Peaches HotHouse owners know their chicken.

Are you a spicy chicken aficionado?

Daily News staff writer, Jacob E. Osterhout wrote in his latest article, “If you can’t take the heat, get out of the restaurant. Bed-Stuy Southern food joint Peaches HotHouse boasts the spiciest fried chicken in New York City.”

Osterhout’s story really caught my attention when he quoted Peaches HotHouse co-owner Craig Samuel saying, “People come in all the time and want the extra-hot chicken. They say they can handle it because they are from Jamaica or Africa or Haiti or wherever. But I don’t care where you are from. It’s hot.”

Craig Samuel and Ben Grossman courtesy of Rosier/News.

No wonder, part of their recipe is the inclusion of the world’s hottest pepper – “the ghost chili,” which is also remembered as the Naga Viper. Freakish monikers. Still, I’m crazy enough to try it. That’s coming from a kid that drank Tabasco sauce from a baby bottle at the age of 3.

Yup. And I’m sure I will suffer.

Find out more about Grossman and Samuel’s unbearably hot chicken here.

Cake in the States.

Here’s a gallery of a Filipino bakery in Elk Grove, California. They weren’t too happy when they saw me snapping pictures and insisted that I should have asked for permission first before I did. Whoops.

All Souls Day.

Full moon on All Souls Day.

Last night, I spent an hour-and-a-half in a cemetery celebrating All Souls Day.

That’s right, celebrating. Vincentians all around me were drinking, lighting candles, taking pictures, and shooting off fireworks, honoring the memories of their deceased loved ones.

Raymond, another bakery employee, urged me to visit the grave of his wife who passed away from cancer. He didn’t mourn his wife’s death. We sat and talked about what made her laugh; Raymond reminisced about how happy they were together.

I couldn’t help but appreciate this positive perspective that everyone seemed to share on this festive day.

I trekked back to the house where everyone (myself, Ate Jhoanape, Kuya Randy, JirahMae, Auntie Eppie, Uncle Fidel, and Auntie Alice) sat down around the table for a feast.

Granapple pie.

All on the table.

Full moon on All Souls Day.

Cheese cake.

Rice pudding, I’m sure it has another name.

Mmm, cupcakes.

Here’s a little history: According to Western Christian Theology, All Souls Day is celebrated on the 2nd of November after All Saints Day. All Saints Day recognizes beatified and unknown saints while All Souls Day remembers the faithful departed – those who have not entered the gates of Heaven.

Young Island.

Young Island.

There were some terrific treats that I had the welcome pleasure to devour at this pleasant little resort. The buffet offered a slew of splendid selections that really surprised me.

Can you imagine six kinds of bread?

They had coconut, banana, wheat, white, raisin, and cinnamon. Stuffed myself nearly to death. Had to make room for a couple of pina coladas and apple salad (pineapple, watermelon, apples, and lime slices washed with a sweet syrupy concoction).

Feasted on roasted goat sprinkled with coconut gratings and sauteed in curry. Snarfed on corn-squash pie, sugared plantains, fried English flying fish with cabbage shreds and pepper…

…there’s more. Forgive me. I’m falling asleep.

Young Island.

Hanging hut light.

Empty chairs.

Parrots by the pool.

Too much to take.

Pina colada time.

Rizaldy’s plate.

Glass of Guinness, locally-brewed.

Countdown.

I think Examiner writer, Debbra Brouillette, said it best, “While Halloween is now the United States’ second most popular holiday (after Christmas)…its celebration is almost non-existent in the Caribbean region.”

Yesterday, I didn’t see one display of Halloween décor while I walked the crowded streets of Kingstown.

We did have a show in Victoria Park where Queen Ifrit and other musicians were scheduled to perform ( I believe that was her name). Promoters were passing out free concert tickets in full-on Rasta-hair and knit hats.  My memory is a little bit hazy at the moment; stayed up past 2 a.m. and couldn’t sleep. The bay is like a huge amphitheater – you won’t and cannot escape the music unless you travel north and over the hills to the other side of the island.

Regarding Caribbean coconut crackers, I can munch on those goodies any day, every day. JirahMae protested my vocal indulgence, a mistake on my part, by declaring the crackers were hers. I never saw those snacks again.

Doesn’t bother me. My late-night munching makes up for that.

Did I mention I’ve gained 15 lbs since I’ve been here? In less than two weeks. I’m on a mission!

Stateside in three.

Taking Off to the Market.

I have plans to head into town by myself today. Guess you could call it shopping, but not necessarily buying stuff that I need. I think I may have semi-consciously given away my Armani sunglasses to Rizaldy on the return from Bequia.

[Background info: Rizaldy is a friend of Ate Jhoanape and works at the bakery.]

Bummer. I really liked those glasses too. Time for new ones.

The Kingstown Cemetery.

Yesterday, I walked past this cemetery.

It felt more historical than haunting. Some of the graves are over a hundred years old.

I helped JirahMae with her spelling words for 15 minutes; hope she does well on her test today. She attends a private Catholic school in Kingstown. I’ll make sure to take a picture of the building when I head down and prowl the streets.

Plans, plans, plans.

Wow, watching the news about the U.S. economy is a total downer. Switching off the tube and time to eat!

Welcome to Bequia.

Beautiful island is an understatement. We took the ferry to Bequia this morning; the trip was 45 minutes each way and so worth it. Bequia was everything you’ve seen on those sexy travel ads, commercials, and magazines tempting customers with solitary beaches, palm trees, and leisurely yacht activities.

Here’s a preview of the scenery. You can find the rest of the collection back here.

Bequia 04.

Bequia 03.

Bequia 02.

Bequia 01.

Apex of Fort Charlotte.

Here is a non-food historical tid-bit. Fort Charlotte was built by the British in 1806. It was constructed to defend against the French. As you can tell from the video, I was totally freaked out by the ascent. Ate Jhoanape, Kuya Randy, Auntie Eppie, JirahMae, and Uncle Fidel were all present.

Lunch, yet again.

Macaroni casserole, plaintains, dumplings, corn, fried chicken, BBQ beef.