Caribbean Spice & Minnesota Nice

Caribe is a tiny, laid back neighborhood restaurant in St. Paul, Minnesota. It’s the creation of a chef and artist, who mixed their culinary and artistic talents. Serving up dishes from all over the Caribbean in a lively atmosphere, Caribe offers lunch, dinner, weekend brunch.

For years Tony Panelli talked about his dream of operating a Caribbean restaurant. Finally, he decided to quit talking and make it happen. So spring of 2009, as Tony worked his last job, his wife, Heidi scoured the ‘net for locations. Tony would drive around after work checking them out. Months later, one fateful phone call took the search to a hault, "This place is perfect," Tony said. 791 Raymond Ave. was indeed "the one." They closed the deal on the business (then Jay’s Café), cleaned, painted, remodeled the kitchen, and re-opened as Caribe in April, 2010 to neighbors who weren't quite sure what to make of the bright orange curiosity on their street.

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Tony Panelli
aka “Grand Poo-Bah”
Chef & Co-Owner of Caribe

Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Tony moved to Minnesota as a child. Growing up eating Caribbean food, and later becoming a professional cook himself, he has a passion for cooking Caribbean food and loves sharing it with Minnesotans.

Besides learning traditional cooking “secrets” from his mother and working his way from dishwasher to line cook in several Twin Cities restaurants, Tony earned a degree in culinary arts. Combining fine dining and French cooking techniques with his Caribbean heritage, he brings a unique menu to the Twin Cities and a smile to your table.

Caribe is a Spanish word used in the phrase “Mar Caribe” which translates: “Caribbean Sea” or in reference to the Caribbean region.

Pronunciation:
Sounds like “car” and “ebay” put together: “ca-REE´-bay”

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