Where do you get your ingredients?
We go to the market in Scarborough, which is a wonderful experience. Local people bring the produce they grow in their garden to sell, so you have okra, callaloo leaves, dasheen and papaya, as well as fresh fish and meat. We all trade ideas, so it’s always a nice exchange. They say: “What are you doing with this?” And when we tell them, they recommend other ingredients. It’s a beautiful way of sharing.
What defines Tobagonian cuisine?
Fresh food. I never realised when I was growing up that what we did was organic farming. We never used fertilizers, we used natural things and did free-range farming. Today, when my husband goes to see the local farmers, he examines the leaves. If he notices they’re a little too perfect, he says, “Uh uh, I don’t want this one,” because he knows they’ve used chemicals.
How does Tobago inspire you?
It’s the people. We care about each other; we share with each other. The seniors, of which I’m one now, take younger people in and get them involved in things of the past. I love the respect the young have for neighbours and elderly people. I’m referred to as Auntie Alison or ‘mums’ at the market.
What would a perfect day look like on the island?
When the children were young, we’d take them on a trip around the island. We’d pack everything up and stop off at little spots where you can swim. Everywhere in Tobago, there’s something beautiful to see, especially along the coastline. When you look out at the sea, you feel at peace.
Let us in on a secret: what’s your favourite beach?
I love Pigeon Point because it has lifeguards, good facilities and restaurants. There’s also Store Bay and Englishman’s Bay. But because I live in Scarborough, it’s easy for me to get to Pigeon Point when I want to run away.
Sum up Tobago in three words.
Natural, peaceful, beautiful. It’s such a natural place to be, it’s such a peaceful place to be, and most of all, it’s such a beautiful place to be. Everyone says good morning and smiles and waves. You’ve got the beaches, the sky and the birds. You become one with nature. You breathe in the atmosphere here.
Saltfish buljol
This is a local favourite in Tobago. Here, Alison offers the know-how so you can try it yourself at home.
Ingredients:
½ lb salted boneless cod
½ cup chopped tomatoes
¼ cup chopped onions
¼ cup chopped sweet peppers
2 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lime
4 cups room temperature water
Method:
- Soak fish overnight in 4 cups of water. Remove from water and shred.
- In a separate bowl mix tomatoes, onions and sweet peppers.
- Mix olive oil and lime juice and pour over vegetable mixture.
- Mix with shredded fish and add hot sauce or pepper of choice to taste.
- Serve with hops bread (fried or oven baked), avocado and sliced cucumber.
Essentials
Flights to Tobago depart from Heathrow and Gatwick. The island is lovely year-round, with temperatures hovering around 32C.
To read more about this beautiful corner of the Caribbean, visit our destination guide, then head over to British Airways to book your 2021 visit.
Follow National Geographic Traveller (UK) on social media
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
The Link LonkFebruary 23, 2021 at 06:00PM
https://ift.tt/3dH1lJI
In conversation with Alison Sardinha, local legend and owner of Tobago’s Blue Crab Restaurant - National Geographic UK
https://ift.tt/2MkGRbk
Crab
No comments:
Post a Comment