Forget your dreary British winter, Clive Myrie’s passport is once again getting a workout, and this time, his taste buds are along for the ride. In the second episode of Clive Myrie’s Caribbean Treasures, the BBC newsman trades geopolitical analysis for gastronomic exploration, embarking on a culinary tour of the islands.
While Myrie’s usual beat involves sober suits and serious pronouncements, here he’s all relaxed linen and enthusiastic bites. This week’s itinerary is a whirlwind of flavors. In Jamaica’s misty Blue Mountains, he learns about the fiery art of jerk cooking, a technique far removed from the measured pronouncements of News at Ten. Later, near Kingston, he tries his hand at concocting a traditional stout punch, a drink that probably won’t be making an appearance at the next diplomatic summit.
His Caribbean culinary quest continues with a fishing expedition in Barbados, presumably resulting in a cookout that would put any soggy British barbecue to shame. In the Dominican Republic, Myrie tackles carnival food, adding a touch of festive indulgence to his journalistic palate. The journey culminates in Havana, where he learns the secrets of Cuban cocktails—mojitos and daiquiris, anyone?
This isn’t just a breezy travelogue though. Myrie connects with locals, gaining firsthand insights into the heart and soul of Caribbean cooking. He isn’t just sampling exotic dishes; he’s absorbing the stories, traditions, and history woven into each meal. It’s a welcome reminder that even the most seasoned news anchor has an appetite for adventure, and sometimes, the best stories are told through the language of food.
Clive Myrie’s Caribbean Treasures airs Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 7:00 PM on BBC Two.
