Palm trees, sunshine and the island flavor of the Caribbean made its way to “A Little Taste of the Caribbean,” presented by the Residence Hall Association’s Believing in Culture committee Monday night.

The evening featured the NIU Steel Band on instruments from the islands of Trinidad and Tobago.

West Indian curry chicken and rice, jerk chicken and Jamaican beef patties were provided by Island Jerk Chicken, 1922 E. 79 St., Chicago

“It’s spicy enough that it’s tasty and it has a lot of good flavoring,” said Dave Vercammen, a freshman English major, who sampled some of the entrees for the first time.

With streamers, confetti and stickers of sea creatures scattered across the tables, the island party showcased people dancing, relaxing and savoring food.

“I get the feeling that I’m on a cruise,” said Brian Veitch, a freshman math education major.

The event was the first in a series for BIC Week.

“This [week] is to celebrate and to get people involved in the residence halls,” said Melissa Kowlessar, a freshman political science major and secretary of BIC.

BIC has a bunch of events lined up for the rest of the week.

“Believing in Culture Week is also a way for different cultures to get a taste of American culture,” said Amanda Bowling, a senior sociology major and president of Stevenson Towers South’s hall council.