http://www.chow.com/boards/54 Sat, 05 Jul 2008 23:25:51 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/535759#4305056 Just got back from the Marriott in Candado and thanks for all the posts and help. Had great meals at Miro, Ropa Vieja and Tuscany (in hotel - really good). Also Via Appia is really good pizza - even by NY standards and I think any of the basic italian-sauce-cheese dishes are likely good (my son had Chicken Parm). Disappointed in Ummo - not great, pricey and a far cry from the Argentinian Steakhouses you find in NYC. Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:24:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/535759#4305056 http://www.chow.com/topics/582157#4305022 Just got back from Puerto Rico. Will post dinner comments on different thread. Re: my orignial question - lots of choices around Marriott. Coffee bar in hotel was OK and semi-reasonable. There is a small local restaurant - Orozco - a couple of blocks to the right of the hotel that had good breakfast and lunch (Cuban sandwich, etc.) at very reasonable prices. Danny's International to the left of the hotel near lots of other restaurants also OK for breakfast. Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:18:02 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/582157#4305022 http://www.chow.com/topics/352476#4304449 If you like old world colonial charm, then this is the place for you. It is a hotel, restaurant, cigar factory, bar, and an all around place to be in Nassau for old world nostalgia. The food here is great, and served with a marvelous charm. Dinner feels like you are eating in the Governor’s private dining room, with all of the appropriate accouterments, including furnishings and proper service. They even have an in-house cigar factory, and roll their own. Cigar fans claim are just right, but I wouldn’t know about that. Depending on whom you listen to or what you read, they have a wine cellar that houses between 180,000 and 250,000 bottles. They have the third most valuable private wine collection in the word. Our party of 13 consumed about six different wines, and each was delicious and quit reasonable. JetSetWay tip: The wine list here is a book, but they will help you select one that pleases your pallet and accompanies your meal at a reasonable price. Barry Shulman http://JetSetWay.com Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:00:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/352476#4304449 http://www.chow.com/topics/585135#4302184 Would defintely agree on the Ritz Carlton in the Cayman islands. We stayed there for a week and only ventured off once for lunch and once for dinner. It was that good.....especially the Thursday night lobster buffet at 7. Also Blue is awesome! Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:44:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585135#4302184 http://www.chow.com/topics/582488#4301131 We ate there in June and thought it was the best meal we had in Aruba. Although Madame Jeanettes was closed while we were there. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:51:40 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/582488#4301131 http://www.chow.com/topics/584735#4301103 We are at the Dunes for a week starting Feb 14. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:44:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/584735#4301103 http://www.chow.com/topics/585397#4298960 I'll be going to Vieques next week for the first time, and would like to know if anybody has had experience with El Patio or the Shack. We are a group of 6, and for the first night want something casual and laid back, but with good food. Also, any recommendations about where to buy wine and what are the best rums in PR? Tue, 06 Jan 2009 01:09:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585397#4298960 http://www.chow.com/topics/459445#4297989 If you're in San Juan on either a Thurs, Fri or Sat night, there's supposed to be a large party at Santurce Market with food, music and lots of people. As I was there on a weekday morning, I just saw some vendors. Pikayo isn't too far from the market. I also wanted to say that this market is relatively small compared to markets like Union Square Market in NYC in the summer/fall, farmer's market at the Ferry Building in San Francisco and Jean-Talon market in Montreal. Probably not a must-see if you're in San Juan for a day. Not exactly sure where in California you're from, but I live in NYC and see quite a lot of these fruits and vegetables they sell at the market (eg. quenepa, plantains, yuca, etc.). I would say that the best place to hang out in the evening after dinner would be in Old San Juan. The architecture is beautiful. Lots of bars and restaurants and squares with people hanging out (not all tourists). Near the cruise ship are some food stalls selling coco frios, frituras, etc. (though I'm not so sure if they are the best places to find the best examples of this type of food). There's also a free outdoor photo exhibit called Earth From Above near the cruise ships that's very interesting. Mon, 05 Jan 2009 20:10:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/459445#4297989 http://www.chow.com/topics/584183#4293377 I'm glad to see you are recommending some of the places I was planning on, which are the following: Hungry Lion Sonia's Norma’s on the Beach Xtabi Restaurant kuyaba Rockhouse Sun, 04 Jan 2009 00:41:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/584183#4293377 http://www.chow.com/topics/584779#4292820 I've ruled out my previous ideas to eat at either Il Mulino or the restaurant in La Concha. That means I'm officially looking for a suggestion in Condado. Any help would be greatly appreciated. It's my 40th birthday and enjoy Latin and Spanish food, but am completely open. Thanks! Sat, 03 Jan 2009 20:43:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/584779#4292820 http://www.chow.com/topics/584197#4292817 I second El Convento. Their party room is really cool. Sat, 03 Jan 2009 20:42:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/584197#4292817 http://www.chow.com/topics/582499#4289814 You need to try El Gaucho. Their specialty is Argentinian beef. I have never had a better meal and it's very reasonably priced. My fiance and I are taking a special trip to Aruba in Feb just because of the restaurant. It's not a very romantic spot but a must when you go to Aruba Fri, 02 Jan 2009 17:47:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/582499#4289814 http://www.chow.com/topics/580826#4289723 We were in St. Martin for 2 weeks, ending on 12/27. Here a summary of my restaurant opinions: The Boathouse--Always consistent, always good. reasonable prices with good service and nice sized portions. Pizza Pasta--Ate here for the first time in a few years. Food is ok but the prices don't warrant it. Johnny B Under the Tree--Used to like it much more. food, prices, are just ok. Talk of the Town (Grand Case)-- Disappointing. Food was so so. Prices range from not bad to not worth it (in the case of, lobster) Pizza Cafe--Not recommended. We didn't like the food at all. Peg Leg's Steakhouse--Good steaks and service. Prices are what you'd expect for a steakhouse. Topper's--Good food and prices. Service was good too. Topper's By the Sea--This is in the Flamingo resort. We ate breakfast there 3 times. That says a lot. Food, service and prices were good. Top Carrot--We ate breakfast their often as we do every year. Highly recommended. It was crowded for lunch though we didn't eat lunch there. Zee Best (in Simpson Bay)--Also recommended. Nice menu. Good service and prices. Bamboo Bernie's Tijuana Yacht Club-- Not bad. But nothing special. We cooked dinner several times in our unit as well. We discovered a great new supermarket. It's called Fresh Market. It's near the Grand Marche near Philipsburg. You go down the hill (from Grand Marche) and make a left at the Shell Station. Go about a mile and it's across the street from the next Shell Station. We like it a little better than Grand Marche. Fri, 02 Jan 2009 17:18:33 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/580826#4289723 http://www.chow.com/topics/583949#4287592 I believe that bland food is consistent in hotel restaurants. I think it's because they need to appeal to a uniquely broad audience and bland is the only thing that can't really be called bad. Thu, 01 Jan 2009 17:48:04 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/583949#4287592 http://www.chow.com/topics/268431#4286396 I second the restaurants at the Ritz. 7 Prime and Blue. Both we great. Calypso was good as well. Wed, 31 Dec 2008 22:04:57 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/268431#4286396 http://www.chow.com/topics/582144#4284579 I'm also visiting Negril soon. After previously staying at an AI this time I opted for a villa. Any other suggestions for good food, especially dinner. Wed, 31 Dec 2008 03:40:00 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/582144#4284579 http://www.chow.com/topics/583846#4283025 Hi. Here's a summary of what we ate on our trip to Puerto Rico. As I didn't take notes throughout my meal or during the trip, this is all from memory and a bit spotty in certain areas. San Juan Area La Casita Blanca (Santurce) -- definitely off-the-beaten-tourist path but with the best Criollo food. We were there for a late lunch (around 2P) and there was still about a 20-minute wait. When the guy at the hotel flagged a taxi for me, he asked me where I was going. When I replied La Casita Blanca, he gave me his nod of approval and said that it was really good. Unless you have a car, you'll need to take a taxi. If you have copious amounts of time, I believe a bus goes by there as well. Very popular with the locals and rightfully so. There was a bit of a language barrier, but we were able to manage OK. The waitstaff is incredibly nice and sweet. When we sat down, they gave us some garlic bread, asopao, and bacalaitos. The bacalaitos were really good -- well-fried, spiced and not greasy. Unfortunately by that time they were out of a lot of dishes. So we ordered some stewed chicken and a beef dish. Both were really well flavored and very tender. The chicken dish came with both white and dark meat. I was really surprised that the breast was not dried out at all. I'm thinking that they must have timed the cooking so that the dark meat went in first (which I find that most places do NOT do). Huge portions, and they were served with tostones and rice and beans. After lunch, they gave us a complimentary shot of anise liquer (which really isn't my thing). Prices were extremely moderate, especially for the quantity and quality of food we received. Entrees were around $10-$12. It was a great experience and should not be missed for authentic PR food. Just a warning for those people who are into ambiance -- it's in a converted house and is best described as "shabby chic." It's a bit dark and there's no air conditioning. Windows are just cut-outs in the walls and you'll be hearing roosters across the street throughout your entire meal. Chayote (Mirimar) -- wonderful meal. We started off with some seared tuna on top of tostones and lamb fritters. Both very well cooked. I started off with a stuffed chayote in tempura which was good (I don't think I'm a huge chayote fan, though). We had a lamb confit risotto that was very rich. I also had a chorizo stuffed shrimp in a saffron broth (which was more like a sauce) that was very tasty as well. I don't remember the fourth dish. Everything was well prepared and very flavorful. For me, it was strange to see so many heavy "wintery" dishes on the menu when it's over 80 degrees outside. But I guess this is winter in San Juan. Service was top-notch (as were the prices). For dessert we shared a tamarind cheesecake that I found refreshing. Service was great and very professional. Kassalta Bakery (Ocean Park) -- The bakery has definitely changed since I've been last there. A bit more sleek and definitely a greater Spanish influence. There was a huge selection of imported cheeses on the right and some serrano you could purchase as well. Very busy with locals. As it was Christmas Eve, they were also selling some lechon to go. We shared a pernil sandwich. Portions of the sandwiches are definitely enough to feed two people. They were huge. The sandwich was tasty with the exception of the damn pickles on it which I promptly removed from my half. On our way out, I got a mallorca, one codfish and one ham croquette. I've never had this mallorca I've been hearing so much about and was curious to try it. OK. I've tried it. They were light-textured and fine, but nothing to write home about. The croquettes were good, but not freshly-fried. Pikayo (Santurce) -- So we've finally made it to Pikayo. Setting is beautiful in the art museum. Service was great. More tourists there than Chayote. We started off with some pork belly sliders. We received six very cute mini-sliders beautifully presented. They were delicious, but I wouldn't call the meat pork belly. It was more like pork butt. Like Chayote, I'm blanking out again about what we ate. But it was all good. Oh, I remember that I did order a side order of mofonguitos (little mofongos) which was the best mofongo I've ever eaten. They were shaped into croquettes and deep-fried so you had a lot of crunchy crust to eat. And they added something like bacon to it which really brought out the pork flavor and served in a saffron-based sauce. We both agreed that Pikayo had the edge in terms of food but both were delicious. I was a bit dismayed by the desserts. There was nothing wrong with them but they were things like chocolate souflee, key lime pie, chocolate cake. I finally got it in the Top Chef Season 3 finale when Hung made this great three course Asian-inspired modern meal and then tops it off with a classic chocolate molten cake. The desserts were tasty and presentation was a bit refined, but I felt that they were out of place with the rest of the menu. And the desserts were what I would call "chef's desserts." I'm wondering if they don't have a pastry chef there. Service was top-notch. Marmalade (Old San Juan) -- I was originally going to try Tantra but decided to try Marmalade due to the rave reviews by one poster here. The reason why I was hesitating about Marmalade in the beginning was that the poster said there really wasn't any Carribbean influence. But I found out that there is. I think in guidebooks the restaurant is being labeled as Mediterranean-French. But I think that's wrong (unless the menu has changed recently to incorporate more Latin touches). There were definitely Latin-inspired items on the menu as well as Mediterranean and French. We had ceviche served on tostones and the gnocchi and braised beef. There were a couple of other dishes but just can't really remember right now what they were. Everything was very tasty. Warning to those who expect Puerto Rican sized portions -- these are a lot more sensible portions. It was fine for us but I can see some people being disappointed. We were there for lunch. Later that evening we came back for the coffee and doughnuts dessert which was very delicious (again, some people may consider the portions on the small size). Great service. Waitstaff very well trained. Pamela's (Ocean Park) -- Because of the wicked weather, we weren't able to sit on the beach. I started off with a crab and avocado napoleon which really wasn't that great. The crab came out of a can and just tasted tinny. The avocado was also brownish. DH ordered the filet mignon which was really good. It came with some sweet sauce which we just pushed to the side. The meat was steakhouse quality. We also shared another appetizer and entree but just can't recall what it was right now. But we were pretty happy with our meal (with the exception of the crab/avocado thing). Service was good as well. Casa Dante (Carolina) -- On our way to the ferry to Culebra, we went to Casa Dante for lunch. The lady there couldn't have been any nicer. I ordered the shrimp in garlic sauce which came with a side of mofongo. Both were very good. I think that DH ordered a stuffed mofongo which was good as well. We were both getting a bit tired of plantains by this point. Aguaviva (Old San Juan) -- We stopped there for a late lunch on our way back to the airport. We were getting kind of tired of all the heavy food and was in the mood for something lighter. As we were there kind of late, they were out of a lot of the dishes we wanted. We started off with a trio of ceviches. My favorite was the one with the mango, the house ceviche as it was the most tart. They were all delicious. They gave us a side of tostones with the ceviche. We then shared a baked red snapper stuffed with lobster and mofongo and seared mahi-mahi served with rice and beans. The red snapper was delicious. I was so happy to eat something baked as opposed to fried. The mofongo stuffing was surprisingly light. The mahi-mahi wasn't really our thing. We left most of it behind. But the rice and beans were good. There was definitely a Chinese influence to the dish as it was cooked in a fried rice style. It was served with a side of pancetta bits which we found it was more delicious when mixed into the rice. And there was a small side of stir-fried vegetables! Oh, how delicious those crunchy greens were! The dessert menu didn't look that appealing so we went across the street to Parrot Club. Well-trained staff and our waitress was very nice. Parrot Club (Old San Juan) -- The decor has changed a bit since I've last been there. Even at 4P on a Monday afternoon, it was really crowded with tourists and locals. We ordered the mocha pot de creme and a white chocolate brownie served with chocolate cream. The mocha pot de creme was really delicious, served with fresh whipped cream. There was a butterscotch undertone to the pot de creme that I found delicious. The white chocolate brownie dessert was just OK. Not worth getting. Service was good. You could tell that the guys there were overwhelmed as they brought in a chef from another of their restaurants in as they didn't expect this type of crowd at that time. Culebra Juanita Bananas (on the road to Melones) -- Having been in Culebra before, I knew not to get my hopes too high in terms of cuisine. While I love the people, the beaches and slower pace of life, I'm not crazy about the culinary options. I was really curious to try Juanita Bananas as I've heard decent things about it. I need to preface my report by saying that the regular chef wasn't there and there was a visiting chef there. I'm wondering if that's why I was thoroughly unimpressed with my meal. I'm also wondering if that was the reason why it was almost empty when we got there (there was only one table eating) when I kept reading that reservations are essential. They must have had a surplus of carrots because every single dish was served with carrot ribbons (whether or not it went with the food). The food was probably better than most of the other places on the island, but still wasn't that great. The best thing about the meal was dessert which was a chocolate brownie served with Sealtest variety of vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. Service was good. The waitress there was very nice. Unfortunately, the food was just so-so. Dinghy Dock -- We were there for lunch and I ordered a burger and DH ordered a turkey and swiss sandwich on a croissant. The turkey and swiss was OK -- kind of what you'd expect on Culebra. But the burger was terrible. The meat tasted like stuff I ate at my public school cafeteria -- no flavor, rubbery. When I ordered it, I was thinking, "How can you ruin a burger?" But I was dead wrong. Believe me, I would have rather eaten at McDonalds. Luquillo/Rain Forest Area La Parilla (Luquillo) -- Also known as Kiosk #2, I've read some positive reports about the place. We started off by ordering plantain cups filled with lobster. Way too much plantain to lobster ratio. And the lobster was really mealy -- not like it was rotten mealy but like it stewed in the tomato sauce all day. So probably not our favorite dish. We then had the pineapple shrimp with curried rice special and the filet mignon with guayaba special. The pineapple shrimp was pretty good and tasty. I looked over at the table next to me and was shocked that the lady finished her entire dish as it was humongous. The beef was good but it was drowned in that syrupy sweet sauce. I don't mind a sauce enhancing a protein, but I don't like it to overwhelm it. We just pushed the sauce to the side. The beef came with a side of rice and beans. I have to say that this is the best rice and beans I've ever had. Totally full of lard and really tasty. Seriously, you shouldn't miss it. We shared a quatros leches for dessert (the fourth milk being coconut) but it took quite some time for it come. Our waitress was nice but a bit flakey. After I ordered our dessert, she stopped to take an order for a five top. She literally spent 15 minutes at that table (it wasn't the family's fault) and I just had a feeling that she probably forgot to put in our dessert order. Well, after half an hour later, another waiter saw us and asked if we wanted the check. We said that we were waiting for our dessert. He looked shocked (probably because he saw us doing for quite some long time) and asked us what we ordered. Ten minutes later, the owner dropped by asking if we needed our check. When we told him we were waiting for our dessert, he also looked alarmed and said that he'll take care of it right away. Our waitress then came over and said that she was giving us time to digest. Right. Then somebody brought our dessert which was pretty good. The coconut milk added a nice dimension. As we were eating the dessert, our waitress brought over a dessert and was surprised that we were already eating dessert. And while all this was happening, the family of five never got any food. I felt so bad for them. As we were on vacation, we didn't really have anything better to do so we didn't mind this so much. The horse trotting races which took place in the parking lot behind the restaurant amused us. But if we received this type of service in NYC (where we usually are very busy), I would have probably been pissed. Overall, I found the food very good but not Pikayo, Marmalade or Chayote quality. If you're in the area, not a bad place to drop by. Make sure to order the rice and beans as it's super delicious. Las Vegas (El Yunque) -- We ordered the alcapurria and bacalao croquettes. The alcapurria was very tasty but the bacalao was way too salty. We then ordered the goat stew which was delicious. We decided to get an order of boiled root vegetables as we were so tired of fried food by this time. The pieces of vegetables were delicious dipped into the sauce. I was craving something bright and tart so I ordered the skirt steak with chimichurri. OMG! The worst piece of beef I've had in a long time. I totally know that skirt steak is not tender, but this piece was really difficult to eat and cut and had no flavor whatsoever. I really don't think they tenderized the meat at all. All the chimichurris I've had in the past had a base of cilantro or parsley. But this was just chopped tomatoes, onions and vinegar. I was really looking forward to something green, but ate every scrap of tomato and onion off of my dish. But I left most of my beef behind. At the end they gave us a shot of a coconut rum drink. Really tasty and better than the coconut rum drink we received at Chayote. Guavate Los Pinos -- We did the drive to Guavate from the Rio Mar Resort on Sunday to experience the leconera thing. It did take some time (about 1.5 hour). We got there around 1P so there definitely was some traffic congestion. I was looking for this lechonera that Alfredo Ayala recommended as they used a local pig (apparently most places import their pig as it's cheaper) but couldn't find it. So we went to Los Pinos and waited on line. Los Pinos is the one where Bourdain went to in No Reservations. Lines were pretty long by that time. I think we waited around 40 minutes until we got our food. But it gave us a chance to check out the action behind the counter. We ordered some lechon, arroz con gandules and a pastele. The pastele was totally forgettable. Had much better versions before. The arroz con gandules weren't bad. I hope I don't get flamed for saying this, but we were kind of disappointed with the lechon. The skin was delicious. But the meat we received was so damn dry. I've had dry chicken breast that was moister than the pig. I had no choice but to eat pieces of the meat with the pastele for moisture. I'm wondering if it's the luck of the draw and we just received the most dry part of the pig. Overall, I'm glad we experienced the whole shebang -- the crowds, the drive, the food, the music. But we're really not in a hurry to go back, especially with the dry pig. Tue, 30 Dec 2008 17:53:49 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/583846#4283025 http://www.chow.com/topics/583344#4278248 Well, since no one replied to my post, my girlfriend and I were on our own with respect to the food options here. First of all, let me say that we are staying at the Paradisus Palma Real The Reserve Resort. The reserve is the new "5 Star" part of the resort. It opened 2 days before Christmas, and it is definately not 5 stars. The staff, although very nice, is completely untrained. Complaints written down and ignored. The rooms, while spacious and nice, have many things wrong with them (non-working lights, showers, jacuzzi tubs, no AC in the bedroom, etc.). And worst of all, the food is simply uneatable, with the worst service (over 1 hour for a hamburger) you can imagine. I would not let our dog eat here. That being said, we have so far found 2 amazing local places to eat. Real chowhound experiences. The first is called Jellyfish. It is on the beach and is a two story structure built to look like a jellyfish. The appetizers are respectable, my seafood salad was fine and my girlfriend had a passable greek salad. The drinks are well made. They bring out some oil and balsamic with shredded mozzarella cheese as a side with teh bread. I would avoid this as the cheese is costco quality. The main courses are very good. I had the house lobster, which are 2 lobster tails totaling 2 1.2 pounds, served in a house sauce. I had the fried plantains as a side. The loberster was perfectly cooked and huge, yet very succulent. The sauce is buttery and tangy, but not at all oily. The plantains were perfectly fried, nice and crunchy on the outside with a chewy, sweet center, and made a perfect companion to the lobster, My girlfriend had the cajun shrimp These are medium (fresh) shrimp in a spicy, tangy red sauce served with white rice. The rice is perfect with the sauce, and really beings down the heat of the sauce. The shrimp are very, very good, and their meaty-ness is well balanced by the spice. A side of well braised vegies rounded out an excellent meal. Please note that Jellyfish does not take credit cards, so bring lots of cash. They also sell fish and lobster by the pound, but I recommend the house specialities, Sun, 28 Dec 2008 23:20:07 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/583344#4278248 http://www.chow.com/topics/582890#4274173 We are in Punta Cana Dominican Republic at an all-inclusive and the food is un-eatible (i'm talking cruel and unusal punsihment here). PLEASE does ANYBODY have any recommendations for some good fodd (preferably local cusisine) in the Punta Cana area? I'm heard of Capitain Cook, Jellyfish and La Yola, but don't know anything about them. Help me, Obi Wan...you're my only hope...:-) Fri, 26 Dec 2008 19:27:09 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/582890#4274173 http://www.chow.com/topics/582753#4272937 We will be traveling to Belize City for a day. Any good eats to check out while we are there? Thu, 25 Dec 2008 20:21:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/582753#4272937 http://www.chow.com/topics/477833#4272854 Our musts are Le Pressoir in Grand Case, Mario's Bistro in Sandy Ground and Le Cigale in Terres Basses Thu, 25 Dec 2008 18:55:09 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/477833#4272854 http://www.chow.com/topics/575555#4271738 There's restaurant space at the Retreat at Rum Point, attached to the hotel and separate from the Wreck Bar. It was closed and empty last year when I was there. Wed, 24 Dec 2008 20:53:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/575555#4271738 http://www.chow.com/topics/305517#4271513 There's 2 places close by, but I can't remember there names. I know there's a couple of threads on that (plus a whole lot of other useful info) on this website... http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=bvi Make sure you get to Foxy's on Jost van Dyke & we've always had a good time at the Jolly Roger at Tortola's West End. Enjoy your trip! Wed, 24 Dec 2008 18:56:34 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/305517#4271513 http://www.chow.com/topics/577799#4269868 Groots, a chattel style restaurant on the West Coast has good food at reasonable prices. Waterfront Cafe in Bridgetown, Cafe Luna on the Soathcost (great sushi on Thursday/Friday) and I second twohey on Oisten's. Tue, 23 Dec 2008 23:23:34 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/577799#4269868 http://www.chow.com/topics/572830#4269148 Not sure when you are going -- in fact, you may have already been and come back home by now. Anyway, I was last inSt. Croix a coupel of years ago, and Kendrick's, right in downtown Christiansted, was excellent. Definitley "fine-dining with great food", very good service, and a beautiful atmosphere. Enjoy. Tue, 23 Dec 2008 18:58:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572830#4269148 http://www.chow.com/topics/578561#4269137 No, brand new...it is next to the tax building. It is in a green building. Tue, 23 Dec 2008 18:54:33 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/578561#4269137 http://www.chow.com/topics/571021#4265143 We're still here and went to Coyoba, Coco Bistro and Grace's Cottage so far...our choices are in order of food: Coco Bistro, Grace's Cottage, Coyoba. The lobster at Coco Bistro was great so was the lobster spring roll. Anacoa didn't allow small children so we can't go =( Enjoy your trip! Mon, 22 Dec 2008 05:26:45 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/571021#4265143 http://www.chow.com/topics/580078#4246590 Any suggestions for restaurants around the Luperon Beach Hotel in Dominican Republic? I am going to be there from Dec 25- Jan 8. Would love to get off the resort and try some true local food. Thank you and happy holidays. Mon, 15 Dec 2008 01:01:44 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/580078#4246590 http://www.chow.com/topics/568715#4245618 Lisa, the Parrot Fish cleans the reef..he is an incredibly important reef dweller. Trunk fish and others IMHO are no no's. I hate lecturing folks. SXM was a place I used to frequent 20 years ago when I lived in Antigua. I was there recently for one night en route to the cuisine capital of the Caribbean, Anguilla. I defer to others Lisa for great recs. If you head to Antigua, Anguilla or the ABC islands, I can assist better. I have a few websites to share if you wish to email me at ann@bonairecaribbean.com Ann Phelan Sun, 14 Dec 2008 16:08:00 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/568715#4245618 http://www.chow.com/topics/268406#4242254 I agree, Puerto Rico is by far the tops in Caribbean restaurants. However, if you don't let your expectations run away with you, it is possible to enjoy some good meals in Aruba. It is, after all, an island that has to import all its food. It is not New York, Paris, Vegas, etc. Having said that, we did enjoy our dinners at Madame Janette, Flying Fishbone, Gianni's and Chalet Suisse. Remember, this is Aruba. The vaunted grouper at Madame Janette was excellent, and I asked for the creamed spinach sauce on the side. This island is in love with the concept of drenching everything in either cream sauce, cream cheese, or gooey baked cheese (Dutch heritage). I pigged out on the bowl of marinated onions placed on the table. We had dined at Papiamento last time and enjoyed the romantic ambiance beside the pool. Ditto with Le Dome, which we will return to next time but I wanted some simpler food on this trip. The filet mignon at Chalet Suisse was "like butta," and the service quite attentive, even though I felt as though I had entered a fifties time warp. Everything there was excellent, if unexciting, but unexciting is what we wanted that evening. The garlic bread presented in the basket was delicious. Flying Fishbone was delightful. It is the original dine-by-the-water spot and was worth it. Scratch that. I resent being asked to pay $4 for a tea bag and pot of water. But the scallops were wonderful on a bed of buttery mashed potatoes, my husband's tiger shrimp delicious, and the Dutch apple cake a la mode was to die for. Go no later than 5:30 pm, bring your camera, have a lychee martini and watch the gorgeous sunset. I don't "get" those Brazilian/Argentinian steak restaurants that proliferate because we don't want to eat that much meat. But I guess people like that and it is good value. I guess. If you are vacationing with a family, the best deal is the Sunday night all-you-can-eat roast beef/chicken/fish buffet at the restaurant at La Cabana. I am not a buffet fan but we did try it one night, seeking simpler food. Salad bar was excellent, roast beef, baked potato and vegetables were deliciious. I was too full to try the fish and chicken but people at the next table said they were excellent and not smothered in sauce. There was also Indonesian style fried rice but I passed, choosing to take my carb poison in the form of the baked potato. Desserts were missable but the pineapple upside down square was not bad. The other offereings were standard berry topped cheesecake, mini napoleons, etc. Coffee/tea also included and the price is a whoppingly reasonable $24.95. The ambiance leaves something to be desired but the entire La Cabana resort is undergoing renovation and spiffing up so that should be better. We did not try their other restaurant. We did have lunch at Mangos, which was fine. Ditto Tulip, which was a bit odd but obviously more native and European in its appeal, which had its own charm. Order simple grilled something and you will be happy. They are the same ownership. We did not dine up at the high rise resorts this time because it was too much of a crowded scene and, frankly, since we live in the NY Metro area we can go to better restaurants at home for much less financial outlay. Next time we will try some of the newer shoreline seafood restaurants but I've got to go on a major diet first! One thing we always enjoy on Aruba is shopping at Super Food. Go to Ling's for basic supplies if you are in a timeshare or villa with kitchen but the Dutch specialties at Super Food are wonderful, particularly the bakery. There is a Dutch yogurt that is wonderful and it is fun to try to figure out what the products are because not many labels are in English. Again, for your Bounty and Tide, go to Ling's but part of the fun of traveling is immersing oneself in another culture, isn't it? Fri, 12 Dec 2008 20:09:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/268406#4242254 http://www.chow.com/topics/459659#4240797 I've been going to St. John and St. Thomas for many years, and have eaten many lousy meals and a few very good ones at the restaurants above. But I have to put in an endorsement for Da Livio, the Italian place in Cruz Bay listed a couple of times here. I've lived in Italy, New York, and San Francisco, and Da Livio is the kind of Italian restaurant I would have been thrilled to have down the street from me in any of those places. The food (cooked by a very shy woman from Italy, whom I met when I was there) is extremely authentic, and the quality control is impressive, considering the general lack of fresh produce in the islands. Livio and his wife are charming hosts. This is not a place for "island" food--for that, go to Hercules or one of the unnamed food shacks up toward the ferry dock and the Westin. But if you want Italian food like nonna used to make, run, do not walk, to Da Livio. Fri, 12 Dec 2008 04:56:15 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/459659#4240797 http://www.chow.com/topics/579400#4240000 I'm travelling to Ocho Rios in Jamaica next month and wanted to try restaurants off the resort. Does anyone have any recommendations? I'll be staying @ the Riu. Thanks Thu, 11 Dec 2008 23:20:00 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/579400#4240000 http://www.chow.com/topics/482070#4237239 Here is an update based on numerous visits to Freeport over the past year. All restaurants are at Port Lucaya unless otherwise noted. An amazing new place called Agave just opened over Thanksgiving. The Molcajete was the best dish I've had in a while. For breakfast, Island Java does a great job of coffee and pastry; later in the day their homemade gelato is excellent. Zorbas has a good hot breakfast and is a reasonably priced go-to place for any meal. I love the Veal Luciano at Lucianos but it is $42 on the menu. People always leave La Dolce Vita happy. Also Shenanigan's has very solid English/Irish food. Cappucino's has a great early bird deal if you order by 6. I love the curries at Pisces, and their pizzas are popular. Away from the Port, Simply Native is excellent and the Pepper Pot is popular too. On the beach next to the Sheraton, Billy Joes has great conch salad and grilled conch, as well as burgers on the grill and plenty to drink. Many places are closed on Sunday, so plan carefully. Also away from the Port, the Wednesday night fish fry at Smith Point is not to be missed. Thu, 11 Dec 2008 01:56:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/482070#4237239 http://www.chow.com/topics/356564#4230440 I hope you got to PR last April. Just discovered this post. Kasalta is better than ever, enjoyed a roast suckling pig there that was one of the best ever. Its a San Juan institution, and the Ocean Park neighborhood would be lost without it. I lived there in the early 80's and have been going back ever since. Still the same excellent quality, although they've renovated for a much nicer look and experience. Mon, 08 Dec 2008 23:05:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/356564#4230440 http://www.chow.com/topics/517643#4230397 We love Negril, and always look forward to the jerk at Bourbon Beach, the patties from both Neville and "The Indian" and we had wonderful meals at both Norman's at the Bar-b-Barn (not to be confused with Norma's) and at Angela's for the jerk sausage pizza (sometimes we just crave cheesy and greasy!) and the pasta with jerk sausage and a creamy tomato sauce. We also like Irie for breakfast - especially the tropical french toast, and had a very decent dinner as well. Curry shrimp and escovitch fish with a starter of that tasty pumpkin soup. We usually stay in a condo, and take some time each afternoon to stop by at our favorite fruit vendor for some fresh fruit for dessert later and for breakfast. Going back in February - can't wait for the beach, the jerk, and all the irie days!!! Mon, 08 Dec 2008 22:49:50 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/517643#4230397 http://www.chow.com/topics/578079#4227920 We ate at Boca Marina restaurant which is an absolutely beautiful room with tables out on a little pier under palm fronds. The food was pretty good too. If you want authentic Dominican food, I'd recommend Adrian Tropical in Santo Domingo (there's one on the Malecon) which is known for mofongo (mashed plantains with garlic and chicharrones) and asapao. We ended up eating several times there. Really good. Mon, 08 Dec 2008 01:19:13 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/578079#4227920 http://www.chow.com/topics/571915#4227864 I am headed back myself in a few weeks. In the past I observed locals lined up at a kitchen window. Well I had to get a piece of that. "That" was roti, and it was delicious. I got the goat, spouse got the conch (yes they had more mainstream fillings). I will never be able to find it again, but if I see locals lined up at lunch time, I am getting in that line Mon, 08 Dec 2008 00:49:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/571915#4227864 http://www.chow.com/topics/577711#4226837 I just checked, its Jost Van Dyke, they have charters to this party. We went to Jost, it is BEAUTIFUL, home of the famous Soggy Dollar Bar! Sun, 07 Dec 2008 15:29:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/577711#4226837 http://www.chow.com/topics/577801#4224557 Does anybody have updated info on any good places with good chow. We are going for new year but will be there for a week. Seems like all the archives are a bit out of date. Don't even know if some of the places mentioned are still open. Thanks! Sat, 06 Dec 2008 04:03:29 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/577801#4224557 http://www.chow.com/topics/577258#4219909 Heading to the wonderful-sounding Port Antonio (northeast coast) area of Jamaica after Xmas, I've been reading up on some restaurants/food stalls etc., I know we'll be close to Boston Beach where jerk was invented, and I've found this listing of mid-high range places from Frommer's: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/portantonio/320_inddin.html. Just curious really as to where the best everyday type local food can be had, or of course can't-miss hound-type destinations. Anyone? Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:07:10 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/577258#4219909 http://www.chow.com/topics/572493#4218394 Hi, I live on the island and both Uva's and Media Luna are closed. On the north coast (isabel Segunda) there is Peter's (741-0269) and on the south coast (Esperanza) there is El Quenepo (741-1215). Right now for fine dining they are the 2 major players. The is also Island Steakhouse located at the Crow's Nest, mid island (741-0011) Wed, 03 Dec 2008 22:43:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572493#4218394 http://www.chow.com/topics/577007#4217646 My wife and I just got back from Vieques Saturday. Far and away the best place on the island that we've eaten is El Quenepo in Esperanza, opposite the eastern end of the Malecon. This place is so good it's a shock to find it in such an out-of-the-way location. Seriously, it would be a destination restaurant in a major city on the mainland. One of the more credible travel sites (TripAdvisor, I think) rates it as the #2 restaurant in all of Puerto Rico - that's not just Vieques but San Juan and the entire main island too. I'm particularly fond of their approach to churrasco (skirt steak). They grill it on a lava rock (not more than medium rare, please!), then slice it and serve it over cheesy black beans, topped with pico de gallo and a drizzle of lime cream, and on top of that a big pile of perfectly-deep-fried ultra-thin sliced crispy onion strings. It is seriously good eating! They also have a great Argentinian malbec on the wine list for that pairs beautifully with it. Bibi nearby is good, but not nearly on the same level. Tradewinds is OK for American-style basics. Stay away from a place in the middle of the Malecon called Mucho Gusto - we ate there once and renamed it Pocito Gusto. We drink tea, not coffee, so I can't help you with that. As for street food, when we were there last March there was a guy most evenings at the east end of the Malecon selling fresh homemade seafood salads in hot, cooked-to-order arepas, but he was not there last week. Don't know if it's seasonal or he's out of business. As you can probably tell, we spend most of our time in Esperanza, not Isabella II. The Green Store has a very good selection of wines. Surprisingly, the hardest thing to find on the island is good fresh fruits and vegetables. The supermarket on 200 coming out of Isabella II (much easier to park at than its sister store in "downtown" Isabella) gets its weekly delivery on Wednesdays, so that's the day to go for the best selection. The alternative is the produce stand at the corner of 200 and 997 (outdoor tables plus a walk-in refrigerated semi-trailer), but he's VERY expensive, at least for you and me - I've been told by reliable sources that he charges wildly different prices to locals and tourists. Enjoy, and please report back when you get home about your food experiences there. We love the place and will be back again as soon as we can get the time off. Edit: P.S. One thing you cannot get on Vieques for love or money is fine cheese, the markets carry nothing better than Kraft (and not much variety of that), so we brought a selection down with us. Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:50:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/577007#4217646 http://www.chow.com/topics/508896#4215059 I was there once in about 2001. I'm not a fancy meal person, but stopped at a few local places. I don't remember names but I had some of the best roti's ever on St. Kitts. I would heavily recommend getting one from a local shack. Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:29:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/508896#4215059 http://www.chow.com/topics/576331#4214218 Stayed at a small place called Meads Bay Beach Villas and really enjoyed it. They have a very small cafe there with limited breakfast and lunch but all I had was coffee so can't comment. Should have mentioned that Temenos Golf Club is CLOSED, so is the restaurant there. Financing for Temenos project has stalled and things are kind of a mess there. Cap Juluca is also closed, supposedly reopening next month. Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:00:13 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/576331#4214218 http://www.chow.com/topics/571563#4211488 Shogun Revolver (www.shogunrevolver.com) is without a doubt; the BEST restaurant in the Bahamas...period! I have been coming ere 15 years now and was amazed to find a place with big-city standards and vibe! I have been there several times and it has been spectacular each and everytime! The food, service and ambiance are unmatched. They have created the "New York", "Paris" feel right in the Bahamas. The owners (The Chef and his wife) are amazing and have knowledge like very few I have met. Definately have the FAITH Tasting menu (7-course) with the wine flights as it is different and incredibly unique everytime. Other restauarnts are good, but not up to the level that Shogun Revolver is. The amizing fact is that their prices are also as good, if not cheaper than their "competieion", with their pricing far less than Dune or any high-end Atlantis establishments. I was told they were $$$$ but was amazed when I saw what my bill was for what I recieved! They also have put together a very crafty winelist with by the bottle with many selections from small Napa winemakers) and by the glass selections that are origional and fresh on an island where Yellowtail and Santa Margarita usually rule. Resrevations are required, but not as herd to get as rumors suggest...we booked on Thursday for Friday. If you are still around synergy...do yourself a favour and go to Shogun. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:10:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/571563#4211488 http://www.chow.com/topics/563371#4210568 I largely ate on the west coast, since that was where I was staying. Among my favorites were Sassafras (at Sugar Hill)--I remember a particularly splendid ravioli appetizer; Scarlett (great little bistro in Paynes Bay) and Cariba (lovely little family owned place in Derrick's Gap that had an amazing shrimp curry). Olives and the Muse in Holetown were nice choices as well, and I really enjoyed Patisserie Flint in Holetown for reasonable lunches (simple but tasty sandwiches) and great little desserts. I had a calamitous attempt to eat at the Tides. I asked them for directions (this was early in my stay), and they somehow got it into their heads that I was staying at a very nearby hotel (walking distance) rather than the one at which I was staying. I started to walk, and got drenched in a torrential downpour. I had to return to the hotel--I was soaked through--and when I called, they were barely apologetic. In essence, it wasn't their fault that it rained, and the receptionist had changed her version of what happened by the time it got to the manager--I had apparently told her the name of a hotel within walking distance (why on earth would I tell them I was staying at a hotel I'd never heard of and at which I wasn't staying?). I wrote them an email about it, and they didn't respond, so should I return to Barbados, the Tides will continue not to be on my list of places to eat. On the plus side, Brown Sugar's lunch buffet was a lot of fun and a good way to sample some Bajan basics. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 02:00:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/563371#4210568 http://www.chow.com/topics/575470#4203271 Oh yes, I wanted to go in Aug. but it was closed. Here are the list of consistent must do's on island, several I tried and loved: Veya Barrel Stay E's Oven Luna Rosa Smokeys (being rebuilt after Omar) Dune Preserve (lunch) Koal Keel Lucy's B&D BBQ (cheap eats near Mali) Dean's Overlook For a great party vibe I loved Elvis's. He makes a great rum punch but IMHO E's was the best on island. Amaretto was the secret ingredient and ginger syrup. Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:39:44 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/575470#4203271 http://www.chow.com/topics/574402#4201388 You are so welcome. I only wish I'd had a chance to sample the food I saw for sale in that alley... we were in a hurry, but next year for sure! You will be able to see your target from the ship, there are 2 large market places on that street, both with red roofs. We've also been to St. Maartin, unfortunately didn't hit much off the main drag in Phillipsburg, so I can't really direct you there. Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:25:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/574402#4201388 http://www.chow.com/topics/572900#4197460 if your ship is docking at Point Seraphin in Castries then sure. They are all within 20 minutes depending on traffic. The Coal pot you could probably reach by water taxi, it's just across the bay from the cruise ship dock. The others you'd have to take a regular taxi, usually about $20 US. However, only Elena's is open during the day, the others are dinner only establishments, as far as I know. So it would depend on when your ship leaves, you'd have to allow at least 2 hours for dinner at coal pot and edge, less for Laurel's. Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:32:07 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572900#4197460 http://www.chow.com/topics/574387#4195357 Definitely Gosling's, also check out the wine room at Miles Market on Pitts Bay Road. Sun, 23 Nov 2008 10:18:46 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/574387#4195357