Archive for the ‘Dining’ Category

Smokeys Photo Essay

September 5, 2010

My favorite one stop spot for Ting,  beach, sun, food, music  and fun is Smokeys. Clyde runs a smooth restaurant. Upon arrival I was given my own beach chair and umbrella. The waitstaff pampered me on this quiet day serving me an icy cold Ting immediately. If you have not tasted Ting, you have not lived. This grapefruit soda is both delicious and refreshing. A sip reminds me I am home..somewhere amazing in the Caribbean.

I always seem to gravitate towards the chicken roti. The salad is great with an amazing dressing and the roti is delicious. It’s not your typical roti. The skin is more like a burrito wrap but it works. The curry is really tasty.

I could sit at Cove Bay all day. The water is pristine with gin clear water. The white powder sand is blinding. What an amazing setting.

I never miss a visit to Smokeys. Typically I come on Sat. to hear the Musical Brothers play for the lunch crowd or on Sunday for the Mussington’s but my recent visit on a  quiet August day was sublime. I am back in Nov. and am counting the days until my Smokey’s Bliss.

Picante in the West End

August 6, 2010

The first time I went to Picante I was wowed. They really know how to make a GOOD Margarite, not the Oasis crap. The food is sublime. Lisanne and I popped over before Mayoumba for drinks and snacks. I ordered a mega pot of homemade guacamole and fresh warm chips. Lisananne order chorizo con queso that looked yummy (I don’t eat meat so did not imbibe). I ordered a top shelf tequila Margarita. It was very potent and quite tasty. Lisanne had a icy cold fresh Mojito.

Caribbean Wind & Sun offers free Concierge to all of their special clients in Anguilla. Call 800-219-0118 or email ann@antiguacaribbean.com to book your holiday in Anguilla and your table at Picante.

Cote Mer in Island Harbour

June 29, 2010

Stephen and Thomas have created an oasis in out of the way, Island Harbour. Most folks don’t meader that far but only about 5 miles from the Valley it is hardly a tough commute.  Cote Mer is close to Shoal Bay East villas, hotels and condos. It was a 20 minute enjoyable  ride from Viceroy.  Having spent years in Russia with two sets of diverse and interesting life experiences the Caribbean beckoned them to come set up a dining spot in Anguilla.

Cote Mer

Lisanne and I went on Sunday night and were greeted by Stephen, a delightful sincere host who insured the evening was nothing short of perfect. We started the night off with Ti Punches. Lisanne recommended I try  the tempura mozzarella salad. She chose the lobster pie. My app was amazing. Large slices of fresh tomato with a drizzle of truffle oil and pine nuts served as the bed for the lovely tufty pillows of tempura mozzarella. I was heaven. Lisanna loved her lobster pie.  The homemade crusty rolls were lovely with unsalted butter. Oh oh, Stephen gave us a taste of smoked Mahi Mahi (ya a sustainable fish) on a toast crust and creme fraiche.  It was amazing. I chose fish soup as an entree  and Lisanne chose the tenderloin. My soup had pernod in it..it was like bisque and delightful. Lisanne pronounced her tenderloin perfect in fact the best she has had on island.

Apple Fantasia

We had little room but were tempted by the menu.  I asked Stephen to choose for me and he recommended the Apple Fantasia with Calvados. Lisanne had the Cuban Night Chocolate Biscuit. We died and went to heaven. Stephen gave us homemade vodka with lime and ginger to digest our meal. Our 3 hour experience was nothing short of fabulous. I will be back Aug. 6 and cannot wait.

Tenderloin

Fish Soup

Cote Mer features a Friday Fish Night with Happy Hour 6-8. This is not to miss for seafood lovers. Everything is caught locally by the fisherman in Island Harbour. To book a table contact your island concierge Ann at Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations. She is an Anguilla specialist having  just returned from at stay at Viceroy. Contact Ann at 800-219-0118 or 011 599 786 3134.

Cuban Chocolate Biscuit

Trattoria Tramonto

June 28, 2010

I have been dying to try this little piece of heaven but each time I do try, they are closed. I am on island mostly in June, July or Aug. and Alan closes late July. I made it this time and had a lovely solitary luncheon. A Trattoria Tramonto, located at Shoal Bay West is an oceanfront restaurant perhaps the closest to the sea than any other dining spot on island. The building is a simple wooden structure with lovely blue hues throughout.

TT

I was seated closest to the sea. There were two parties dining so it was pretty quiet on this glorious June day.  I ordered a crisp cold Pinot Grigio to start. A basket of hot yeasty foccacia and assorted breads came as I perused the menu. I chose pasta with local crayfish. The portion was petite and perfectly al dente. A small crayfish split lay on top. It was a light tasty meal. I am was overcome by the views of Sint Maarten and the overall setting. Alan came to welcome me as he was leaving from his own family meal. I cannot wait to come back for dinner some time. It was really peaceful and a true delight.

Contact the Ann, an Anguilla specialist at 800-219-0118 or 011 599 786 3134 to book your escape to Anguilla.

Jacala Restaurant

June 28, 2010

Grilled Watermelon Salad

My friend Lisanne and I headed over to Mead’s Bay to dine at Jacala. What is bettter  than oceanfront dining with your feet in the sand? We arrived 11:30 but were asked to wait until 12 for the restaurant to open. We sat near the sand staring into ocean blue. The setting is simple and divine. The owner Jacques was having a pre lunch swim. It is always great to see the owner enjoying life..that good vibe gets passed on to his guests. At 12 he seated us and took our drink order. We shared two bottles of Pelegrino during the meal. Lisanne and I shared the grilled watermelon and goat cheese salad. WOW…who knew you could grill watermelon. It was sublime. I had the lobster club sans bacon and the tarter sauce on the side. Lisanne had a simple burger. Everything was amazing. My sandwich was simple and fresh. We shared a pot au chocolate for dessert, a small thimble size concoction. Pure ambrosia.

Lobster Club at Jacala

Caribbean Wind & Sun offers complimentary Concierge Service including reservations to Jacala. Please contact ann@antiguacaribbean.com to book your escape to Anguilla.

One Bedroom Suites at Viceroy

June 27, 2010

I inspected a 976 sq foot unit this morning for my new client who arrives in July. Pure heaven…

1 bedroom Suite

The unit features a massive covered patio and plunge pool with sweeping views of Mead’s Bay.

Bedroom Bliss

I love the artful designs, the colour scheme and most of all the oh so comfy bedding at Viceroy.

The bathrooms are spacious and is well attended by discreet staff I never seem to see…..

The living area is perfect for starting the day and preparing a light meal or coffee. More comfort in mind.

Specials prevail so contact me to book your Viceroy escape at 800-219-0118 or ann@antiguacaribbean.com

Breakfast at Viceroy

June 26, 2010

Fruit Bar

Continental Breakfast was included in my room rate. I have never seen  a Continental Breakfast of this magnitude.

Breads and Sweets

Hot Cereals and Dried Fruits

Viceroy Bliss

June 26, 2010

I am pleased to add the opulent and magnificent Viceroy Anguilla to my Anguilla inventory. My first guest arrives in July but first I decided to experience Viceroy Bliss. A detailed travel log will follow in the week to come but please enjoy my photo essay from Day 1 and 2.

arrival

Set on 3200 feet of beachfront bliss Viceroy is nestled between Meads and Barnes Bays. Aside from the breathtaking views, the art that is displayed throughout the property is staggering.

Studio Plunge Pool

The studio suite is lovely with a private plunge pool and the sea below my room. The furnishings are comfortable and artistic.

bedroom bliss

I love Egyptian cotton and good bedding..Viceroy came through. I had a splendid first nights rest in this massive bed.

Last night it rained and the temps dropped into the mid 70′s. This tub came in handy.

Infinity Pool

Barnes Bay

To book your Anguilla escape please call 800-219-0118 or 011 599 786 3134.

Veya Dining Photo Essay

April 4, 2010

Veya Dinner

When clients ask me where to dine I have a few favorites. Luna Rosa always pleases. The swordfish special is my daughter’s favorite. Silviestro, the owner always welcomes my guests with warmth and kindness.  Picante’s margaritas and entrees are consistently amazing.the setting as it’s chill and funky.   All of my clients LOVE Veya. Enjoy a few photos of a recent dining experience. Located on the road to Sandy Ground, the setting is restful, the food consistent and the reviews always good. After, stop at Elvis’s for a drink. To me, that’s a perfect night in Anguilla.

To book your Anguilla Bliss contact Ann at Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations: 800-219-0118 or ann@antiguacaribbean.com

Photos Courtesy of Harriet Nash and Posse

Pyrat Rum Punch

February 26, 2010

Make simple syrup (cool completely)

Squeeze fresh lime

2 drinks:

3 shots of Pyrat rum

3 parts simple syrup or to taste

2 parts lime juice

pour over ice

grate fresh nutmeg

Cheers

E's Oven Fresh Rum Punch