Tanty Rosies owner, Bonnie, has created a relaxed, informal space where you can pop in and try whatever’s cooking in the kitchen-there’s no set menu, just what’s fresh from the market, or what ingredients are available.
We were invited to try Bonnie’s hospitality, and were whisked away on a culinary Caribbean adventure.
We were greeted with a warm hug, some lime cordial and a bowl of plantain chips while we waited for our first course. Bonnie, originally from St Vincent with its Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese & African influences, served up some smoky roasted Breadfruit, Plantain, White Sweet Potato, and Bujol, a tomato & salt fish salad, creamy with coconut oil.
This was followed by delicious Roasted Corn on the Cob, and a street food favourite from Trinidad, “Doubles”. Inspired by flavours from the Indian sub continent, two Barra were topped with Chickpea Channa and served with Tamarind sauce, Kuchela, Mango Chutney and Hot Pepper Sauce. Fabulously moreish finger food!
Our voyage of discovery then took us to Jamaica for a vegan Jerk “Chicken” created with soya to replace the meat and served with a Spiced Coleslaw and Rice & Peas.
Bonnie’s homemade Hibiscus & Ginger Cordial was quite simply Christmas in a glass, and would be incredible with a tot of rum to add a little Caribbean cheer.
We were then given a pretty plate of Eastern Caribbean Sweet Potato Pone-a spicy, sticky, warm pud served with pouring cream, and two pots of tea, one lavender, one ginger with a little Jamaican “Gizzard”-coconut tart-on the side.
As we left Tanty Rosies full of delicious food, our ears ringing with fantastic Soca and Calypso music, and Bonnie’s wonderful hosting and fascinating stories: as she said herself, “One hand can’t clap on its own”, we knew that a lovely new friendship was just beginning.
Tanty Rosies is open Sat-Mon for tea and food until 5pm.
The space is also available for private bookings, parties, team days, or corporate events.
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