Top Taste Caribbean Bakery And Grill, Hartford

Top Taste Caribbean Bakery's Chef Sheryl —affectionately known as "Bigs"—claims to make the best fried dumplings in the state of Connecticut. And with one look at the fluffy, perfectly browned morsels, it's hard to argue against. Those oil-sizzled Caribbean delicacies aren't the only stars of Bigs' culinary production, though. The chef also summons the namesake region's tropical flavors through classic staples such as jerk chicken, shrimp kabobs, and sweet plantains. And living up to the "bakery" part of the name, he also lovingly whips up the likes of toasted almond pastries and, of course, rum cake.