Hi! and Welcome…
I’m Renee, but everybody calls me Renz. Born and raised in beautiful Tobago, now living in Florida, I’m a Caribbean food blogger, wine hobbyist, and proud mom to a very honest (and sometimes savage) little food critic.
My journey with Caribbean cuisine started with eating my childhood foods. Then, out of necessity, I started cooking in my kitchen, where I learned to infuse love and culture into every dish. Cooking has been a constant in my life, and I share that joy with you through this blog.
As seen in:
My Story! Where it all began.
Now let’s be honest: I didn’t grow up cooking. I grew up eating good food and dodging the kitchen unless I had to wash wares. But when I moved away and couldn’t call on anybody to fix me a plate, I had to figure it out.
Hunger became my motivator, and after a lot of trial and error (and some epic fails), cooking turned into a fun project. One, I actually started to love.
That love turned into This Bago Girl, a space where I share the dishes I grew up eating, the ones I had to figure out on my own, and all the flavor-packed recipes that help me stay connected to my roots.
Why this blog came to Life.
With years of experience in my kitchen and sharing recipes on ThisBagoGirl, I’ve honed my skills in making Caribbean cooking accessible for everyone.
My recipes are carefully tested to ensure they’re easy to follow, so even beginners and busy people can bring authentic Caribbean flavors into their homes without spending hours in the kitchen.
I’m especially proud to make recipes that help fellow islanders reminisce about familiar flavors while introducing new audiences to the diverse and vibrant cuisine of the Caribbean.
Fun Facts About Me
I once triggered the fire alarm—not from burnt food, but from how strong the pepper was.
My son Zayne is autistic and brutally honest about what he likes. (He’s the real boss in this kitchen.)
I don’t eat pork, so you’ll always find pork-free options here.
I love a good lime and believe food is how we remember, connect, and celebrate.
Where to find us
Want to say hello or share how your recipe turned out? You can find me on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Pinterest under @ThisBagoGirl, where I post behind-the-scenes kitchen snaps, quick video tips, and sneak peeks of new recipes. I love hearing from you, so drop a comment on any post or send me a direct message!
If you’d rather write, head over to the Contact page and fill out the simple form. And don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter at the bottom of the page for fresh recipes, kitchen hacks, and a bit of island inspiration delivered straight to your inbox. Let’s stay in touch!
What you will find on this blog
Here you’ll find tested recipes: from spicy appetizers and hearty mains to sweet breads and refreshing drinks, all designed to bring island warmth to your table without any fuss. Pull up a chair, grab your favorite ingredients, and let’s cook up a little Caribbean deliciousness together!
This blog is for food lovers who want:
- Bold, comforting Caribbean recipes from street food faves to Sunday lunch
- Smart substitutions when you’re far from the islands
- Helpful tips and step-by-step instructions, so you feel confident from prep to plate
- Instant Pot Caribbean recipes—including those in my ebook, Pressha It, for faster ways to get big flavor
- Homemade wine adventures (like blackberry and mango wine), which I share more of over on Renz Wine Adventures Substack.
Whether you’re here to learn, experiment, or just reconnect with flavor, you’re in the right kitchen.
If you have any questions, ideas, or just need some reassurance, feel free to send me a message!
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