Caribe Blue: The Flavor of Family

Most recently, we were invited to Caribe Blu located on S. Alafaya Trail across the street from the Stoneybrook Golf Community to a special event marking their restaurant being open for six months.

Upon our arrival to the restaurant, we were welcomed by a warm and inviting decor filled with pictures of family members, which surrounded a saying, all in big letters “el sazon de familia” which means “the flavor of my family”.

This was quite apparent, because this event immediately gave me the vibe of the family parties we had growing up, with plentiful amount of food and drinks as well as people vibrant as the music.

It was a family style vibe, come with an empty plate, leave with a full one with many popular dishes they serve at the restaurant; pernil asado, pollo guisado, and much more!

I quickly loaded up my dish, for I had not eaten lunch that day and began to sit down as we listened to the salsa music that peppered our ear buds.

For my first dish, I loaded up with my typical favorites, pernil (pork shoulder), rice, and ropa vieja (a shredded steak dish) and ate away.

In high school many of my friends invited me over to their family parties, and it was then where I gained an appreciation for both Hispanic food and culture.

Once I took the first bite of pernil, I was reminded of the various family parties that my friends invited me to long ago. The food which was hearty and delicious, and at first bite it was clear of the years and years of tradition passed down from generation to generation. This is how hispanic food should be, and was perhaps the closest to a home cooked meal away from home.

The rest of the night was filled with some live music, and raffles sponsored by local businesses such as Hand and Stone Spa, Avalon Jewelers, and Republic National.

I came in there not knowing anyone and I came out feeling like part of the family.

From my perception, the overall goal of Caribe Blu is to make you feel like part of the family through both the food and the hospitality.

Susan Nett (owner) mentioned to me about the various events that occur during some days of the week, like live music and dancing on the weekends and a very attractive brunch special that occur on Sundays.

Thank You Caribe Blu for making me feel like part of the family with the great service and great food.