Caesy wrote:

> I'm looking for a typical menu for a Caribbean dinner party. I've
> found plenty of recipes... but I have no idea how to put together a
> typical Caribbean meal. It's for about a dozen people. I'd love some
> drink suggestions, too please.... alcoholic and non-alcoholic (teas,
> coffees etc).
>
> Any other suggestions (e.g. music, decorations etc.) would be greatly
> appreciated as well.

Pit-cooked whole pig, jerked chicken wings, black beans, rice, tostones
(twice-fried plantains; Google for recipe), baked/mashed yuca, tamales
wrapped in banana leaves, a big platter of chopped up veggies (jicama,
carrots, and zucchini at the least), another big platter of fruit (pineapple
chunks/spears, papaya chunks, guavas, mangos, and tangerines. Cherimoyas if
you can get them.)

Most rum drinks would work well. Planter's Punch, Hurricanes, Piña Coladas,
or Zombies leap to mind. Mojitos are trendy, but I don't care for them;
Caipirinhas are trendy and I *do* like them. Margaritas wouldn't be amiss,
either, and sangria is another excellent option. There's a brand
of iced tea called "Paradise" which is nicely flavored with tropical fruits.
You can make non-alcoholic fruit drinks from fruit nectar and fruit juice.
You can add yogurt or coconut milk too, if you like.

Steel-drum music would be better than Jimmy Buffet, IMO. I'm drawing a
blank on decorations; it'll largely depend on where you live and what your
living circumstances are.

Bob