I made the decision to indulge in the vivid Caribbean tastes for which Florida is so famous this past weekend. My taste buds were transported to the Sunshine State for a little Caribbean vacation, complete with fresh tropical seafood and spicy jerk chicken. Allow me to introduce you to some of the most memorable Caribbean-inspired foods I found in Florida.
El Cristo Restaurant in Little Havana, Miami, is the first destination. Despite the fact that I’ve passed this location several times, I made the decision to take a look last weekend. I was welcomed by the aroma of sizzling Cuban food as soon as I came in. The ropa vieja, a traditional Cuban meal, was excellent when I ordered it. Tender and melt-in-your-mouth, the shredded beef was simmered with the perfect amount of tomatoes, onions, and spices. When combined with rice, black beans, and Cuban bread, I had the impression that I had just been to the center of Havana. It was the ideal beginning to my culinary adventure in the Caribbean.
After that, I traveled to Fort Lauderdale to visit Jerk Machine, which is fast becoming one of my favorite places. I was immediately famished by the aroma of jerk chicken, and I knew I had made the right decision as I started eating the smoky, spicy chicken. The rice and peas were absolutely creamy with the appropriate amount of coconut, and the chicken was cooked to perfection, tender, and had that distinctive smoky jerk flavor. I also tried the oxtail stew, which was incredibly flavorful and slow-cooked until the flesh fell off the bone. I had the impression after eating this lunch that I had just experienced a little bit of Jamaica.
I went to Key West and happened upon Caribbean Coffee House & Island Grill for a lighter but no less tasty experience. This café has the relaxed charm you would anticipate from a tropical island. I placed an order for their coconut-crusted shrimp with mango salsa while lounging outside in the refreshing wind. The mango salsa’s richness and the shrimp’s flawless crispiness made for the ultimate combination. I also sampled their grilled mahi-mahi tacos, which were served with citrus slaw and fresh avocado dressing. It had the distinct island flavor that comes naturally when you’re beside the water, and it was bright and fresh.
My last destination was Orlando, where I went to Jeremiah’s Italian Ice for a unique take on classic Caribbean tastes. Although I didn’t anticipate discovering tropical ices here, the flavors of passion fruit, guava, and mango were a welcome change of pace. It was the perfect way to cool off after a weekend of consuming big, filling meals since the sweetness of the tropical fruits melded nicely with the chilly coolness.
The eating scene in Florida with a Caribbean flair never ceases to amaze and amaze me. These restaurants provide a genuine experience of the islands in the middle of Florida, whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, tropical frozen desserts, or robust jerk chicken. I can’t wait to return for more after such a fantastic weekend full of strong, delectable flavors.