by Diane Alter
The Vineyard, you may have noticed, has a large population of Jamaican residents who are a diversified bunch having moved from their island to this one to make a home away from home here. As you move about the Vineyard you will see Jamaican’s working in almost every profession there is. They are a tight group who often get together after a hard days work and spend time with one another, enjoying close friendships, good conversation and above all great food. All brought with them their own homeland cooking techniques, flavors, spices, and recipes that blend the Caribbean’s rich bounty of seafood and produce for fantastically flavorful recipes. Martha’s Vineyard is now fortunate that an enterprising duo has brought some of that exceptional Jamaican zest to the island with the opening of Vineyard Caribbean Cuisine.
Located at 13 Beach Road in Vineyard Haven, this new eatery brings an authentic taste of the tropics to the island. With offerings like spicy skewers, chicken curry and ox tail, Vineyard Caribbean Cuisine uses a lot of the island’s fresh fish and produce to create satisfying and flavorful dishes.
The menu changes often based on what ingredients are available. On a recent visit, Jamaican Jerk Chicken was a bestseller. Perhaps Jamaica’s best known dish, this well-seasoned entree was spicy but not overpowering, sweet but not too sweet, with a hearty portion of moist chicken. Colorful, savory and tasty, the combination keeps you going back for more of this tropical treat.
Owners and long time friends, Anthony Foster,and Newton White, had long dreamt of opening an eatery offering the most authentic Jamaican tastes and flavors on the Vineyard. The duo explained they saw there was a large market on island for what they had planned, and more importantly, people were asking for it.
This year, the two experienced cooks took over the space at 5 Corners adjacent to Tropical Brazilian Grill, which had been empty off and on for a while. “God was keeping it for us,” Foster said with a smile. “Business has been very good and we will be open year round.”
There is already a large loyal following and these two friends are realizing quickly that their dream is now reality. They can wake up now, knowing that they are living their dream now, and in a way, so are the rest of us!
MORE INFORMATION
13 Beach Road Extension
Vineyard Haven
(508) 338-7077
