Tropical Tasting Pepper Sauce

Due to the extreme success of my pepper sauce, I am going to focus on my small but gradually growing empire and will have the restaurant under new management. I am still the owner of the restaurant, but will not be running the operations solely myself. I am excited about the success of my sauce and want to bring that success to the next level.

Soon you will be able to purchase the Tropical Tasting Pepper Sauce online at www.tropicaltasting.com

This restaurant have been the lesson of a life time. I didn't realize how much hard work goes into the business, but willing to stick it out. I have met so many wonder people, had so many laughs and learned so much about myself. I'm stronger than I thought I was. I have no regrets. The sky is the limit.

A Crunchy Veggie Dish

So at the restaurant a lot of people seem to like my crunchy fresh vegetable dish. It really is a simple steamed dish to make, that anyone could do, I just happen to add a few special ingredients that makes the tropical tasting veggie dish extra tasty of course. I will share the basic ingredients and procedure and you could add your specialty.


Ingredients:
cabbage
yellow, green and red bell peppers
carrots
salt and pepper

Get to work:
You should have a medium size pot that "could" hold four cups of water (BUT DON'T ADD WATER< THE VEGGIES WILL DO THAT THEMSELVES)
cut all of the veggies into elongated strips not cubes (its easier to handle and easier to eat)
boil the carrots separately since they take the longest to cook (you will add them later)
add all of the other veggies to the pot to a medium heat
add a teaspoon of salt and a teaspoon of black pepper
close the pot with the lid and have it sit on the fire for about 15 minutes
then add the carrots after they're soft enough to your liking
mix all together and there you have it, simple crunchy vegetables

What is Roti?

Roti is a generic name for flat breads. Roti are of Indian origin. Roti are eaten several ways here are two types of roti bakes, plain and with dhal (ground yellow split peas inserted into the dough). The latter is known as Dhalpurie Roti or just plain Dhalpurie. Both kinds of roti bake are folded or eaten with the hands like a sandwich. Curries for roti can be vegetarian (channa or chick peas, pumpkin, potato, dasheen leaves (spinach) or baghee (string beans). Roti makes a magnificent lunch or dinner with a generous dollop of curried chicken (boned or deboned), beef, goat, shrimp or vegetables are placed in the center of the flat bread folded over like an envelope.

What is Buss Up Shut?

Above is a great video on how to make Buss Up Shut.

Buss Up Shot (Paratha) is a dough similar to Roti with the chick peas (Dhalpouri,) that is usually eaten shredded with your hands, not folded like a burrito similar to the Roti. Its an original Trinidadian dish eaten with pumpkin, curry potato and any other side dishes desired. The ingredients usually used not including special/secret ingredients are:

Ingredients

* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* Water
* 1/4 cup ghee*
* 1/4 cup vegetable oil

First week as a Tropical Taster Maker

My first week went alright. I'm very tired, but the upside is... I may be losing weight, due to my lack of time spent to sit down and eat something. The first week was to test out the food, take suggestions from my customers, make a few changes. Feel out the place, find out what really works best for me. I just have to remember that this restaurant is mine and make sure everyone else knows that. Of course those with more experience than I have great advice, but I can't have them try to adopt my "baby" as their own.

Balance; that is what I'm working on now. I need to use my time wisely, including taking time for myself. I feel like I'm at the restaurant all the time, which I'm not complaining about, but know I need to get away from it sometimes, so I don't dread going there every time I step through the door. My high school is having a Reunion. I want to go, but now I can't. It got me thinking, will I be stuck here forever? I love working for myself but, I can't have this consume my life. I need to find balance.

http://www.tropicaltasting.com/

Grand Openning

Yesterday was the busiest day of my life. The grand opening was a huge success. I think it all boils down to customer service. Like Pleasing the customer, hearing their opinion and suggestions, and being kind to everyone in life around you because they will be more willing to help you.

The food was tasty, thanks to our Chef, Doug. I only hear that the place was crowed from my kids, because I was running around the hole day getting supplies. We had a survey hand out and got great reviews. Of course there were a few suggestions that I will truly consider.

I'm tired, but I must reach my goal and follow my dreams, for my sanity and for the sake of my children. They have to see that with hard work and dedication they can achieve anything.

My next goal is to own a restaurant chain and be the first Caribbean cook, with their own show on the FOOD NETWORK.(hope you listening FOOD NETWORK)

The opening of my first restaurant

Grand Opening Saturday July 10th my restaurant Tropical Tasting & Bakery. Everyone is welcome, The first authentic Caribbean cuisine. Visit us today and begin enjoying our diverse menu. Our website, www.tropicaltasting.com

I have been working on this project for a whole year after I was laid-off from the Hartford Board of Education. I put all my sweat, blood, tears and money in the business and now it's time for the show to begin. I always wanted my own business. My son, Aulistar even wrote a school paper about how many failed businesses I've had, including a cleaning service, a food truck, a ice-cream truck and even selling water beads in the flea market with my youngest daughter, Sherrie (she take after her mother). But Tropical Tasting is my pride and my legacy left to my children. My children have the privilege to choose to work with the business to fall back on. For those who believed in me, thank you. For those who didn't (lol), thank you, because you make me fight even harder for this. My daughter, Majella always say everything happens for a reason... she's right.