Ep #44 Caribbean Fusion Food at Jose Melendez' Twisted Taino

I was unfamiliar with the Taino people and culture before Twisted Taino came on the scene. But I am sure glad I made the inquiry because now I have a mofongo obsession, and there is so much more to discover. This cuisine blends foods of Puerto Rico, Cuba, Jamaica, Colombia and even has some African food origins. It's delicious, flavorful and full of brightness and it will transport you to warmer places, at least mentally!

That said, like most indigenous foods with deep roots there is usually a darker side and this is no exception. (Here's a terrific article on the indigenous culture I recommend.) Oh, and it is pronounced Tie-EE-noh.

Jose Melendez shares his personal journey through food, the deep connections he has to his native Puerto Rico, and walks us through some of the foods at Twisted Taino in this episode. I bet you learn something and I know you will want to try the food, or plan a Caribbean vacation.

This episode is made possible with support from Chef Douglas Katz, Perfectly Imperfect Produce and Ohio Wines.