Bammy's

"The bammy, a vegan/gluten-free/nut-free cassava root “flatbread,” is a staple in Jamaica. Soaked in coconut milk and fried until perfectly golden brown, a bammy is the perfect vessel for absorbing all of the flavors on your plate. And that is what Bammy's is all about: soaking up time spent with family and friends over a meal made with love." Closest Metro is Navy Yard. 

Kith and Kin

Kith and Kin is an upscale casual dining restaurant at InterContinental Washington D.C - The Wharf. Kith and Kin is inspired by Chef Kwame Onwuachi's cultural roots and fond memories of cooking with family. Celebrating his heritage ranging from Nigeria and Jamaica, to West Africa and the Caribbean, to New Orleans and New York, Chef Kwame finds his culinary impetus in everywhere he's from, everywhere he's been, and the influence of those who know him best. While dining over beautifully designed dishes, paired with hand-crafted cocktails, enjoy scenic views of the Washington Channel and create your memories with your own kith and kin (family and friends).  Closest Metro is L'enfant Plaza.

Tulip Caribbean Brasserie

Tulip Caribbean Brasserie is a cozy a la fresco restaurant that serves delicious food at reasonable prices with friendly service. Offering a combination of Caribbean, Dutch and International Cuisine, we chose to dine here due to its close proximity to our hotel for our last dinner in Aruba.

The Kitchen Table by White

The Kitchen Table by White features only 16 comfortable seats for a gastronomic 7-8 course feast of Aruban-Caribbean Cuisine ($99) paired with world renowned wines for an additional $75.  Upon arrival, we were greeted with a refreshing glass of prosecco and waited outside to catch the beautiful sunset.  Then we entered the kitchen to begin the culinary journey.

Passions on the Beach

Passions on the Beach located at the Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort on Eagle Beach, Aruba allows you to dine and relax with your bare feet in soft white sand as you enjoy the calming sounds of the ocean caressing the shore, soft light from the tiki torches and a good glass of wine while you watch the sun set. Passions offers the most romantic dinner experience on the island. Choose a delicious meal from the dinner menu that offers a mix of meat dishes and fresh fish. Passions also provides the perfect location for wedding parties or other special occasions.

Mango Tree Restaurant

The al fresco dining pavilion of the Mango Tree Restaurant looks out over a small river stone pool and takes in the magnificent Petit Piton and views of the Caribbean Sea.  Located within the Stonefield Estate Resort in Soufriere, St. Lucia, the chef and culinary team use all fresh local market ingredients and build on Mrs. Brown’s home cooking recipes to make the freshest, most delicious St. Lucian flare.

Jade Mountain Club

Architect owner Nick Troubetzkoy has expanded upon his philosophy of building in harmony with Caribbean nature in his creation of Jade Mountain. The bold architectural design – individual bridges leading to exceptional infinity pool sanctuaries and rugged stoned-faced columns reaching towards the sky – makes Jade Mountain one of the Caribbean’s most mesmerizing resort experiences.  Drenched in exotic beauty and erupting with flavor, the Jade Mountain Club offers modern fusion cuisine with cultural influences and unique techniques resulting in a wonderful taste adventure.

Bayside Restaurant

Set right on the shores of Anse des Pitons, the Bayside Restaurant in St. Lucia is an idyllic destination for Caribbean sunset views and perfectly mixed cocktails. One of the most popular Soufriere bars along Sugar Beach, Bayside serves a relaxed beach menu under the almond trees, with a range of selections including pizza baked in a wood-fired oven and other international favorites.

Boucan at Hotel Chocolat

The exclusive cacao cuisine and spectacular setting has made Boucan one of St. Lucia's most popular foodie destinations. Inspired by the rare cocoa growing on Rabot Estate, the exclusive menu uses cocoa sometimes as a light and subtle spice, sometimes as a delicate infusion, but always in a natural, healthy and exciting harmony.  Located in the Hotel Chocolat, Boucan is a modern restaurant perched among the luscious mountains of Soufriere, St. Lucia.

Cuba Libre

Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar is "dedicated to a continued exploration of Cuban heritage, art, music, flavors and traditions. The open-air setting, tropical ambiance, vintage décor, upbeat Latin music and Concept Chef/Partner, Guillermo Pernot's delectable menu of 'Nuevo Cubano' dishes and traditional favorites, make all of our restaurants a must-see, must-experience dining destination." Closest Metro is Gallery Place-Chinatown.

Platos

Just a quick minutes stroll from the El San Juan Resort in the heart of Isla Verde, Platos invites you to experience the authentic local Puerto Rican cuisine complimented by an excellent wine selection and a modern Bar.  This casual restaurant should not be overlooked when visiting San Juan.

Dragonfly

Dragonfly is Old San Juan's most hip, ground-breaking, and talked about restaurant.  Featuring cutting edge Latin-Asian Fusion cuisine and sushi, Chef Severo Duran mingles exotic spices and ingredients with creative twists.  Designed to resemble an old opium den in tropical Asia, Dragonfly's sexy gold and red interior is the perfect place to go for parties and special occasions.

KOCO

KOCO, located in the fabulous El San Juan Hotel & Casino in Isla Verde, is the newest, hottest OOF! Restaurant, and the design showpiece of the company.  KOCO features Chef Hector Crespo’s interpretation of Modern Caribbean dishes, using fresh island ingredients, artistic presentations, and traditional techniques to create a new vibrant, soulful cuisine.  KOCO features an extensive Rum Bar and the chicest lounge in town, serving a hip modern take on some classic Caribbean cocktails, and the largest selection of rums on the island.

Starfish Café

Last date I was here: 02/04/2010

Restaurant: Starfish Café (http://www.starfishcafedc.com/)

Location: Barracks Row

Total Rating: 3.3
Food: 3, Price: 3, Service: 4, Ambience: 4, Accessibility: 5

Summary: This Caribbean Creole Seafood Restaurant has a cool, contemporary, tropical feel. Decorated with various ceramic fish and oceanic items, this local hotspot offers happy hour specials with a raw bar. They serve daily specials – but beware of ordering the special from the day before (leftovers). Keith had the misfortune of receiving cold paella that we had to send back to the kitchen. Closest Metro is Eastern Market.

August 2008: A lot of the menu is fried, which can be heavy for me. The Fried Crab Fingers are actually the whole front claws, which was different and so-so; I probably would not order it again. I really want to try one of the fresh ceviches. I think this would be great paired with a margarita or other tropical cocktail on a warm evening. Just close your eyes and your experience takes you to white sandy beaches….

UPDATE: Since a big snow storm was on the way, we decided to try Starfish again for dinner. It was empty when we arrived, but soon filled up with the dinner rush. Service was very attentive, but I did not enjoy my meal at all. The mussels were bad - either microwaved or just undercooked - I had to send them back. And my pasta/sauce was way oversalted. Keith, enjoyed his gumbo and po' boy sandwhich though. I think I prefer this place for the appetizers and drink specials only.

What I ate:

Seafood Linguine

scallops, calamari, shrimp, mussels with linguine in a tomato cream sauce

Fried Crab Fingers
Lightly breaded with “panko” and flash fried. Served with a citrus -horseradish sauce.

Stuffed Tilapia Parmesan
Farm-raised Tilapia filets lightly breaded with parmesan cheese and flashed fried,
stuffed with crab meat, shrimp and spinach and finished with a caper-lemon-butter sauce.
Served with garlic mashed potato & fresh vegetables.

Cajun Fried Calamari

Hand-breaded with corn flour and Cajun spices. Served with saffron-lime tartar sauce

Shrimp "Verde" Ceviche

Gulf shrimp marinated in lime juice, tossed with avocado, peppers, chopped cilantro, red onions, diced tomatoes, jalapeno peppers and sea salt

Plus Keith ate:

Gumbo

seafood soup with sausage and rice

Fried Seafood Platter
Golden fried shrimp, oysters, crab balls & catfish filets,
served with fries, coleslaw, our saffron-lime tartar sauce
Served with a cup of seafood gumbo.

Starfish Seafood Paella
Combination of large shrimps, mussels, scallops, calamari rings,
andouille sausage and chunks of white fish cooked with rice
in a delicious saffron broth and topped with fried asparagus.

Shrimp and Grits

Creamy gorgonzola infused grits topped with blackened

gulf shrimp and drizzled with a spicy tomato Creole sauce

Fried Oyster Po-Boy Sandwich

Served on crusty french bread with shredded lettuce, tomatoes and saffron-lime tartar sauce.

Served with coleslaw and french fries.