The Connection Bernards-Ridge Edition Dec 2018/Jan 2019

SPICE ISLE 41 Mountain Boulevard Warren 908-834-8864 www.spiceislenj.com Joyce Joseph, Restaurateur Joyce Joseph, proprietor, has turned her passion for the flavors of the islands into her restaurant Spice Isle located at 41 Mountain Boulevard in Warren. The restaurant opened in October 2017 and has already earned the distinction of one of “The Best 10 Restaurants in Warren” and a 5-star rating on Yelp. Joyce spent many years in finance on Wall Street and enjoyed a successful career but she longed to pursue her pas- sion; something was missing. She had varied interests that went way beyond finance and it was finally time to make them a reality. With her love for food, wine, cooking and fine dining all over the world, Joyce decided to turn what was in her “DNA” into what is now Spice Isle. Upon meeting Joyce in this warm, beautifully appointed upscale restaurant, you come back understanding her strong connection and excitement for the food her mom, from the Grenadines, pre- pared. Joyce enjoyed these home cooked meals when growing up in New York City and while visiting the islands during the summer. Her goal is to introduce and promote ethnic and cultural diversity to people through food and music in a warm, upscale environment. The steel drum musician plays on Friday and Saturday between 6:30-8:30pm, which adds to the ambience. “Caribbean cuisine, I believe, is underexposed. It’s just not out there. Particularly in central New Jersey where my restaurant is located,” said Joyce. Joyce was not necessarily interested in doing the cooking but rather sought to utilize her managerial skills along with the help of a wonderful chef to bring the flavors of her culture to the public. After spending two years being mentored by some of the best chefs in New York, Joyce was excited and ready to begin. According to Joyce, “It is important for customers to know that Caribbean Fusion is a collection of different foods and spices from various Caribbean islands.” With jerk chicken from Jamaica and curry chicken roti from Trinidad and much more. For those who are fearful of “spicy” food, have no fear. This innova- tive chef is responsive to food intoler- ances particularly those with sensitive taste buds. Dietary concerns are always taken into consideration. Because there are such a wide variety of spices available, what may seem spicy is not at all but just a waking up of the palette. Joyce is most proud to be using farm to table produce and select meats from local farms in addition to New Jersey’s Alba Vineyards. Some customers are so fond of the Alba wines that they choose not to use their own wine. She learned cooking from her mother who made foods from farm to table when on the island of Carriacou in the Grenadines and incorporated her recipes in some of the dishes being offered. “We are a scratch kitchen using fresh ingredients to create flavors reminiscent of a tropical vacation in the Caribbean. Our diners escape to the islands in every bite of our quality, tasty Caribbean cui- sine,” says Joyce. The catering arm of Spice Isle restau- rant is growing rapidly. A local insurance company held Employee Appreciation Day, many of whom enjoyed Caribbean cuisine for the first time. As a vendor for David’s Bridals, Spice Isle hosts bridal rehearsal dinners and showers and numerous birthday, graduation, first communion, and holiday parties with live steel drum music adding to the Caribbean ambiance. Stop in or make a reservation to try Chef’s Calypso, Stewed Oxtails, Caribbean Rice & Peas and much more. Hours for Lunch: Wednesday-Friday 11:30am-2:30pm, Dinner: Wednesday- Thursday 5-9pm, Friday-Saturday 5-10pm, Sunday 4-8pm, Monday & Tuesday closed. 41 Mountain Boulevard, Warren. 908- 834-8864, www.spiceislenj.com.Follow on Twitter or Instagram @spiceislerestaurant. PAGE 54 Dining for the Holidays H N M F H H N M F www.theconnectionsnj.com 908.293.2618 80 Morristown Road, Unit 9, Bernardsville, NJ 07924 www.thaivillanj.com Open 7 Days Lunch & Dinner BYOB Take Out Available Make Your Holiday Reservations Now! Sister Restaurant to THE THAI (formerly Thai Kitchen II, Bridgewater, NJ) Grand Opening