Caribbean: A Delectable Destination
The tropical climate of the Caribbean islands, crystal-clear waters, and culinary influences make for some amazing culinary experiences. The flavor profiles found in the Caribbean are as varied as the very islands themselves. Borrowing cooking techniques from their home countries, using foods local to the Caribbean, and the influence of neighboring island trade, all come together to give travelers a rich culinary experience. My partner and I have taken over a dozen holiday trips to the Caribbean in the last 12 months, and they all have been gastro-tours. We visited the kitchens, met the culinary staff and chefs at renowned resorts, and sampled many of their specialties. These Chefs pampered and treated us to the very best they had to offer. Try to make them part of your next culinary travel plans.
Anguilla Anguilla is one of the must-visit island paradises in the Caribbean. We’re talking postcard perfection here. I recommend that you stay and eat at the Residences at Viceroy Anguilla. Their signature restaurant Coba serves Italian dishes with Caribbean twists utilizing local ingredients. Chef Rafael Gonzalez knows his way around local seafood dishes, but his Caribbean five spiced pork loin and pumpkin fritters is why we dine at Coba. You know the kind that melts in your mouth and you hold on to it as long as possible? Yes, that kind of dining! Afterward, enjoy an amazing wine in La Cave then head to the Sunset Lounge to watch the sun dip into the Caribbean Sea. Bahamas The islands of the Bahamas are technically not part of the Caribbean due to their location in the Atlantic, but they are often associated with the Caribbean. The Atlantis Resort in Paradise Island is truly magnificent and so is the re-imagined Café Martinique made famous by its appearance in the 1965 James Bond classic Thunderball. Chef JeanGeorges Vongerichten has recreated the luxurious ambiance of Café
Martinique by pampering diners with old-world elegance and iconic style. Chef Vongerichten serves French classic gourmet fare at Café Martin, leading your senses on a culinary journey. By far my favorite is the tender lamb they serve here. If you’re a lover of lamb like me, it’s going to be difficult to try anything else, but make sure to also order the filet mignon, it melts right in your mouth. When you’re in Atlantis, before hitting Nobu and Mesa Grill, be sure to make your reservation at Café Martinique. If we weren’t on a gastro-tour there was no way we would have received a reservation—the food is that good! More travel destination and tips at www.vacation-now.com