DADDY JOE’S
‘Come as guests, leave as family’ By Nikia Wells Photographs courtesy of Shawn Hanna Photography and Paulterra Johnson
Daddy Joe’s is serving up food that soothes the soul.
Tiffany Johnson-Thompson
Daddy Joe’s Burger
Tiffany Johnson-Thompson
W
hen Tiffany Johnson-Thompson first visited Eleuthera as a teenager with her father, Joseph Johnson, she was eager to escape the calming waters, relaxed vibe and easy-going nature of the island. While she instantly loved the genuinely warm, welcoming and hospitable spirit of her fellow Bahamians, she yearned to return to her fast-paced life in New Providence, complete with all of its amenities. But, in 2008, after cultivating an impressive career in finance, she returned to Eleuthera to manage Daddy’s Joe’s Restaurant & Bar, which was aptly named after her father. Daddy Joe’s is a unique culinary gem. Despite not sitting on Eleuthera’s stunning turquoise water beaches (although it is just a short walk from Gaulding Cay Beach) or having breathtaking views like a number of other properties on the island, it has become a beloved favourite of Eleuthera residents, visitors and even a number of celebrity regulars. Situated just a few minutes from the iconic and world-famous Glass Window Bridge, Daddy Joe’s is a frequent stop on many Eleuthera trips, be it by chance or by intent. Though originally a well-kept secret, it has since been featured in a New York Times article highlighting a number of little-known spots that tourists might miss on their visit to The Bahamas. Since making the leap from the stressful world of finance—with the goal to continue to build upon what her father originally started—Johnson-Thompson has noted that the sense of community and connection she has with the island, the people who dine at the restaurant and those staying in one of the property’s 10 available sleeping rooms, are what make being a part of Eleuthera’s hospitality scene so rewarding. Daddy Joe’s initially started as a bar, then evolved to include small bites before a full restaurant menu was introduced. Johnson-Thompson then engaged some of the country’s brightest culinary minds to craft a menu that celebrated authentic Bahamian cuisine while treating guests to flavor-packed dishes they would not soon forget.
january 2022
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