This sweet dish can be eaten as a meal or a snack and its main ingredients are pumkin, cornmeal, coconut, along with various spices. Once prepared, the conkie is then wrapped in a banana or fig leaf and steamed.

So if you are in Barbados around Independence time, you must try our celebratory Bajan delicacy- The Conkie!

Melanie & Kimberly*

 

Coconuts - A Barbados Favorite

The English name coconut, first mentioned in English print in 1955 comes from a Spanish and Portuguese word, coco meaning "monkey face". The actual coconut fruit was said to resemble a monkey's face and hence how its name came about. In Sanskrit, the coconut palm is known as "the tree which gives all that is necessary for living"; and so this may be true in Barbados as well! The fruit itself has many food uses for its water, milk, meat, sugar and oil. The seed fibre called coir can also be taken from the husk and used to make mats, brooms, brushes, fishnets and ropes.

In Barbados, with coconut palms lining the island and blooming up to thirteen times a year it is no wonder that on every highway in Barbados there is about three - five coconut vendors! So whether you are making the cocktail - rum and coconut water or  purchasing some sugar cakes (a local coconut candy) or coconut bread - its use is abundant and very satisfying for locals and visitors alike.

Melanie & Kimberly*

Images: Loop Barbados

It's Here! Barbados Food Wine and Rum Festival

Well its finally here, as mentioned before on our November Events post, today kicks off the start to the Food Wine and Rum Festival in Barbados! It will commence today right through till the 21st of November, with talented chefs, connoisseurs and industry experts from overseas and Barbados. There will be eight international chefs along with seven Barbadian chefs creating sumptuous dishes which will entice your taste buds. Get ready to wine, dine and rum taste in Barbados!

Let the festival begin!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Pinterest

"Baby Bananas"- Bajan Figs

Not to be confused with the figs that have the vibrant pink flesh and deep purple skins, Barbadian figs are family to the banana. They are referred to as baby bananas because they are only about three to four inches long! Barbadian figs are grown in the same way as bananas but on a fig tree and develop in a group which we call a hand of figs. The fruit is similar tasting to the banana but slightly sweeter and it is immensely enjoyed among locals. Usually this fruit is eaten when ripe as a tasty healthy snack or combined with other fruit to make a fruit smoothie.

Melanie & Kimberly*

Great Things Come In Small Packages: The Bajan Cherry

This little 1/2"-1" in diameter fruit commonly known as the 'Bajan Cherry' holds great popularity in Barbados. The cherry itself comes from a bushy shrub and has a bright red, thin glossy skin and orange-coloured, very juicy pulp. It can be made into juice, jellies, jams, stews, ice creams, sweets and various other desserts!

Lets not forget to mention its rich nutritional value and fabulous taste! The Bajan Cherry contains 15X the amount as Vitamin C as an English Apple and a glass of Bajan Cherry Juice contains 7X the amount of Vitamin C as a glass of orange juice. These cherries, loaded with all this goodness and nutritional value will definitely ensure you are flourishing and fresh for your stay here in Barbados!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Fort Bend County Master Garden

A Staple of Barbados - Breadfruit

You may be wondering, what this strange sounding 'thing' called Breadfruit is? Well, it is a species of flowering tree in the mulberry family which produces a fruit called Breadfruit. It can be traced back to the late eighteenth century when the quest for cheap, high-energy food sources for British slaves was prompted. As a result, this plant (originally discovered in Tahiti) was shipped over to Barbados and other Caribbean Islands.

Breadfruit in one of the many trees found here in Barbados

Today in Barbados, breadfruit is considered a local staple and can be prepared in many different and delicious ways. It can be boiled and cooked down in a butter sauce, pickled with cucumber and scotch bonnet peppers,  cooked in a creole sauce made from tomato, bell peppers, onions and other seasonings, made into chips and fried and we can't forget the famous roasting of breadfruit on a bon fire! When visiting Barbados we highly suggest that you try breadfruit in any form or fashion. You are sure to enjoy this delicious Barbadian Staple!


Melanie & Kimberly*


Images: Loop Barbados

An Organic Movement in Barbados- Holders Farmers Market

Such a great initiative is being developed in Barbados which is stressing the importance of not only eating organic and fresh but also creating a healthy lifestyle on a whole. So what is this you wonder...we are talking about Holders Farmers Market! This farmers market is like no other in Barbados and we at Loop Barbados support it to the fullest. Holders Farmers Market will commence on the 6th November, 2011 and will continue every Sunday from 9 AM to 2 PM. The market is located at the historic and well known Holders House, Holders Hill, St. James, where you can come to buy your organic produce, discover the benefits of holistic massages and explore the market and what it has to offer at your own pace.

Just to give you a little insight on the inspiration behind the market, Mark and Jack recognized the importance of eating raw, organic foods and how these foods aid in the combat against diseases such as diabetes and cancer. In turn, they also are very passionate about supporting the local farmers on the island and trying to encourage more people to buy locally, which benefits everyone at the end of the day. Basically if you buy organic from Holders Farmers Market, you are eating healthier, supporting the local agricultural industry and your pocket will thank you, as the pricing of the produce will be less than the supermarket's imported produce. What more could you want?

Customers will be able to have a full and authentic experience of what a farmers market is all about. There will be a great variety of vendors at the market -from the Healing Holistic Center offering massages and reflexology to local vendors offering fruits, vegetables, arts and crafts, sausages, cheeses and much more - there is something for everyone! To get some more general information on Holders Farmers Market you can take a look at their Frequently Asked Questions.

Melanie & Kimberly*



Image: Whimsicalities