Island Butterfly Travelogue: Little Ochie Seafood Fiesta

Journey with me to a sleepy fishing village that boasts several seafood restaurants. Alligator Pond is the name of this fishing village. Today we'll be focusing on Little Ochie Seafood Restaurant. Set on a stretch of silvery black volcanic sand, Little Ochie embodies the concept of a home away from home.

When you go to Little Ochie Seafood Restaurant in Alligator Pond you will see dinning rooms made from thatch and damaged boats. With the main building being a modest size bungalow that houses one of the bars, the kitchen and prep area and the freezers for customers to choose their seafood.

Over the years Little Ochie has gone through several changes, both, positive and negative such as sand erosion due to global warming and loss of some dining areas. On a positive note, there has been several additions such as a snack bar and ice cream shop and a cock tail and juice bar. Despite all the changes that have occurred Evrol "Blackie" Christian and his wonderful team have maintain the standards that they started with. "But "Blackie" warns: "This is no white tablecloth and black tie service", as the men he employs finish scrubbing great and shining 'pudding pans' under a gushing pipe outside" - www.littleochie.com

Each year Little Ochie sponsors several events including but not limited to the Annual Fishermans Regatta usually held on New Year's Day and the Annual Little Ochie Seafood Carnival usually held the second (2nd) Sunday in July.

Some of the gastronomical delights offered by the restaurant are as follows :-

1) Fish - Steamed Fish, Foiled and Roasted Fish, Brown Stew Fish, Jerk Fish and Fried Fish.

2) Shrimp - Peppered Shrimp, Garlic Shrimp, Curried Shrimp, Stewed Shrimp, Fried Shrimp, and Jerk Shrimp.

3) Lobster - Grilled Lobster, Garlic Lobster, Curried Lobster, Jerk Lobster and Fried Lobster.

4) Crab - Curried Crab

5) Conch - Stewed Conch, Curried Conch, Barbequed Conch, Brown Stewed Conch and Fried Conch

6) Octopus (Sea Puss) - Stewed Octopus, Curried Octopus, Barbequed Octopus, Brown Stewed Octopus and Fried Octopus.

7) Fish Tea & Conch Soup

8) Chicken - Jerk and Fried Chicken

9) Vegetarian Dishes - Tofu, Stews and Salads

These dishes are usually served with plantains, roast corn, crackers, bammies and festivals. There a delightful blend of natural seasonings such as thyme, escallion, pepper, and onions.

Little Ochie is a seafood lovers dream with a wonderful combination of great food, fantastic ambiance and a bit of je ne sais pas as the French would say.