By Alexander Britell

TROIS ILETS — It’s just an unassuming food shack. Or is it?

I almost strolled right past Le Boucan, but something pulled me back — the smell of poulet boucané. 

For the uninitiated, that’s the smoked chicken specialty you see being prepared all over this French Caribbean department, from street corners to beachside tents.

It’s something you need to eat on any trip to Martinique, because it’s, well, unbelievably good. It’s so good, in fact, that it will make you forget you’ve ever eaten jerk chicken. Yes, I said it.

And Le Boucan’s is up to par, prepared in the traditional way and served in a food shack that offers the vibe of someone’s private home.

It’s only been open for about two months, but Martinique’s newest restaurant, Le Boucan, is already a winner.

— CJ