This past long weekend would have been the Caribana festival in Toronto. Unfortunately, this is the second straight year the festival is canceled due to COVID-19.  For those who are not familiar, Caribana is North America’s largest cultural festival and brings an incredible energy to the city of Toronto.  In a nod to this amazing festival, we asked our new Manager of Restaurant Partnerships (Meg Goldsmith) to highlight the Caribbean restaurants on the Foodee platform.

Meg is located in San Francisco and has tremendous experience in restaurant management and restaurant technology. Meg is passionate about the restaurant industry and food in general, she is thrilled to bring new restaurants to our growing platform. Restaurants like the greats she recognizes below.

1. Peaches Patties

Offering the best Jerk Chicken, scrumptious patty’s and of course Rasta Stew. Named after Chef/Owner Shani Jones Mother “Peaches” who was known for the best homemade Jamaican beef patties. Shani created Peaches Patties to bring authentic flavours of the Caribbean to the city of San Francisco.

2. Habana Cuba

Award-winning Cuban restaurant in Downtown San Jose has been wowing loyal and new diners for over 20 years. Serving community favorites like Cuban Sandwiches, Ropa Vieja, Tostones, and more. Owner and Chef Jennifer Echeverri recently moved to a new location creating a Cuban Urban Eatery to offer the spirit of the food in a more modern setting.

3. Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen

Toronto’s high-end favorite Jamaican spot offering Jerk Pit Grill, Sweet Tings, and Curry Goat. Chubby’s is a celebration of Island food with a nod to Jamaican home chefs. Chef Donavon Campbell from Jamaica brings his passion for Island cuisine in crafting amazing dishes that will bring the island experience to your pallet.

4. Allwyn’s on Queen

Beloved through Toronto for its jerk chicken, beef patties, coco bread, and other Jamaican favorites with many locations to serve the community and share the love of Caribbean cuisine.

5. Calabash

Born out of late-night chats of 3 seasoned culinary veterans of Vancouver Calabash was born, the goal was to serve the best Caribbean fare in a loving artfully decorated space. Calabash offers mouth-watering Curry Bowls, Roti wraps and of course famous patties. They are also passionate about the community and participate in many food drives and partner with PHS Community Services Society.

6. Cuba Cuba Sandwicheria

Owner Kristy Socarrás Bigelow created Cuba Cuba in Denver to bring her family recipes to the community bringing the flavors of Garlic, Onions, and Citrus throughout each dish. Known for their black beans, Cuban sandwiches, and slow-roasted pulled pork to name a few.