African Caribbean Food

I hate to give a bad rating, especially to a small business, but was really disappointed in the experience. They must be under new ownership since the last reviews. I was looking for scotch bonnet peppers to make a jerk sauce and had read online this was the only place in town to get them. I went way out of my way to make a trip there, drove by at 10 (when they open) and they weren’t open. I waited till about 10:15 and they were just opening. The only problem was it was really hot in the store (75 degrees out that day, but at least 90 inside) — which is not good for the food and it smelled pretty bad when I went inside. Again they had just opened so maybe it needed a minute to air out, but food shouldn’t typically be stored in that hot of an environment.
The person working was on her cell phone the entire time I was in the store. I kept waiting for her to acknowledge me and I felt like I was interrupting to ask about the peppers. After she had rung up another customer all while still on the phone, I stole my opportunity to ask. She told me they don’t carry them. Ok, do you know who does? No.
Ok, I won’t be back…
I am not even considering the peppers in the review — stores change what they carry all the time. I am strictly looking at the fact that they opened later than the posted open sign, the temperature/​smell of the shop and the person working being on the phone during my entire visit.

This small store is full of everything you need to make an authentic African meal. It’s also one of those rare places where you can find yellow plantains. That saves 2 weeks of my life waiting for them to change colors.
I was lucky to get here before two ladies snagged up the whole box of plantains.
When you walk in check out the Jamaican beef pies that are on the right in a mini oven. It’s easy to miss.
They had Nido, Milo… and even that cereal I had as a kid. I tried this malted ginger soda that was really special. It was sweet and had little crystals of I don’t know what… sugar maybe? I’ll be returning to get more.

I LOVE to cook and I am always looking for exciting recipes, things that are not often found. Having been to Ghana a few years ago, I was introduced to a whole new set of flavors. I came home with recipes, but found it difficult to find the ingredients until I came here.
What this little shop lacks in size makes up for in customer service. The couple who own this store will help you choose items if you are not very familiar with them. If you are looking for exotic food items especially from Africa or the Caribbean I am sure you can find it here.
They have some fresh produce, frozen meats and vegetables even hard to find seafood. Today I was really lucky I found Ghanaian snails, so different from what we find here. The African snails are big, very meaty and similar to abalone (not that big).
You will also find spices and condiments. If you love sardines, I really recommend the Titan Sardines. I make a sardine sandwich that even my fish hating son eats up like crazy.
They also have a nice selection of African DVDs and skin products. If you don’t see it there ask them, if they can order it, they will get it for you.
I promise to post a recipe or two in the very near future!