LONG ISLAND’S Secret Menus

By Bianca

Somewhere in the southern turquoise archipelago of islands known as The Bahamas is a glistening gem called Long Island. Just imagine driving down a secluded sandy road and, as you peak the hill, there’s a breath-taking scene of sparkling diamond-blue waters awaiting you.

A pleasant surprise when you least expect one. This, my friendly readers, is the experience of the “Out Island life”, “the Family Island life”. Always an adventure, discovery awaits at every turn!

On your journey through my favourite island in the sun, undoubtedly, Long Island will become your favourite island, too!

As you drive around the island, hair blowing in the wind as the sweet island breeze brushes across your face, you may just stumble across an unexpected “rum bar”. Or even have chats with locals to hear about some “to die for” food that you are not going to find at any local restaurants anywhere on the island. While you may hear of these secret menus, you will just have to find the secret off the beaten path, foodie hub, which will have you pre-ordering your food for your next island visit. Or perhaps even take it on your return flight back home.

The food scene on Long Island has evolved over the last few years, exploding with new food options, apart from the traditional favourite dishes. While the “baked macaroni” is the showstopper of every plated meal, significantly so for Sunday family dinner, it is the conch salad and conch fritters which are by far the “bucket list food” which are a must-try. It is a kind of, “don’t leave for home” unless you have experienced one or both.

While your favourite Bahamian food is very much always a “bite” away, the foodie culture has subtly transformed the local food atmosphere.

With a combination of a few bright minds and knowledge of different food cultures, practice in the authentic preparations of unique food styles lends to the “party in your mouth” type of feel. It’s the transformation from the everyday “boring” yet down-home favourites to new and exciting foods that one doesn’t have to catch a flight or boat to enjoy but can feast on with the “art of yummy” right here on Long Island.

Thanks to the talented food creators emerging on the Long Island Bahamas food scene. There is definitely no shortage of great cooks throughout the island, but when you find that special food that hits your spot, it is sure to bring you back for more.

Once you’ve made your way to this skinny stretch of land, be sure not to miss a chance to experience the off the beaten path food and drink crawl. Hit up some of the off the chains, home-based businesses.

Hungry? No need to wait, there are so many food tips to choose from here on Long Island. From the favourites like American, Italian, French, Mexican, Chinese, Tex Mex, Japanese, German, Jamaican, Philippines, Greek and Guyanese. But the trick is finding these secret food places. You won’t find these chefs cooped up in a restaurant’s kitchen. They are at home or at the little roadside hut, “cheffing up” the most amazing taste-thrilling food that you won’t find here at any dining establishment.

On Long Island, these micro-small home-based businesses “out taste” the well-known restaurants, providing such good service, even food delivery—yes, you read correctly. Long Island even has our very own version of “Uber Eats/Door Dash”. Don’t want to drive to pick up? Unfamiliar with the island? Therein lies the solution.

Well, enough of keeping these menus a secret—let’s reveal some of these food trappings for your tummy’s pleasure!

Landing at Deadman’s Cay airport after a very long flight can make you extra thirsty, so be sure to drop in by Bling Bling Bar and have a seat under the big guinep tree. Cool off and sip on a beer whilst the food cooks on the open outdoor fire. Kendal Hanna, proprietor, “chefs up” authentic Bahamian foods, like fried fish, crab ‘n’ dough, grilled pork, okra soup and more. Chef Hanna is a big, hearty fellow with an even bigger heart for his customers. Stop by and take a sip under the big tree.

Preparing for a road trip? Of course, you are! Because every day is a road trip here on Long Island, to any and everywhere! While on your drive, there’s a little spot right on the side of the road in a quiet village called, “The Bight”. Here, you will meet Blanche “Letta” Fox and George Fox, the husband-and-wife duo who operates a down-home-style bar and restaurant, Letta’s. The pair opened their roadside establishment in June of 2019. Serving up a variety of foods like

American favourites burgers and fries, and Bahamian favourites chicken wings, Letta’s also offers a decent selection of beer and rum to excite the buds. You may just end up singing a karaoke tune or two while sharing stories with some locals.

Greece, yes, you read it right. Greek culture is alive and well here on Long Island. Our special blend of native Bahamas and Greece intertwined within our community, family, and food life.

Warning: Be prepared to be “yummified” with Greek goodies by The Grazing Place. This home-based business is headed by a gorgeous Bahamian-Greek goddess, Demetria Constantakis. Specializing in charcuterie and custom grazing boards and boxes, this stop is perfect for any party or treat. Located in the small community of Petty’s. Established a little over one year ago, this appetizing food option has something for everyone. A variety board/box with meats, cheeses, wines, and fruits – it’s your choice. Get your favourite sipa and desserts as well. From baklava to hummus dips, The Grazing Place can surely satisfy your palate, with the Greek inspiration.

Japanese-Greek-Bahamian infusion makes for fireworks in your mouth! Once again, the food scene on Long Island is evolving to meet the rest of the world. Introducing … Ellie Sushi. It’s no longer the mundane peas ‘n’ rice and chicken only anymore. Long Island has options now, food options, that is. Coming from Long Island and Greek heritage, Vangalis Constantakis, a fisherman by trade, decided to create a home-based business showcasing and preparing sushi. Vangalis, inspired by the Japanese food art, introduced the world of sushi to Long Island. With the help of his family and partner, Ellie Sushi (named after his daughter), which was once named Rellie’s Sushi, has brought a new food delight to the island.

A little taste of Italy! Italian Food at Bahama Mama’s. You won’t just find “the best pizza in town” at Bahama Mama’s Daiquiri Bar • Pizzas • Grill. A well-known home-based business serving up Italian food every day, Bahama Mama’s even offers pizza delivery services across the entire island! Along with pasta, daiquiris, and smoothies. But wait…there’s more!

While Italian is on the menu every day, you can get a little taste of food from around the world. You may find some Mexican and Tex Mex food, too, along with tacos, fajitas, quesadillas, and margaritas! Maybe it’s a Sri Lanka, Jamaica, Guyana or Trinidad foodie feel day where you can get your curry goat or chicken, doubles and roti, or some good hot jerk pork or chicken. Yes, Bahama Mama’s even cooks up a true Cajun menu straight out of New Orleans, Louisiana! Sweet treats like King Cake, mouth-watering crab and seafood boils, shrimp and crawfish étouffée, jambalaya, and gumbo. Bahama Mama’s Daiquiri Bar & Pizzas in Buckley’s is owned and operated by Bianca Major. So, be sure to stop by for your piña colada or green smoothie!

Nikita’s Kitchen, located in Burnt Ground, serves up Bahamian food and healthy eating alternatives. Nikita Pratt has a love for food and prepares her menu daily and offers delivery. Nikita’s Kitchen offers customers a clean eating menu with mouth-watering salads and fruit-infused teas. While there is no shortage of good food throughout Long Island, Nikita’s Kitchen is a treat. You can also find Nikita’s Kitchen at pop-ups and island cookouts and other events.

Rose’s Take-away, also in Burnt Ground, is owned and operated by Mrs. Rose Adderley from her home. This food is so good! Authentic Bahamian food favourites are always on the menu. You can indulge in grouper fingers, peas ‘n’ rice, snacks, burgers and more. Mrs. Rose has been in business for quite a few years and has a strong work ethic. With the help of her husband, they have been running a successful small home-based food business.

The best secret is finding all these extraordinarily home-made and home-based good food spots off the beaten path, since, like we said at the start, you won’t find them in the local restaurants.

It’s not just a standard, flat-tasting food routine, like you get from the “regular spot”. The food is bold, beautiful, and tasty!

But no matter where you go or what’s on the menu, remember these three tips: Explore! Be open-minded, bold and expand your taste buds. And take a bite out of Long Island! UA