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We continue our Caribbean culinary voyage with Haitian and Bajan cuisine alongside experts, Kerline Ordeus and Leanna Pierre. Together, we uncover the culinary ties between West African and Caribbean dishes, drawing enlightening parallels between the shared heritage of cassava and okra through Haitian tomtom and Barbados' national dish, flying fish and cou-cou. We also honor the stories and traditions that make Caribbean food so special like Haiti's soup joumou to Bajan salt bread, illustrating how food preserves cultural identity. Join us as we unearth how ancestral practices and ingredients have been preserved and adapted, revealing the deep connections between food, culture, and history.

Leanna Pierre is a food blogger (under the name Mrs Island Breeze) and world traveler who loves to cook for her husband and children. A first-generation American, she is proud to be the daughter of her Barbados-born and raised parents. Leanna learned how to cook from her mother and her paternal grandmother and has continued to develop her skills over the years through various cooking classes and expanded her repertoire to include cuisines from all over the world. Leanna’s specialty is traditional Caribbean cuisine with a twist of “Southern Comfort” from living in Atlanta for the past 15 years.

The founder of Knockout Kitchen, Kerline Ordeus has been cooking for over 20 years. She learned how to cook from the villagers and her family in Haiti. They were taught by their parents and parents' parents. Haitian cuisine is all about flavors and techniques. A true labor of love. Like every Haitian, Kerline is very much in love with her island. What she remembers most is the beauty of Haitian people despite the hardships that they still face today, hence, her passion for people and why she loves cooking. Follow Kerline online.

Caribbean Legal Solutions is the easiest way to find an attorney in the Caribbean. Contact them today at 1-877-418-2723 or via WhatsApp (718) 887-6141 or caribbeanlegalsolutions.com

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The food on our plates tell stories of colonialism, cultural resistance, and resilience. Join Strictly Facts and guest Dr. Mónica Ocasio Vega, esteemed cultural scholar, cook, and assistant professor at Trinity University for a fascinating culinary journey through the Hispanic Caribbean. Drawing inspiration from her father's activism and her academic background, she unveils how food intersects with race, gender, and class to shape the unique national cuisines of Puerto Rico, Cuba, & the Dominican Republic.

The United States has long, complex relationship with the Caribbean, impacting its nutritional spheres. Dr. Ocasio Vega helps us unpack these issues by exploring the layers of U.S. intervention, often disguised as aid, and its repercussions on traditional foodways. Particularly poignant is her discussion on Puerto Rico's colonial status and its challenges achieving true food sovereignty, considering the impact of agricultural policies like the Jones Act that have altered the food landscape. We also discover the interconnected histories of Caribbean food, shining a light on the oft-overlooked Chinese Caribbean cuisine. From the legacy of Chinese Cuban entrepreneurs to Afro-Asian fusion dishes, we explore the culinary diversity that defines the region. This episode is sure to enrich your understanding of the vibrant, multifaceted world of Caribbean food traditions.

Mónica Ocasio Vega is Assistant Professor of Spanish at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. Her research focuses on the intersection of food, race, and gender in the Caribbean and its diasporas. She describes herself first and foremost as a Puerto Rican cook, daughter, granddaughter, sister, and nourisher from el campo in Cabo Rojo. Her work has been featured on Gastronomica, Small Axe, Intervenxions, and Remezcla, among others. Follow Monica on X &

Caribbean Legal Solutions is the easiest way to find an attorney in the Caribbean. Contact them today at 1-877-418-2723 or via WhatsApp (718) 887-6141 or caribbeanlegalsolutions.com

Disclaimer: This podcast ad contains general information about Caribbean Legal Solutions and is not intended as legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.

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Ever wondered how Caribbean cuisine became a melting pot of flavors and cultures? Join us for the first part of an eye-opening series with three culinary experts who have dedicated their lives to celebrating and preserving the rich food traditions of the Caribbean. Featuring Jamaican-Canadian chef Noel Cunningham, seasoned home cook and food writer Lesley Enston, and Guyanese-born food blogger Althea Brown, this episode promises to elucidate Caribbean culinary history and its global significance.

Discover the intricate stories behind iconic dishes like Jamaican jerk and Guyanese Pepper Pot, and learn how historical movements and colonization have infused Caribbean food with African, Indian, Portuguese, and Asian influences. We debunk myths about the simplicity and healthiness of Caribbean cuisine, revealing the complexity and nutritional richness that have been overlooked. Our guests offer invaluable insights into the labor-intensive processes and cultural significance behind these beloved dishes, enriching your appreciation for this diverse food culture.

We also tackle the fine line between celebrating Caribbean cuisine on a global stage and the risks of cultural appropriation. Learn from heartwarming personal anecdotes and professional experiences how Noelle, Lesley, and Althea are championing authenticity and respect in the culinary world. Tune in for a comprehensive, heartfelt exploration of Caribbean food culture that will leave you both informed and inspired. Don't forget to check out strictlyfactspod.com for more resources and follow us on social media for ongoing discussions.

Be sure to follow Althea, Lesley, and Noel and support their work!

Caribbean Legal Solutions is the easiest way to find an attorney in the Caribbean. Contact them today at 1-877-418-2723 or via WhatsApp (718) 887-6141 or caribbeanlegalsolutions.com

Disclaimer: This podcast ad contains general information about Caribbean Legal Solutions and is not intended as legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.

Support the Show.

Connect with Strictly Facts - Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

Looking to read more about the topics covered in this episode? Subscribe to the newsletter at www.strictlyfactspod.com to get the Strictly Facts Syllabus to your email!

Want to Support Strictly Facts?

• Rate the Show
• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform
• Share this episode with someone who loves Caribbean history and culture
• Send us a DM or voice note to have your thoughts featured on an upcoming episode
• Share the episode on social media and tag us
• Donate to help us continue empowering listeners with Caribbean history and education

Produced by Breadfruit Media