Bring on the Summer Fun with a Caribbean Party!

Steel drums, vibrant aquamarine waters, fun fruity drinks with umbrellas and most importantly, unforgettable food comes to mind when you think of the Caribbean...You may not be able to replicate all of those things here in Colorado, but this summer you can definitely create some memories with a unique Caribbean themed party!

We’ve got some great Caribbean menu ideas to help you pull off the perfect gathering that’ll be talk of the neighborhood. Change up your typical barbecue routine, throw on some Reggae or tropical tunes, and fire up the grill.

Menu Items

Caribbean cooking just wouldn’t be the same without some Jerked meats, fragrant rice dishes, tropical fruits, and tasty Coconut desserts. Try things like Jerk Chicken (don’t forget the Allspice!), bananas or plantains just about any way, out of the box Conch or Salt fish dishes like fritters or chowder, and coconut in all the things!

AMBIANCE

Change up your décor and add in some fun, brightly colored flowers, colorful napkins and of course the quintessential paper umbrellas to top off your rum cocktails. During the summer, we’ve got the events to help get you comfortable with seasoning, grilling, and dicing your way through a tropical menu! Speaking of rum cocktails, we’ve got great drink ideas for you to try out including Rum Punch, Milk Punch (sensing a theme here?) and a Dark & Stormy in our upcoming cooking events.

COCKTAILS IN THE CARRIBEAN | 7/13, 6:30PM

CARIBBEAN FEAST | 7/25, 6:30PM

TIKI PARTY | 7/31, 6:30PM

For a quick and dirty cocktail at your own tropical party, try mixing 1.5 oz. dark rum, a splash of fresh lime juice and ice in a Collins glass, topped with ginger beer and garnished with a lime slice. You can thank us later- Cheers!

Recipe

Grilled Banana Salsa
Makes about 3 cups

Ingredients:
2 firm bright yellow bananas, peeled and halved lengthwise
½ large red onion, peeled and sliced into ½ inch thick rounds
1 tablespoons vegetable oil\
Salt and freshly ground black pepper\
2 tablespoon lime juice
2 tablespoon minced fresh mint leaves
½ tablespoon brown sugar
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon dark rum (optional)

Directions:
Brush the banana halves and onion rounds with the oil; season onion with salt and pepper. Lay the onion directly over the hot coals, or hottest part of gas grill, and cook on both sides until well browned, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer the onion to the cooler part of the grill and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Lay the bananas directly over the hot coals and grill on both sides until browned in spots, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer the onion and bananas to a cutting board and cool slightly.

Coarsely chop the grilled bananas and onion, then toss with the lime juice, mint, brown sugar, cumin, and rum in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve. Bring to room temperature before serving. Enjoy!