And who ISN’T a foodie?? It’s become such a popular term but who isn’t into discovering delicious food, right?? It’s become a “thing”, because every aspect of a vacation is an experience and we do spend a good part of the time eating. So in essence food is an important part of a vacation. And this brings me to this month’s feature of hot spots of fantastic food in our beloved Caribbean. You do not have to travel very far to have some pretty spectacular food while on vacation.
Attracting renowned chefs from around the world these Caribbean islands just do not disappoint. Their chefs go to great lengths to concoct local and international dishes using the freshest ingredients oftentimes from farm to table. They love to combine unique flavors to surprise your palate.
For those travelers in the eastern part of the USA it can mean only a 4-6 hour flight to food paradise, the islands voted year after year as the top food destinations in the Caribbean. I feature them in alphabetical order and emphasize how each island is special in its own unique way.
Anguilla
Oftentimes referred to as the “culinary capital of the Caribbean” this island gets it right every time. Anguilla is known for having what I refer to as “toes in the sand” restaurants. Laid back but still chic with the turquoise sea lapping in the backdrop seaside restaurants that serve up delicious dishes accompanied by friendly ambiance.
Want to do something a little different? Just a 5 minute boat ride and you will step onto Sandy Island, located in the middle of the sea where you will dine on lobster and seafood accompanied by lively steel band music. Don’t forget to take advantage of some amazing snorkeling!
St. Barts
French, very sophisticated and upscale, St. Barts offers a very different culinary experience. The rich and famous have always been drawn here for the food as much as the beaches. Food is an integral part of the St. Barts experience: every year in the first week of November the island’s restaurants host The St. Barth Gourmet Festival. It’s a weekend full of fabulous food with island-inspired ingredients that showcase their contemporary French Cuisine. We could plan your next getaway during this fabulous event but do reach out to us months ahead as it is well attended.
Barbados
Known for its authentic and delicious Bajan cooking this British island has a long list of fine restaurants to choose from. But if you want a low key fun dining experience one evening then you must go into town on a Friday. Barbados is the island that made the tradition of a weekly fish fry famous in the Caribbean. Every Friday locals and tourists alike flock into town to enjoy Oistin’s Fish Fry where you will dine on incredibly fresh fish just picked out of the sea that morning.
Insider tip: take a cab early in the day a few hours before the fish fry begins in order to avoid the heavy traffic and explore the town a bit before the action begins. My personal favorite to enjoy in Barbados – fish cakes, coconut bread and ginger beer.
St. Martin
Worldwide famous for its French and Creole cooking, this island has touted 5 star cuisine for generations. While the island was impacted by Hurricane Irma and is still in the process of rebuilding more and more restaurants and hotels have reopened. The island is going through what they consider a renaissance and revitalization that will make it better than ever so stay tuned with hotel openings by following our Suntastic Instagram and Facebook pages! We hope to send you off to experience the best cuisine that St. Martin has to offer.
What’s new and hot in St. Martin? A new restaurant has emerged and already has started to receive accolades in the travel trade journals – “Barranco” located in Grand Case, is owned by the family behind the famous Riva Plage in Saint Tropez. Their inspiration for the cuisine at this new restaurant is “the Cote d’Azur meets the French Caribbean…along with a heavy influence from Latin America” - sounds delicious!
Turks & Caicos
The destination famous for its baby powder white sand beaches offers some pretty amazing food. So while it can be hard to draw yourself away from the beaches here eventually hunger strikes. In order to enjoy the sea as much as possible I love the open deck seaside location of Hemingway’s Restaurant in Providenciales.
Insider tip: There are plenty of fabulous restaurants to choose from: take note that cab fare is pricey in this destination and no Uber or Lift offered. So just plan that you will pay more than usual on cab fare unless you opt to rent a car for a few days while there.
How Can We Help?
The Caribbean is more than beautiful beaches, it is full of terrific cuisines. Let’s turn your next vacation experience into an amazing culinary experience. You relax while we take care of the details. It all starts with a simple call – have questions? I’m delighted to answer them for you.
Where In The World Is Carmen Traveling Next?
Just returned from a safari in South Africa where we experienced seeing wildlife up close and visiting the beautiful city of Cape Town - and every meal was fantastic!
For that and more, follow our travels and adventures on Instagram & Facebook!
I look forward to all we can plan for you in 2019 and beyond!
Our world is full of amazing destinations; our goal is to get you there one at a time!
Relaxed or Active? Couples or Family?
Tell me what you’re craving and we will plan your next extraordinary experience!
973-887-7441 or Carmen@SuntasticHoneymoons.com
