Caribbean: Jamaica
Famed for its beaches, there's more to this slice of Caribbean paradise than powder-soft sands and clear sapphire waters. It's home to the peaks that give Blue Mountain coffee its name, sprinkled with a jumble of rainforest and criss-crossed by rivers that tumble their way down to the sea. In a word - breathtaking! It's a beauty spot like no other and it's as laid back as they come. Grab the spirit of Jamaica with both hands and embrace it - hypnotic reggae beats, spiced rum and lashings of sizzling sunshine - feel the rhythm.
TYPICAL LOCAL DISHES
Jerk chicken, pork or fish is marinated in a spicy sauce, and then barbecued, often at a roadside stall. If mischievous vendors tell you that the name originates from the effect jerk sauce has on your central nervous system, don't believe them! The Maroons are said to have perfected the recipe while they were on the run in the mountains.
Curried goat is exactly what it says it is! If you were lucky enough to be invited to a local wedding, then this is probably what you would be served.
Rice and red or green peas are cooked together and flavoured with coconut, and accompany most local meals. Seafood is fabulous, with lobster and shrimp featuring on many restaurant menus. Janga is the local word for crayfish, and you might find these made into a chunky soup, or sold ready to eat in bags on the street. Fish escoveitches are served in a spicy pepper and onion sauce, and you will also find fish in stews or fricassees. Vegetables might include sweet potato, plantains, breadfruit, okra, pumpkin and yam. Exotic fruit is one of the joys of Jamaica. Look out for juicy mangos, the ugli fruit which looks a little like a battered grapefruit, sweetsops otherwise known as custard apples, guavas and ortaniques which are a cross between an orange and a tangerine.
DRINKS OF THE REGION
Red Stripe Beer is the local brand, which is excellent, and can also be bought as a Light beer. Rum is sold in many forms, but take care if you order white rum - you may wake up with a headache the next day! Our advice is to stick with brown rum, and look out for Appleton which is the best brand. Fruit juices come in many delicious flavours, though they can be a little sweet, especially the blended fruit juices. You can always ask for them to be made without syrup.
