B & T Caribbean Market

Just got back from lunch at B & T Caribbean Market, on the strength of Jeremy P.‘s review. I found the market to be little more than a roadside shack alongside Dorchester Rd, with Caribbean flags painted on it. A chill reggae tune escorted me in to a dim, sparsely appointed store, the whole of which could be taken in with one wide glance. While the ramshackle exterior, and spartan interior, are likely to turn some folks off, I rather appreciated the lack of aggressive lighting and advertising.
I stepped up to the counter, where a genial Rastaman welcomed me. I inquired about food offerings. He said they serve food on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Today they had an oxtail plate for $ 10, as well as a snapper dish. They were also preparing curry goat, but he said it would be a while until it was ready. I placed my order for the oxtails, then perused the store.
With only indirect sunlight to guide me I felt compelled to slow down and take things in one by one; a not unpleasant, forced shopping meditation, if you will. Despite the lack of décor or signage, the shelves were stocked with all manner of nifty goods, unfamiliar to my eyes. This definitely seems like a good place to provision yourself for some Caribbean home cooking, or to simply add a dash of something different to your usual diet. As for myself, I picked up a can of fruit punch mix to go with our favorite rum concoction and, from the cooler, a Puerto Rican malt soda. Along the way, a couple of guys from the neighborhood came and went. They greeted me with smiles, and even a fist bump from one. That was pretty sweet!
After a few minutes, my food was ready to go: a large Styrofoam container, with a plastic fork and napkin, in a plastic bag. Unfortunately there is no where to sit. I would have enjoyed soaking in some more of the chill vibe of the store and its proprietor. But I did find a decent picnic spot at the W.O. Thomas, Jr. Boat Landing, about 2 miles down the road. (Just past the County Detention Center!)
Oh, «How was the food?» you ask. It was delicious: a big heap of rice and (butter?) beans, with bits of meat, and about six pieces of (beef) oxtail in a thick, rich broth. While not particularly messy, do expect to get your fingers involved. This is a bone-​sucking type of meal. Also included, in the third partition of the plate, was some sort of cooked cabbage and carrot salad, topped with a slice of lightly fried plantain.
I kept telling myself I was going to save a portion to take home for my gf to sample. Didn’t happen. (Sorry, babe!) Next time I’ll order two plates.

Up in North Chuck today and cruised into this wonderful gem. I’m a lover of Caribbean culture and food. — this place has the vibe of my favorite Barbados rum shop. A great selection of groceries from the islands from various jerk marinades and sauces to festival dumpling mix, juices, roots tonic, and the staple Jamaican patties hot and ready to go. They even have canned ackee and fresh scotch bonnet peppers. Also a big selection of reggae albums. The kind, helpful Ras named Rudy working there let me know that they also serve up jerk chicken, curry goat, oxtails, etc. on weekends. I’ll definitely look forward to catching that. If you’re doing some real Caribbean cooking and you want real ting, this is the spot. Respect.