Island Caribbean (formerly Kingston)

Participating in the May 2010 and September 2010 Taste the World events and the 2010 Taste the World coupon book.

Joseph and Tammy Bent, owners
14B S. Duke St., Lancaster, PA 17602
717-299-0500
MTuWTh 11am-6pm, FSa 11am-11pm

To try on your first visit: Jerked Chicken Wrap. Jerked chicken, rice and peas, lettuce, tomato, shredded cheddar cheese, and Joseph's homemade hot sauce.

When it comes to fresh food, Joseph and Tammy Bent are pros. As co-owners of Island Caribbean (formerly Kingston), nearly all of the food on the menu is made fresh everyday, from the meats and sauces to the fresh, hand-squeezed lemonade that is considered Joseph's specialty. Joseph has most of the spices and drinks imported from Jamaica, and the rest of the ingredients are purchased locally to ensure the freshest food possible.

Joseph moved to Lancaster in 1995 from Mandeville, Jamaica. Growing up near the southern coast, he has cooked all of his life. Joseph can start with unique spices and seasonings such as tamarind, thyme, jerk, and Jamaican curry and create delicious and authentic Jamaican cuisine. In 2003, he married his wife Tammy and taught her to cook everything. "I can make anything he can!" says Tammy. But she did admit that he makes the best food around. This includes the traditional "rice and peas," the Jamaican variation on rice and beans. It is made with coconut milk for a true Caribbean twist. He also makes all of the sauces from scratch for every item on the menu.

To Do: Find Mandeville on a map of Jamaica. What is unique about this city? What do people here do for fun? Take a journey to the grocery store or Central market and try to find tamarind and jerk seasoning. What does it look like? Can you find coconut milk also? What does it taste like?

written by Dessiree Horst; photo by Matthew Lester Photography