Caribbean Books

i'm famous now...but no letters please

Having just begun sailing, cruising and cooking aboard our sailing vessel, I wanted an up-to-date good reference manual. I found this book quite by chance. I consider this to be an essential item for the "chef" aboard ship. Every tip imaginable is included. The recipes are simple to prepare, yet elegant and tasty. To my surprise it also contains a section on what to do with certain food obtained "on the hoof" in 3rd world countries. I will buy this book for friends as a Bon Voyage present. A "must-have" book in the galley! The sailing stories scattered about the book are also good reading.

The best of the breed... not only does Michael provide useful recipes galore, but also an excellent depth of conceptual information (which is what leads to galley competence). In my weight-sensitive boat, this is one of the very few books that is a permanent fixture in the on-board library.

Highly recommended!

Now in an expanded and revised second edition, Michael Greenwald's The Cruising Chef Cookbook continuous to offer nautical wisdom, hundreds of ships and words of wisdom, short stories and vignettes on sailing, as well as enticing recipes perfectly suited to enhance the joy of sailing, from boating on rivers and lakes to nautical ventures on the high seas. The Cruising Chef Cookbook is an ideal gift for the novice sailor, and great for simply browsing through for anyone aspiring to one day set sail for adventure!

Excellent recipes that kept two guys well fed during a year in the Caribbean and scurvy free when crossing the Atlantic.

The stories are very funny, the fishing guide hysterical - this guy has had some life.

Por fin hay un libro que explica las pasiones y malentendidos que han unido y separado a los cubanos por tantos años. Bardach, que a dedicado una vida entera profesional a escribir sobre Cuba y los Cubanos en el exilio, entiende el problema de Cuba como uno de nosotros. Y su manera de contar la historia parece una novela "thriller." Este libro se lo recomiendo a todos los cubanos y a cualquier persona que quiere entender porque este pais tan pequeño sigue siendo un punto tan explosivo en terminos de la politica americana.

Since the Bay of Pigs I've been trying to sort out the strange, dysfunctional and incestuous relationship between Cuba and the United States. Bardach's Cuba Confidencial is the most comprehensive and astute investigative and historical piece of literature I have ever read and re-read. Equally hard-hitting on both sides of the David-and-Goliath political egos, yet sensitive to the underlying issues that impact this 50-year-old feud, Bardach makes as clear as humanly possible what the facts are. A definite must-read.

Ms. Bardach,explains the incomprehensible. As a non Cuban Miami resident it took this NYT journalist living in Los Angeles to finally enlighten me as to what is going on in my hometown.Her account of how the Cuban exile leadership took down the Miami Herald explains why no matter how outrageously irrational,corrupt or viloent, the Cuban community behaves, The Herald is quick to come to their defense at the expense of other minority groups and the community at large. She painstakingly explains who holds the power reins in Miami and how they got them . A must read for any Miami resident.

Al fin, un libro que dice la verdad sobre esta guerra fria y caliente y sobre todo sin sentido. Con inteligencia y sin parpadear, la autora, ella una Americana, nos abre los ojos a la realidad que es Miami vs. La Habana, un partido en el que nadie gana y todos pierden y pierden y vuelven a perder. Ha no ser la familia Bush, pero bueno, cada lechon tiene su noche buena... Todo Cubano debe leer esta bomba atomica. Un libro fenomeno. Lo recomiendo.

Ms. Bardach is not only a superb journalist, she is a an expert storyteller. the Castro/Diaz Balart family saga is the stuff of the russian novel. She found an overlooked angle on this familiar subject and elevated it to mythic proportions. if you only read one book on Castro's Cuba this should be it.

"For anyone seriously interested in Haiti, it is an indispensable work. it belongs not only in one's school/college/university library, but in one's personal collection as well." -French Review

This book truly is the very best introduction to Haiti I can possibly think of. If you want to learn about Haiti, start here. Each entry is short, carefully chosen, and typicaly riveting. SIX STARS on this work, and my thanks to Arthur and Dash.

This book truly is the very best introduction to Haïti I can possibly think of. If you want to learn about Haïti, start here. Each entry is short, carefully chosen, and typically riveting. SIX STARS on this work, and my thanks to Arthur and Dash for putting it together.

Reviewed by Brian Concannon Jr., Bureau des Avocats Internationaux, Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Libète is a wide-ranging and compelling anthology of writing on Haiti. As the title suggests, the Haitian people's struggle for freedom from oppression is the focus, but the editors manage to weave a lot more than history and politics into the work. The selections are interesting and concise, and well organized into chapters with equally concise introductions. Libète is invaluable as an introduction to Haiti, but also will fill in knowledge gaps for most Haiti veterans, and is a handy reference on the bookshelf.

The book's breadth is striking: 187 selections, mostly excerpts, are grouped into ten chapters, including history, politics, rural and urban life, refugees, culture and literature. The selections are well chosen, and represent much of the best that has been written about Haiti. Selections date from the end of the 15th century to the end of the 20th; their authors hail from Haiti, Europe, North America and the Caribbean. The selections include primary and secondary non-fiction, as well as novels, poetry and photographs. The writers were (and are) participants, chroniclers, anthropologists, scholars and artists.

Libète's brevity is equally impressive: all that is crammed into 352 pages. Each selection can be read in a few spare minutes, each chapter in an hour or two (I first read it over a month of breakfasts). The price of this breadth and brevity is depth: although the editing is skillful, no skill can distill a book adequately into a page or two, especially a great one, nor adequately treat a complex subject in two-dozen pages. In this sense, Libète is not an end in itself, but a starting point. The reader should keep this limitation in mind, and use the book as inspiration and guide to further reading.

Each chapter begins with a short introduction by the editors, which places the selections in context and fills in some of the gaps between them. Libète ends with a comprehensive index and citations for all included material. It does not, unfortunately, contain a bibliography discussing the useful material that did not make the final cut.

Although the various authors represent a diversity of perspectives, Libète is assembled consciously from an activist point of view. The principal editor is the coordinator of the London-based Haiti Support Group, and a long-time supporter of Haiti's democratic transition. The book reflects an activist's adoption of Haiti's poor majority as the starting point for analysis, as well as an emphasis on the adverse impacts of a host of "isms" - colonialism, imperialism, racism and capitalism - on Haitians' struggle for freedom, especially freedom from poverty.

About half of Libète chronicles the series of oppressions that have kept Haiti's majority vulnerable to exploitation. They include outsiders, from Columbus' explorers to the French slave-holders, the occupying U.S. Marines, and the current enforcers of neo-liberal economic policy. They also include home-grown oppression - brutal political and military potentates, and the economic elites they served. The book shows how the poor in Haiti were kept in their place with force, including slavery, war and civilian massacres, but also with law, politics, diplomacy, land tenure, social structures, the economy and the education system.

Libète does not, however, treat Haiti and Haitians as mere objects of these large forces. Its other half chronicles the courage, creativity, resourcefulness and persistence of Haitians as they wage their perpetual uphill battle for freedom. This resistance uses brute force when it has to, but also art, literature, song, politics, social organization, work and even botany where it can. Although it often seems to be losing the war, Libète points out the many areas where the struggle has carved out space for freedom to express, to create, to vote and to live. The book highlights Haitians' agency by featuring Haitian voices, in works of fiction, newspaper articles, interviews and essays, many of them for the first time in English.

Libète does not speak directly to some of the current debates raging about Haiti, but that may be one of its strengths. By focusing on the issues that are important over the long-term, it provides an example of looking past the petty internecine battles that have plagued Haitians' struggle for freedom, to the more vital long-term work to be done. The long view also extends the book's shelf life: by not depending on today's events, the selections, and the editors' analyses ensure their relevance for a long time to come (sadly, until "Libète" is achieved).

Libète is an excellent introduction to Haiti, possibly the best in English. A student, visitor or solidarity activist who had read nothing else on Haiti would have a pretty good idea of what was going on in a variety of fields. It is equally useful for veterans: it points out the gaps that we all have in our knowledge, and shows where we can go to fill these gaps. It is also a good reference for the specialist's shelf, for quick access to subjects outside one's expertise.

"Libete" is a comprehensive and concise anthology of writings on a wide spectrum of topics, including the history, religion, art, and politics of the country. It is a good introduction for those new to Haiti, and shows those wanting to deepen their understanding where to look.

Unlike other reviewers, I have no link with Cuba and I have never been to Havana, but this book made me want to go there. It was given to me as a present. Since then, I have bought two copies for friends. The photographs are as beautiful as the writing. A really special book.

Truly a unique and memorable book. I own many books on Cuba, but this book is exceptional. As Maria Luisa's book provides us with in-depth historical and architectural background accompanied by impressive photography, she also delights us with her memories of sound, sight, smell and far away world of her childhood which comes alive for all readers, but specially those who lived in the beautiful island of Cuba. It is a treasure for our Cuban heritage and a beautiful addition to anyone's library. A friend, relative and admirer from Miami, Florida

This is an outstanding stroll down memory lane for so many of us Cubans who remember the old Havana. It is also a book that engenders a certain sadness for those of us that know the squalor and deterioration that now exists in the pearl of the Caribbean.

How exquisitely appropriate it is that the late Maria Luisa Lobo Montalvo, daughter of one of the titans of the Cuban sugar industry, had this dream and that her family helped bring it to fruition.

IF YOU ARE GOING TO BUY A BOOK ON LA HABANA THIS IS IT !!!!!!! IT IS MOST INFORMATIVE AND THE PHOTOS ARE THE BEST. BEING CUBAN I HAVE BOUGHT ALMOST EVERY BOOK WRITTEN ABOUT CUBA AND THIS ONE IS MY FAVORITE - THE BEST.

I have a large collection of books on Cuba and this is by far the best. It is the most beautiful book in my library and is masterfully well done. This book also remains politically neutral which is quite an accomplishment. If you are sick of looking for good books on Cuba only to end up getting the slant of the Cuban government even in photography books, you will enjoy this one. This appears to be the culmination of a lifetime of work for Montalvo. If you only intend to buy one book on Cuba, this is the one. If you only intend to buy one book this year, make it this one.

Knowing where this island is and most of the people mentioned in the book, I have discovered that there is a lot to learn about the place I call home myself.
The book is very easy to read and is so true to life out here in the West Indies. I really hope the author and his wife enjoy their paradise!

A delectable read. Robert and Sara, will you be there when we get there? I hope so.

On busy days filled with interruptions and stress, I often fantasize about escaping to an island paradise. Which is precisely what author Robert Benson and his wife have customarily done each year on their anniversary. Over the decades, they have polished this yearly trip into a fine art. Benson takes us along in Home By Another Way.

Having raised children, attended church, and built careers, Benson and his wife holiday on the islands and bring home with them a piece of paradise. "Not only is our calendar a little skewed," Benson wrote, "we do not even operate on what others would call a normal workday schedule, either. In the first place, we both work at home, and our workday does not begin with a traffic report. My commute is about thirty-five steps to my studio in the back garden. Sara does not even leave the house; her office is in the little parlor at the end of the hall." Back home in Tennessee, the Bensons have learned to live on island time.

An incurable romantic, Benson helps readers find the holy in the ordinary. Home By Another Way celebrates the simple things in life including family heirloom furniture, appreciation for our personal preferences, and the comfortable conversation traditions between people who have spent a lifetime getting to know each other. In between the picturesque descriptions of beach, sunset, and birds are the witty observations and gallant humor of the all-grown-up son of beloved writer and speaker, the late Bob Benson and self-proclaimed nester and winsome speaker, Peggy Benson. - PeggySue Wells, Christian Book Previews.com

This has to be one of the most romantic books I've ever read--and I'm a huge Jane Austen fan! I love how the writer sees the world. And the love that shines through on each page--love for this island AND love fo his wife. What a wonderful book that I will read again and again.

Robert Benson is my favorite author, and he has done it again! This time, I don't need to pack to go on vacation. Instead, I get to relax and slow down on a beautiful island with people I love. As always, Robert Benson causes my soul to remember what is really important in and about life. Don't miss this opportunity to kick-back and enter into a simpler more reflective world. Perfect for a day on the beach or a night on the couch. You'll love it!

Many have tried to define Barti Ddu, Black Bart, Bartholomew Roberts.
Richard Sanders has his number, I think, as few others have had it.

Sanders brings to life one of the world's most intriguing pirates, with his vivid prose and groundbreaking research. This original portrait challenges every cliche we have about pirate culture. For anyone who is interested in what life was really like aboard a pirate ship, this book is a must read.

In this well written and brilliantly told tale the exploits of `Black Bart' Bartholomew Roberts are told amidst the history of the early 18th century. This is much more than a pirate story. This is stories a vast array of characters and places from Newfoundland to the coast of Africa and Devil's islands. In his time Black Bart was one of the most feared pirates, but not as famous as Blackbeard. He was born in Wales in 1682 and began his career as a pirate in 1719 after having worked as a third mate on a merchant vessel. In the fall and winter of 1719 he made his way as a pirate captain to Brazil and then to the Caribbean, suffering a mutiny and losing a ship in the process. By 1720 he had regained his power and moved to Newfoundland, raiding shipping along the way. From September 1720 to April 1721 he became the scourge of the British and French Caribbean. 1722 found him and a much enlarged crew off the coast of Africa, where he had originally become a pirate.
In truth his career only spanned three years, but it is a story that is far richer than those mere three years. This book is a short history of so many things, from sickness in Britain's slave-colonies of Africa, to Devil's island, to the emergence of white settlement in the Caribbean. Many astounding stories and mini-histories can be found in this volume, from stories of utopias among brigands, to the vanishing Caribs of the Caribbean, the use of slaves aboard Pirate vessels, and the rampant homosexuality and promiscuity among men and pirates in the period. One small oversight is the lack of a map.

A brilliantly told story, if most history were written like this than it would all rival fiction in the stories that would be told.

Throw out everything you think you know about pirates. What did a real pirate captain look like? Certainly not Jack Sparrow. Captain Hook is probably a closer visual.

This is not a novelization, but a historical account of Bartholomew Roberts, the most successful pirate in history. Don't expect some dry history book here, this is fascinating! Sanders includes excerpts of actual accounts, stories and letters from the era.

He paints the full picture of why men turned to piracy - the ship captains' authority was total, and many were very cruel, but none so much as the slave ship captains. These men treated people with such brutality that human life was worthless to them, and they treated their sailors almost as poorly as the slaves. There are accounts of sailors begging food from the slaves - when food and water ran short, the sailors were deprived before the slaves. After all, the captains made no money on the sailors.

It's no wonder when a pirate ship showed up and the captain said, "who wants to be a pirate?" that men eagerly joined the crew.

What struck me as most amazing was the democracy of piracy. The captain and all the officers were elected. The crew voted on destinations. The quartermaster balanced the captain's power.

This book is excellent, a must read for anyone who is not only interested in pirates, but the history of colonies in the Caribbean in that era.

If you're looking for pictures of pirates, try Pirates: Predators of the seas, which has great illustrations. If you're looking for an incredible read about what it was like in pirate times, this is the book for you. Highly recommended!

This collection is among my favorites published in recent years. Janet McAdams lyrically links the personal with the political. Her work is engaging, memorable, passionate, yet not didactic--some poems will even keep you awake at night. Many poems reward multiple re-readings. I'm already looking forward to her next book.

As a poet myself, I can only stand in awe of the work in "Island of Lost Luggage." Janet Mc Adams is a major talent. I've turned my initial envy of her gift into a goad to write better and wider myself.

This Island of Lost Luggage is wonderful. Janet McAdams's poems are lyrical and gritty at the same time, swollen with life, drenched with place, and she never seems to take the easy way in or out. Highly recommended!

I used to write poetry, even studied with some of the greats, including C.K. Williams, Ellen Voight and Louise Gluck. But I found that in any workshop, I could rarely tell a great poem from a mediocre one. This made me feel less than smart about poetry. Janet McAdams has helped revive my love for the form, and my sense of poetic savvy. For with "Island of Lost Luggage" I Know I'm in the presence of Great poetry. That is clear from page one. How to say why this is Great isn't as easy, but I'll venture the following: Mc Adams is gifted with rich language, of course, but she is a more than a fine wordsmith. She takes on issues that have huge resonance, that go beyond any mere narcissim. Each time I enter one of her poetic worlds I find more layers within it, more associations building within me. So, Thanks Ms. McAdams for restoring my poetic sensitivity, and for this wonderful book, a gem, that's most highly recommended for all readers, lovers of poetry or not.

Even if poetry isn't your "thing" this book, given the quiet and serious attention it deserves, will unlock many mysteries. Highly Recommended.

Pirates - Predators of the Seas: An Illustrated History is a great pirate book! Lots of history in this book! A must for all pirate buff libraries!

This is a nice overview of pirating from around the world beginning with the earliest known records 2500 years ago in the eastern Mediterranean, and ends with modern day pirates in the East. As an introductory book, it does a very nice job of giving the big picture. But, as such, it lacks the detail and writing style to grip the reader. This is particularly noticeable in the treatment of the Golden Age in the Carribean of which I would like to know more. Sadly, and inexplicably, there is no bibliography or suggested reading list to delve into the period covered by each chapter.

One glaring omission is any discussion of the first attempts, begun by the Americans, and followed by the British, and ultimate success in defeating the muslim Barbary pirates of North Africa which had been a scourge of the Mediterranean for three centuries during which time over a million Europeans were stolen as slaves. Quite odd considering the author spends time explaining how pirating in the Spanish Main came to end once governments found it no longer in the interest.

Nevertheless, this a nice book, well illustrated, makes a nice primer, but one would need to go elsewhere to get more depth.

Go beyond Captain Jack Sparrow and plunge right into the world of Pirates in, Pirates--Predators of the Sea, by Angus Konstam. This book delves right into the history of Pirates, sharing some of the most notorious and infamous scoundrels that sailed the seas. Aside from the amazing stories, the illustrations alone are some of the most varied and engaging I have ever seen. This truly is a beautiful looking book, filled with tales of the most memorable scoundrels you'll ever meet.

This fascinating history begins with a discussion of who should be considered a pirate and quickly moves into the history of the trade, beginning with Greek pirates mentioned by Homer. There is much discussion of the development of ships and seafaring in the western world between 400 B.C and 1600. There is a brief history of piracy and boats of the South-China sea.
The text next moves to a general history of piracy from the Classical period. Beginning with Greek pirates such as the Aetolians and their descendants, the Cilician's it examines piracy in the Mediterranean world. Islamic pirates and their forbears are discussed.
The Vikings were the first `European' pirates and they were followed by the English. The first English record for the execution of a pirate dates from 1228. There were also pirates in the Baltic sea. Some of the worst pirates to plague Europe were the Barbary pirates from North Africa. As Muslims they raided as far as Ireland, taking Europeans as slaves to be sold in the markets of Algeria. But there was much mixing in the world of Piracy, the Barbaroosa Brothers, Christians, were famed pirates of the Mediterranean, working for the Turks. Malta, run by descendants of the Crusaders, also participated in Piracy.
However it was the British pirates such as Francis Drake and Sir John Hawkins who served queen Elizabeth that are well known to those interested in Pirates. Their precursors in raids on the `Spanish' new world were the French Huguenots of the 16th century. In the 17th century the Buccaneers who became the typical pirates of the age. Men from many backgrounds, usually protestant, found their way to Hispaniola in the Caribbean and began plundering Spanish shipping. The pirates of this period did not merely take vessels, they plundered towns in places such as Panama and lake Maracaibo, destroying the economy and the settlements.
The Golden Age of piracy in the early 18th century is given much coverage, as its notorious pirates such as Blackbeard, Edward Teach, Woodes Rogers and Jack Rackham. The death of Batholomew Roberts in 1722 ended the `Golden Age' of piracy. Many pirate crews were hung for their deeds. The next pirates to appear on the scene coincide with the American revolution. 1835 marked the last execution of pirates in the U.S. Chapter twelve examines the history of Piracy in Asia and 13 examines the nature of `Pirate havens' and their cultures, and bring the history up to the present with a discussion of piracy off Somalia, the straits of Malacca and elsewhere.

This is a brilliant book with many photographs both of old paintings and modern photos of forts and boats. There are a plethora of highly detailed and informative maps which make this more than a history of piracy but also a history of the New world and the world as well. The subject matter is interesting and stories well told.

Seth J. Frantzman

This is a wonderfully written book which is a history of piracy from its roots in ancient Egypt right up to the present day. The book not only discusses the "Golden Age of Piracy" when Morgan, Blackbeard and Captain Kidd plied their trade in the Caribbean, but it also covers the extensive pirate activity in the ancient world as well as its modern manifestation. The links between the breakdown of social order or a political power vacuum and its effects on the rise of piracy during various historical ages are addressed as is the centuries long pirate conflict between Islam and Christendom during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. This is a well written historical work and the pirates are portrayed as the frequently ruthless and bloodthirsty men (and some women) they were rather than as the charming rogues of so many Hollywood motion pictures. The book is also full of detailed full color maps and pictures relating to piracy which both ably supplements the text as well as being esthetically pleasing in their own right. The principle author Angus Konstam was a commentator on a recent History Channel documentary on piracy and his in-depth knowledge of the subject makes this book enjoyable by both a serious student of the subject as well as the newly interested reader. In these days of "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies and the "Pirate Master" reality show this book is a welcome dose of historical fact into a subject which has been long been dominated by romantic fantasies

This is an amazing book. This book allow the reader to see the different changes than our island had been thru. Excellent.

The pages of this pictorial opus expresses the legacy, struggle, beauty, misery, joy of Puerto Rico of days past. Second, third generation Puerto Ricans will reconnect with their roots page by page. This is surely an enlighting photo memoir of our People, the images speak louder then words. The power of photograph comes to light in these pages, and Delano did it so well. Delano saves the spirit of Puerto Rico's past, once thought to be lost with faded memories. This is a book to keep for oneself, it strenghtens one's soul.

I can't belive how Mr. Delano took this pictures in a way that it seems they are telling you a complete story. In thi book you can see how Puerto Rico had differente eras and how progress came to our Island. It was not an easy process but you can see it thru the excellent work of Jack Delano. Children, Adults, workers, farmers, everybody even poor people have part in this book because they all were part of our history. An excellent work.

I simply love this book. As a starving college student, I still haven't come up with the money to buy it, but...someday I will. I've leafed through it a million times and never get bored by it...as a native Puertorrican living abroad, this is simply my favorite photographic work on my homeland. Delano did an amazing job.

This book is fascinating! After spending an hour with this book I felt like I really knew what time has meant to Borinquen. Hearing family stories is one thing, but seeing pictures from when they were growing up is another. Anyone interested in Puerto Rican history should have this book.

It is awonderful book. I loved the recipes. GREAT BOOK TO GIVE AS A GIFT.

The other day I went through my cookbooks, to see if I could weed some out, because I have too many to mention. It's hard getting rid of a cookbook, especially one with a few recipes in it that you've come to love. But I've scanned the recipes I need to keep forever into my MacBook. However, there were an even dozen I couldn't part with. These are books I turn to time and time again, even though I consider myself somewhat of a gourmet chef.

THE SUGAR MILL CARIBBEAN COOKBOOK is one of the ones I just had to keep, if only for the "Beach Breakfast" recipe right at the beginning of the book on page 4. Ms. Jinx is oh so right when she says the "spicy combination of Caribbean black beans and eggs give any morning a zingy lift-off." But, of course, you don't keep a cookbook for only one recipe, but not to worry, there is plenty more in this wonderful cookbook, like the "Lobster or Crab Eggs Benedict". Now that's a wonderful menu for a Sunday brunch and it goes perfectly with a Bloody Mary.

But please don't think this book is just about breakfast just because I chose to highlight a couple of good ones. If you want a satisfying, but not overfilling evening meal, try the "Fish with Coral Sunset Sauce" on page 122, it is simply divine. Then there is the "Pan-Seared Scallops with Tomato-Mango Salsa" on page 133, or the "Garden Patch Pasta" on page 102 and I better stop here, because I could go on and on, gushing about the wonderful recipes in this cookbook, but I think you have the picture by now. I really love this book, probably because every recipe in it is to die for.

I had been eyeing this book for quite awhile, for more than a year actually, because my husband and I were going to the BVI for our honeymoon. When we finally went on our honeymoon, through dumb luck and fate, we got a room down the road from the Sugar Mill, and we decided to go to their famous restaurant for a night out. That night out turned into one of the most fantastic, memorable dining experiences we'd ever had... The night was like something out of a fancy movie. Blown away by the food, I bought the cookbook at the gift shop after dinner. Flipping through it in the hotel, I almost couldn't wait to go home and try out some of their recipes. I ended up scribbling down drink mixes we had when we went out and about town in the BVI, so this cookbook has turned into a honeymoon food scrapbook for me.

Now, I know that back story makes me a little biased, but I have to say that even if I just bought it without going to the restaurant, I'd still think this cookbook is superb. It's so clearly written and each recipe has a little paragraph "bio" associated with it discussing either its creation, history, or interesting info on the ingredients or the tradition behind the food. That little paragraph adds to the local color and feel that resonates through this whole cookbook. You can almost taste and feel the Caribbean when you read this book. Another thing I really like is that this book will give you the recipe as it's served at their restaurant, adding to the authentic feel of the book... But the book also acknowledges that some of the ingredients easily available to them in the BVI might be hard to impossible to find on the mainland, so they give you feasible substitutions that don't hurt the taste or presentation at all. Also included are little blurbs on the various Caribbean islands, customs, or other interesting facts.

I'd say most of these recipes are what I like to call "grown-up recipes." Meaning, not all of them you'll throw together in 30 minutes, that these recipes are sophisticated, adult foods that will probably require a little planning and time, perfect for special occasions (or a nice dinner you'd like to feel like a special occasion). I know this is a big negative for some people, but for me it's nice to own a recipe book that involves some serious cooking. I own far too many cookbooks with recipes that call for throwing together various canned soups and canned vegetables, or other processed foods like Bisquick or freezer rolls, and baking it for 30 minutes, and serving. It's nice to have a recipe book that doesn't include 45 different ways to use "cream of" Campbell's soups, and talks about cooking with things like star fruit and plantains and all sorts of exotic fruits and ingredients you see at the grocery store and wonder "I wonder what you use that for?" :D This is certainly a "from scratch" cookbook, not a "30 minute meals" sort of deal.

The categories in this book are: Sunrise Specials (breakfast foods), Snacks, Nibbles, and Island Appetizers, Carnival of Soups, Calypso Salads and Side Dishes, Pastas Under the Palms, From the Fish Pot (seafood), Birds of Paradise (poultry), Tropical Meat Waves (all other meat), Sugar Island Sweets (desserts), and Trade Wind Cocktails (an essential for summer parties as it's the drink recipes... :D). Some of my favorite recipes are curried citrus rice, christophene and sausage filled flank steak, lime cream pasta, pina colada pancakes and cake (the latter being my husband's new favorite birthday cake), lobster chowder, and conch chowder. And I have a list of "need to try" recipes from this book as long as my arm.

I love this cookbook. It's the BVI wrapped up in a 245 page book. There are only two downsides as far as I can see to this book... The first one being that it doesn't include this awesome drink recipe that we had while we were there and are just dying to have again but nobody knows how to make... And the second being that every time I cook something from it, my husband and I remember how much fun we had and how beautiful this restaurant was, and then we start missing Tortola terribly... :)

My husband and I both love to cook and we picked up this cookbook shortly before our carribean cruise to introduce ourselves to the cuisine. We haven't stopped using the book since. The recipes are easy to follow and a great selection. The ingredients are for the most part easy to find or substitute for. I've won several cook-offs with recipes from this book, the rum glazed ribs and black bottom banana pie is to die for.

I live in the Florida keys and foods from the islands of the caribbean are all over the islands, however, this book of recipes by far expands ones selection of choices. The recipes are well written for following instructions easily. the added info in the side bars is interesting and easily put to use with other recipes in the book. If you like food from the islands, all the islands of the caribbean, this book is a source for a quick trip to the island of your choice.
I lost my first copy to Wilma (the huricane). Had to buy another because this book is that good. But it, you'll love it! ;-)