Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain
340 Provencher Blvd.
Visited Sunday, 5:30 p.m.
 VENUE: Seats 500. Air-conditioned, spacious hall.
FOOD: Your choice of curried chicken or beef with rice sells for $7.50, with a combo plate going for $9. Add some flaky roti for $7.50 and finish with gingery peanut sugar cake, currant rolls or sweet bread for $2.50 each. Rum punch is $5, with a good selection of beer available for $4-$5.
DISPLAYS: This year's theme is Melodies of the Caribbean. Listen to live steel drums while you examine a display of assorted woodcarvings, straw handicrafts and traditional curries and spices. Take a whiff of prized Blue Mountain Coffee beans, on sale at $13 (4 oz.) or $24 (8 oz.).
SHOW: A high-energy show includes local High Life steel orchestra, calypso song and dance numbers, and, of course, limbo.
CULTURAL HIGH POINT: You'll be amazed as slinky Toronto-based limbo dancers Ayanna and Kanieshia shimmy their bodies under impossibly low, fiery poles. Don't try this at home.
LOST IN TRANSLATION: The sound system is cranked to uncomfortably high decibels, with only the gentle, acoustic steel drums providing relief. Bring earplugs or sit near the back.
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