Caribbean Gourmet

There’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, culinary creations.

They have gluten free options that are out of this world. Come early because the oxtail and jerk chicken get sold out as more people find out about their well seasoned food and generous portions. The entrees come with fragrant peas (little red beans) and rice, cabbage, and fried plantains. The cassava pone is the best tea time treat. I must support this small business, as much as I hate showing up and finding out my favorites have sold out for the day.