The area of the British Islands, Dominica, Granada, Cuba, Haiti and Trinidad make up what is known today as the Caribbean Islands. There were 3 major tribes that inhabited this area and used the local food resources to make their native dishes. Eating the native fruits, vegetables and fish was the only way they could exist on these islands.

The first form of barbecuing came from one of these tribes when they started cooking their fish and vegetables on top of wooden strips over an open fire. Another one of these tribes was credited for being the first in that area to cook their food in pots. The third tribe was the first to introduce the “hot spicy” additives that gives Caribbean cooking its flavor today by using hot peppers, lemons, limes and native spices in their meals.

As early as the 1400's, outside foods and spices began to influence the area as explorers like Columbus brought in their favorites. He brought in sugarcane. The Spaniards brought in coconut, chick peas, cilantro, egg plant, onions an garlic. The Dutch, Danish and French brought in oranges, limes, coffee, mangoes and rice.

By the 1600's, when African slave trading was going on, other foods were introduced. Okra, pigeon, peas, plantains, breadfruit and other items were introduced to this area. The combination of all of these things is what makes up the Caribbean cuisine that has become a favorite for the natives, travelers and vacationers from all over the world. Many of their native recipes are available and can be cooked at home. Some restaurants in other nations now serve Caribbean dishes on their menus.

Caribbean food varies based on the cultures of the different islands. Jamaica is known for its jerk chicken and its very spicy foods. The British Virgin Islands have French and Dutch inspired cuisine. Some islands are influenced by Mexican and Indian cuisine as well. All of the islands, however, use plenty of fruits and vegetables combined with rice. Rice is a staple on all of the Caribbean islands. Rice will usually be flavored with some type of a sauce or combined with beans.

The islands do not usually serve many meals that consist of beef. This is due to the limited space available on the islands for livestock to roam, as well as the increased cost. Goat and pork are the most common meats consumed on all of the Caribbean islands. Breadfruits and dumplings are also served with most meals.

Seafood is quite popular in the islands of course, due to their close proximity to the sea and the multitude of fresh seafood to choose from. Coconuts and coconut milk are also used in several Caribbean recipes. Some spices that are used on almost all of the islands are parsley, allspice, and nutmeg. The most common aspect that comes to most people's minds when thinking of Caribbean food, however, is the famous jerk seasoning and flavors.

It is true that the Caribbean has cuisine for any type of flavor that you are looking for. The fruits and vegetables found there are truly colorful and very tasty as well, and are bountiful on all of the different islands. Caribbean foods are truly unique and very delicious. This part of the world definitely has its own unique cuisine which is very enjoyable.

If you were to think of island cooking, what would come to your mind? Some might think of fresh island fruits like pineapple, mango and papaya, chicken and pork cooked in a sweet and sour sauce, or grilled fish and rice. Others may think of an island barbecue with meats cooked over an open fire after being seasoned with a Jamaican Jerk rub. Some might think of spicier dishes with a Cajun flair or soups full of seafood, chicken, vegetables and beans served over rice. Because Caribbean cuisine has been highly influenced by Spanish, French, African, Asian, French, Dutch, Chinese and British cooking, all of these scenarios would be true depending which of the Caribbean islands you visit.

The tribes that originally inhabited the islands had simple cooking methods that used fresh fruits and vegetables with fish and chicken. With the arrival of Columbus came sugar cane, which flourished in the Caribbean. He also brought with him the first Spanish and French influences. Later, when African slaves were brought to the islands, they were given food that the slave owners did not want to eat. They used spices to make the food more palatable. Later, workers from China and India migrated to the islands, and two more culinary styles came to Caribbean cooking, as rice and curry were introduced.

Because of the combination of so many different cultures, the cuisine of the Caribbean has become a whole new experience, with characteristics of all cultures coming together to create a unique flavor.

Catering service has been around for quite some time. If you are in Germany and ever need a catering service for that special occasion, you might want to look up some of these world renowned caterers in the area including Sarah Wiener Exclusive Caterings, Borchardt Catering and Schubecks Party-Service.

As a renowned chef, Sarah Wiener had received very little prior education. She started her career catering for German movie crews, and ended up opening her own operations after years of working from place to place. Sarah Wiener Exclusive Caterings is one of the well known catering services situated in the Art Museum, Berlin.

Borchardt Catering, owned by August F.W. Borchardt, is located right in the heart of Berlin, Germany. Borchardt used to cater for the former German Emperor. So, you can expect his expertise in this field. Borchardt Catering provides excellent service besides great food. His list of clientele also includes companies such as Adidas and Die Zeit (a well known newspaper).

Schubecks Party-Service is owned by the TV Chef Alfons Schubecks. The caterer is well known for its Bavarian cuisine with revolutionized southern German tastes. Wines served here are also of exquisite quality.

In the U.S., Savoie's Fare Catering is located in Laguna Niguel, California. It is also one of the world's well known caterering companies. Eddy, the co-owner, is a recognized member of the World Renowned International Toque Blanche Association. After traveling to several countries, Eddy had worked as chef for yachts in California and Florida prior to joining SaVoie’s Fare, which provides catering service for parties of all occasions.

Choose the caterer that is going to meet all your wants and needs. Researching the caterer that is best suited for you will take a little extra time, but will be worth it in the end.

No matter the occasion for which you need a caterer, you can find a good one by going to wedding festivals, asking married friends who they used as a caterer, or asking professionals in the wedding business who they recommend. Ask for references.

When meeting with any caterer, ask a lot of questions about their policies and the way they operate their business. Find out how long they have had their catering business. Ask about their process for set-up and removal of the equipment and tables the day of an event and be sure to find out if they supply their own servers. Know their serving technique and the amount of food they allow per person. Is a minimum number of guests required? Ask if they will make special food if one of your guests has a particular dietary need. Try samples of the food you will be requesting for your event.

To be able to get an accurate bid, you need to know everything you want from the caterer ahead of time. Make all your wants and needs for your event very clear.

Be sure to understand their cancellation policy, along with the total cost to you. Understand whether or not the tax and gratuity is included in the price quoted to you. Ask what the total bill amount will be. Make sure your contract has everything in writing. After you've finished all of your research and planning, enjoy your impeccably and deliciously catered event.