"A Taste of Island Paradise in San Gabriel"
Eating at Caribbean Gourmet is like taking a trip to see long time friends during the Holiday. Yonette, her family, and staff have really become a part of the community. The real magic though, is in the food. The warm aroma of spices fills the air, immediately transporting on a culinary vacation.
Jamaican patties: These golden pockets of heaven are a must-try. The flaky pastry encases a savory filling of seasoned meat and vegetables, bursting with flavor in every bite. Each bite is a symphony of textures and tastes, leaving you wanting more. True story; I once ordered 50 of them for my Christmas party, and the team delivered. Everyone at the party wanted to take some home.
Oxtail: This dish is a true Caribbean classic, and Caribbean Gourmet does it justice. The slow-cooked oxtail is melt-in-your-mouth tender, falling off the bone with just a touch. The rich and flavorful gravy perfectly complements the meat, making each forkful an absolute delight.
Jerk chicken: This iconic dish is a must-have for any Caribbean food enthusiast. The jerk seasoning at Caribbean Gourmet is spot-on, infusing the chicken with a smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor that's truly unforgettable. The meat is cooked to perfection, juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
But the deliciousness doesn't end there. Caribbean Gourmet offers a wide variety of other authentic dishes, from curry and plantains to roti and rice and peas. Each dish is prepared with fresh ingredients and cooked with love, ensuring a truly authentic Caribbean experience.
Beyond the food: The friendly service adds another layer of warmth and hospitality to the dining experience. The staff is always happy to answer questions and help you choose the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings. The vibrant atmosphere, complete with island music and island-inspired decor, further enhances the dining experience.
Overall: Caribbean Gourmet is a hidden gem in San Gabriel that offers authentic and delicious Caribbean cuisine. Whether you're a seasoned Caribbean food lover or just looking for a new and exciting culinary adventure, Caribbean Gourmet is sure to please. So come hungry, come curious, and come ready to be transported to a taste of...
Read moreThere’s a new caterer in town, and they are something special. Through my favorite chamber of commerce, the San Gabriel Chamber of Commerce, I met Yonette Alleyne, proprietor of Carribean Gourmet, located in San Gabriel’s marvelous new Blossom Market Hall. To begin with, my family is not very adventurous when it comes to holiday meals. We were having a Friendsgiving dinner for 20, and I wanted something other than Turkey dinner (which we were doing the next day). Yonette proposed the menu, adjusted a number of dishes for our dairy- and gluten-free guests, and was very warm, friendly, and responsive. She even sent reheating instructions for our personal menu, all in the order of preparation time! Th meal and appetizers were fantastic. The one thing you MUST get if you stop by her location at Blossom Market Hall, is either a beef or chicken “patty.” You might wonder if it’s like a hamburger patty. No. It’s best described as an empanada with a flakey outside and splendidly seasoned beef or chicken on the inside - very flavorful and moist. The entire meal was a huge hit. The menu included appetizer-sized patties, zucchini and goat cheese tartlets, herb-roasted chicken thighs, rice pilaf, brown butter Brussels sprouts, sautéed butternut squash, and brioche rolls. Each item was a standout. I salivate just remembering that dinner! And everyone at the party loved each dish! Servings were very generous, and the cost is very reasonable. And Yonette and her team could not have been more professional and delightful. I can’t wait for more. I HAVE to go to San Gabriel’s beautiful Blossom Market Hall for more of Caribbean Gourmet’s outstanding, and just plain yummy,...
Read moreI drove here from Los Feliz and boy was it worth it!!! I moved here from Florida 3 years ago and I’m mad it took me this long to find some real Guyanese food! Yonette and her family are running an incredible business with delicious food and impeccable service.
I had to try the chicken curry with roti for my first visit. The to go portion was massive and came with lots of tender chicken pieces, good chunks of soft potato, and a thick gravy. (As I told my mom over the phone: “plenty chicken, nuff aloo, thick thick gravy” 😅) It was so flavorful and paired perfectly with the roti. It also came with a side of channa (sautéed garbanzo beans) which were seasoned and filling. The roti was perfect and flaky.
You’ll also see some of a pine tart (I ate most of it on my drive home) which had sweet pineapple filling with a more savory pastry dough. I’m not usually a pine tart girl but I still loved it. (I will be back to order some cheese roll—my favorite!) The pineapple ginger drink they make in house was also sweet but had the punch of ginger I like. I will also try their other house made drinks.
I can’t wait to go back and bring my friends who have never tried Guyanese food here. I’ll be ordering the whole menu over time for sure. Yonette, her husband, and her three children were such a pleasure to meet and I loved to see them working together and having a chat. It was a bit of home that I’ve been missing. Between visiting my mom and getting her home cooking, meals here will fill up my belly and cure some...
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