Turks and Caicos

TCI – What to Eat in Coco Bistro

Posted on January 24, 2014 by Ziggy

Courtesy of Brilliant Studios

This is one of those posts that almost needs no words. But there are a couple of things I want to accomplish with this one…

1) Tell you what to eat in Coco Bistro, Provo’s favorite dining establishment among tourists and residents ages 16-110

2) Showcase my newfound Food Photography skills!

So lets take a moment and ~~admire~~ look at the pictures first. You like? You Welcome! Would you say they are Brilliant?!? Yes, I’m getting better at this photography thing. But before you hire me for your son’s Bar Mitzvah, I should tell you something… I’m very expensive, and they are not exactly mine.

I remember my first visit to Coco Bistro, about 8 years ago. Coco the resident cat was like a young cadet moving ever so swiftly with a purpose. A colorful pepper soup was the popular item back then. Now, a well fed Coco, the size of an average Staten Islander, just walks around at a much slower pace like one of the partners. The pepper soup is long gone, a fantastic lobster bisque is in (while not featured here, it is indeed good), and a fun menu to boot.

Since this is Provo’s most popular spot, I see this question often. Whats good here. From past experiences, and simply hanging out on the message boards, I came up with this short list.

Starters:

Caesar Salad – Bacon, Croutons, Anchovy filets and Fresh Shaved Parmesan Cheese in a Spicy Dressing. The description on the menu ends with “(no wimps please)” which is the main reason I never actually had it. Yesterday, we had a cheap holiday party (we do it well into January – food highlight was the tortillas) and I wimped out of the mechanical bull ride. Look, its not Obama-care friendly is all I’m saying. With that said, I’ve seen too many Caesar Salad fans rave about this particular one.

Courtesy of Brilliant Studios

Ahi Tuna Sashimi – Fresh Tuna served on a Crispy Tortilla with Red Onions, Vine Ripe Tomatoes, Scallion, Tobiko, Fresh Cilantro and a Wasabi Mayo. This is perhaps my favorite item on the menu. Just a glorious concoction of fresh tuna, veggies and wasabi mayo that perfect compliment. Simply divine!

Courtesy of Brilliant Studios

Spicy Lobster Soft Tacos – Fresh Guacamole , Sour Cream and a Pineapple Tomato Salsa. This is one of the new kids on the block which I tried on my last trip and obviously enjoyed it enough to include it here.

Courtesy of Brilliant Studios

Mains:

Roast Lamb Rack – Herb Crust and as of this writing with Sweet Potato Mash, Buttered Carrots and Broccoli, Beet Root Paint and a Caicos Lager Onion Sauce. Expertly cooked, perfectly seasoned, meaty, herby, rack of lamb. Get it, or we are no longer friends.

Courtesy of Brilliant Studios

Grilled Lobster – Jasmine Rice, Snow Peas and Garlic Lemon Butter. I must confess grilled Caribbean lobster normally just doesn’t do it for me. Its very often a tad dry, and/or uneventful. This one is moist, buttery, and very eventful.

Courtesy of Brilliant Studios

Dessert:

Coco Bistro’s Famous Coconut Pie – Fresh Cream and a Medley of Sweet Sauces. Need I say more. Its right there in the name “Famous”. Like “Shlomo’s Famous Falafel”, you simply have to try it at least once. Its not only addictive, but large enough to feed a small Armenian village

Courtesy of Brilliant Studios

For your Island photo needs visit Brilliant Studios

Turks and Caicos – Garam Masala

Posted on January 19, 2014 by Ziggy

January 19, 2014 Update:

Garam delivered yet again. The new manage who I call “The New Vinni” (because I keep forgetting his name) took good care of us. The new standout dish this time was a very nice Kerala Chicken Masala that was growing on me until I grew a little. Complex, flavor packed stuff that I was enjoying more an hour later via a series of pleasant little burbs just like the ones after the Alba White Truffles at the NoMad a few months ago. The infamous conch Kebabs are no longer on the menu. A shortage of fresh conch according the New Vinni.

BTW, Old Vinni is up to something but not quite sure what. Stay tuned! (dont know to what exactly, its just an expression)

March 16, 2013 post:

I was dead wrong about Garam Masala!

As you probably guessed by now, I, Ziggy, just Ziggy no last name, like Seal, LOVE to eat. I love to eat and I really care about what I’m eating on a holiday (No worries I didnt turn British, just play one on the Telly). And while away we often try to eat things that are not easily available back home (e.g., Grouper, Conch). So you see where I’m going with this. Indian, Thai, Chinese food is something we eat almost on a weekly basis back home, and therefore it’s the last thing I consider eating while on vacation. Also, after many years of trial and error, and palate refinement, I sort of figured out where to get some pretty darn good Indian, Thai, Chinese, Sri Lankan, middle eastern, you name, it in NYC. Therefore, when I see an Indian restaurant on an island somewhere where its quite possibly the only Indian there, 3 thoughts come to mind…

1) This cant be good. They have no other competition here.

2) I would probably eat here weekly if I lived here and its decent

3) I’m sort of getting hungry

Similar thoughts crossed my mind when I saw the new Shawarma and Falafel place that just opened right next to Patty’s Place at Ports of Call. Yours truly is truly a Shawarma and Falafel ~~whore~~ ~~snob~~ fan.

So as you can imagine I needed a little convincing from various island friends over the years to come to Garam Masala. I was very close last year, and this year I finally took that pilgrimage to Tikka Masala Holy Land (i.e., 10 minutes from the Seven Star beach – its hard to leave that beach in the middle of the day)

First of all the place looks very modern. Last year they closed for a few months to renovate and it really looks very inviting now. Part owner Vinnie, former food and beverage head at Amanyara knows his stuff and is very passionate about what he’s serving and how. Everything is made to order using “real” ingredients which he purchases in Chicago every few months.

I can honestly say the food was absolutely delicious. Started with some nice and spicy conch kebabs (above) which had the texture and flavor of the best Falafel you will ever eat. Their Chicken Tikka “pizza” on naan bread was very satisfying. We are naan junkies and their garlic naan is some of the best we’ve had.

Chicken Tikka Masala (below) is perhaps a dish I’ve eaten more than any other in the world. I’ve had it mostly in various restaurants in NYC, in London (Indian food heaven) and eat it by my work often. I could tell when this one arrived by its color that it will be good. The only not telling part was the tenderness and texture of the meat which can be often dry and chewy. This was as close to perfect as I can remember.

Dal Makhani was probably even better. They cook the lentils for 12 hours each night and the result is a flavor festival. As with the Tikka Masala, heat is not very present and not very needed (Indian food is not necessarily about heat). Lamb Kadhai, thick stew like with some heat and big complex flavors was another winner. I kept going back and forth between the lamb and and the Dal saying “this is my favorite. No this is my favorite”, while the Masala was staring at me going “come to Mama..”. Another tasty snack here is the Chicken kebabs, although if I have to choose I’ll take those conch kebabs thank you.

After the meal I did not feel like I just ate something heavy as I often do at home. A fantastic lunch! This is closer to some of the better Curry Hill or even Michelin Star establishments in NYC. To understand the type of dedication by Vinnie all you need to do is ask him about how he found his chefs. He went back to India to look for the chefs that worked in the restaurant he frequented as a kid with his parents, only to find that one of them is working in Japan while the other in Dubai. The story itself is worth the price of admission.

So yes, I was wrong about this one, and highly highly (thats 2 highlys!) recommend Garam Masala in Providenciales. Cant wait for more.

Categories: Turks and Caicos | Tags: food, Garam Masala, Garam Masala Turks and Caicos, Providenciales Dining, Providenciales restaurants, restaurants, Travel, Turks and Caicos dining, Turks and caicos food, Turks and Caicos Restaurants | 7 Comments

Lazy Post – The Scene at Island Fish Fry

Posted on January 13, 2014 by Ziggy

Dear Turks and Caicos fans. Unless you are living under a rock, or simply trying to pass a town not endorsed by Chris Christie, you probably already know that every Thursday from 5:30 to 9:30 there’s a party going on at the Children’s Park (way out west, just past Gansevoort). About a dozen local vendors like Jerkie’s, Miss Moonies, Uncle Dough’s, Middle Caicos Cafe (not to be confused with just Caicos Cafe) are participating (vendor list varies on a weekly basis), along with a live band, and all sorts of cultural fun.

Sitting is limited. Best time to come if you want a seat is before 6. With that said, sitting is not very important as you’ll just want to walk around and sample some local goodies like fresh grouper in a foil, conch salads, conch fritters, and grilled lobsters in season. Parking is Provo style, on the sidewalk. Check it out

Categories: Turks and Caicos | Tags: food, Island Fish Fry, Thursday Fish Fry, Thursday fish fry turks and caicos, Travel, Turks and Caicos | 3 Comments

Turks and Caicos – Seaside Cafe

Posted on January 10, 2014 by Ziggy

March 21st, 2015 Update:

Get the Fish Sandwich for lunch people. Its a couple of pickled carrots shy of being the perfect Banh Mi, although I sort of prefer this simplified version. Toasty baguette courtesy of Caicos Bakery filled with expertly blackened fish grilled to flaky perfection. Great little sandwich. Moving on from Vietnam to Peru, Amazing Race style. The Peruvian Conch Salad brings out our animal instincts, each time without fail. If there’s one tip I could offer to the 15 TCI viewers I get per day (over 200 look at the Hell’s Kitchen Survival Guide alone, 15 at TCI), get some of that Peruvian. We dont even need to open the lunch menu here.

We also had another outstanding dinner later on. Nice and springy flatbread with goat cheese, pesto, and arugula. A new discovery was the Conch Chowder that may have cracked our top three. More of the delicious Tuna Sashimi, and Lobster Risotto of course. Meaty Lobster was grilled to perfection, and the garlic butter that came along elevated the dish even more. And as the old saying goes, when the going gets tough, the tough gets Salmon. Meaning the weather was too rough for the fishermen and the freshest thing on the menu was Salmon, via Miami. Teriyaki glazed Salmon (below) couldnt be cooked any better, with soba noodles, tofu, asparagus, miso sauce, and Wakame – Japanese Seaweed. After watching seaweed all week long, it was time for revenge, Kamikaze style. Best dish of the night.

January 10th, 2014 Post:

“What? Ziggy the great foodie is writing a post on Seaside Cafe? What’s next.. Pizza Pizza” I can hear the critics already. For many years Seaside was a decent, casual, resort (Ocean Club West) owned dining spot, not exactly a foodie destination. But things have changed. New owners took over (same owners as Opus), brought in a Coco Bistro veteran, and a new foodie powerhouse is born. This is not your old Seaside, and I’m a couple of years late to this party.

“Chef Driven” is a term used loosely these days. Every place has a chef. Some are great, some are ok, some are just learning on the job. But then there are those chef who experiment, transform, and set trends. The chefs that make me want to go there for the chefs, instead of the setting or atmosphere. Quebec born Francois who started cooking from the young age of zero (I have trouble remembering simple facts sometimes but this sounds about right) knows a thing or three about cooking. From dishing out all sorts of goodies in the army in Canada (Canada has an army?) at the age of 16, to sharpening his skills big time in Provo’s busiest Coco Bistro, Francois has gone a log way.

This was a first in Eating With Ziggy history. Every single one of the 4 dishes we sampled in Seaside was a top dish of the trip nominee. Choosing from this one will be harder than driving through a town that didn’t endorse Chris Christie.

A few months ago we went to a new risotteria in NYC to sample some delicious risottos from a renowned rice grower from Verona. Some hits, some misses, and none came close to the risotto bliss of this lobster shiitake goodness at Seaside (below). This was one of the most palatable risotto we’ve ever eaten. Cheesy, well spiced, perfectly cooked arborio with tender, plentiful chunks of lobster and a lot of love. Seaside - risotto

The Escolar (aka “White Tuna” but not really) was another outstanding dish. Another South Caicos beauty cooked expertly medium rare with jasmine rice, veggies, sweet wasabi mustard on one side and some sort of miso sauce on the other.

A note about south Caicos fishermen. Lately those guys are simply kicking some serious ass. Deep fishing for octopus, tuna, escolar are just some examples of what they are bringing to the table. I don’t recall seeing so much locally caught fish on the menus, especially octopus. Way to go South Caicos fishermen. Way to go!

Tuna Sashimi with Wasabi mustard (top) – A revelation! Long time followers of Ziggy know how much I love a similar dish at Coco Bistro and it turns out that that was a Francois creation. Fresh tuna from south Caicos, veggies, that wasabi again, and just a glorious concoction on individual tortillas.

Peruvian conch ceviche. Yet more awesomeness. A fantastic combination of veggies (love his use of fresh veggies), fresh conch, lime and different peppers including scotch bonnet. Addictive stuff to say the least.

Seaside is easily a top 5 in Provo after this trip!

Categories: Turks and Caicos | Tags: Best restaurants in turks and caicos, food, restaurants, Seaside cafe, Seaside Cafe turks and caicos, Travel | 2 Comments

Turks and Caicos – Lupo

Posted on January 4, 2014 by Ziggy

The Italian invasion of Providenciales continues. From Turtle Cove, to the new lake region (the area by the school that floods after a 5 minute shower) to Via Veneto and Caicos Cafe plaza, home to Caicos Cafe. It is only a matter of time until you see this just outside your resort, or people selling made in china little helicopters that fly, and then they break. Around a year ago, Lupo has joined forces, and firmly secured itself in the Regent Village which is becoming quite a yummo international destination. I also want to take this opportunity to welcome a new slang word to the EWZ family – “Yummo”. Although, I dont see myself using it much as it just sounds weird, as if “Yummy” reached its expiration date.

Owner Mark (formerly with Lemon) has done an excellent job bouncing back from a shaky start (as just about every new restaurant in Provo). Lupo also seems like the kind of place that would be featured the most with the Provo ladies who lunch, or Real Housewives of Grace Bay County. Perhaps the same Provo housewives who robbed the place of all its pictures the night before our lunch, leaving us with empty frames.

As for the food…

Romaine lettuce – Yummo! Not something I would normally order but this was quite good, like the best Caesar Salad you ever gonna eat. Smokey Romaine, topped with sharp delicious Parm, and crispy pancetta bits. Well done!

Meatballs Sandwich – Excellent! Good bread, great herby, tasty, schweddy balls. 2013 was filled with some amazing meatballs for us in 2 continents. Make it a third. If I have to criticize one thing is the polenta fries – not a fan. But Mrs Z was, which frankly all that matters. You know what they say, Happy wife, happy Ziggy.

Penne with sundried tomatoes, Pesto walnut sauce – Nice and light summer dish. They didn’t have Orecchiette (damn you IGA truck) so we settled for Penne. Nothing wrong with that dish

Tiramisu in a cup, panna cotta with Balsamic reduction in another cup. Heavenly! Perhaps the best Tirsmisu I’ve had on the island (Sorry Caicos Cafe) and that panna cotta was very unique and went very well with the zesty balsamic

Although I was very satisfied with the lunch, the dinner menu made me jealous. Fresh made pasta galore including what seems to be a popular Fettuccine Bolognese, nice looking flatbread pizzas and more. The housewives should really come here for dinner if they are smart.

As I keep saying over and over, come out of the water area and things start to get interesting in the island of Provo. In that location, one needs to be creative and follow up with great flavors, and it looks and tastes like a success to me

Categories: Turks and Caicos | Tags: Best restaurants in turks and caicos, food, Lupo, Lupo Providenciales, Lupo Turks and Caicos, restaurants, Travel, Turks and Caicos | 3 Comments

The Seven Stars Survival Guide

Posted on January 1, 2014 by Ziggy

Updated June 12, 2016 (after visit #12)

So you decided to book the Seven Stars in Turks and Caicos. Mazal Tov!! And now what? Not quite sure what to do? Got that deer in headlights look after all those All Inclusive trips? Time to change that to Raccoon in fresh Indian leftover garbage can look. Or something like that.. you know what I mean. Here are some tips that should enhance your stay. Some of these are my own opinions by the way so save the hate mail and voodoo. I occasionally have friends and family stay here so I’m partially doing this to save time writing stuff for them.

Airport – first things first, get your island reading material. After customs, go straight to the stand on your left to pick your free copy of the Where When How Magazine and Dining Guide. Dont be surprised to see my frontal balding head and a food column in the magazine (not dining guide). Then let the SS rep outside know that you arrived safely, call your mom, and take a shared taxi to the hotel ($33 per couple, $16.50 per additional, subject to change). There’s also a VIP fast track available to or from, starting at $200 per for the first person, $75 for each additional

Car – You can get away without renting in this location but renting for at least 2 days is recommended. I usually rent from the ultra reliable Grace Bay Auto Rental. You can pick and drop from the airport and from the resort itself. Very simple. On one of the days drive to Taylor Bay or Sapodilla in the morning followed by lunch at Las Brisas (closed Tuesday for now – owner says they may start opening soon) overlooking stunning chalk sound. Click here for directions. On another day you can drive to Bugaloos or the Blue Hills area and have lunch at the Conch Shack or any of the other local spots. Another fun option is Long Bay Beach, watching the kite surfers do their thing, although when the winds are not out, its just about as good as it gets (see below). BTW, a new tradition for us is pick up the car at the airport and get some fried chicken on the way from Sweet T’s

Long Bay

Excursion – Some of the popular ones are half day excursions with outfits like Island Vibes or Caicos Dream Tours. Entire list in here (links on the left).

If you want parasailing, you can just catch “Marvelous Max” walking around on the beach and he can get someone to pick you up within minutes. No need to reserve this ahead of time as many do

IGA market – 5 minute walk. Come out of the hotel and its straight ahead. Get you Bambarra Rum coconut + Pineapple juice and its party time folks. Or….

Seven Stars Market – A small store front where you can get your bare necessities, i.e. Beer, bambarra, sandwiches (for the airport), basic drugs, sunscreen and much more.

Entertainment – These days you have live music on the deck normally on the weekends 6-9pm. Sunday beach BBQ with music and bonfire (about $59/pp).

Photography – Seven Stars teamed with Paradise Photography for a $350 portrait special that includes one hour photo shoot (sunset/daytime), access to all images and a Web gallery.

Spa – Seven Stars boasts one of the top spas in the Caribbean. Dont believe me? Ask Conde Nest readers, voting it one of the Top 25 in the world. Yes, the world! We used the spa a few years back and can confirm the world status. But now with further improvements and the addition of a retail store, things are looking even better.

Other amenities: Free bike rentals, tennis, watersports, yoga, kids club with movie night, a coconut station, omelette station (finally!), adult only deck, a pillow menu, mosquito nets, bidets (I would sub a bidet for a quality Squatty Potty myself. I mean who uses bidets anyway, except at night by accident)

I have to say, I’ve seen the resort grow from a bare-bones, simple condo rental property to a full service resort over the years, and I’m super impressed by the job Ken and company done.

Insider Tip: No need to reserve seats here. We’ve been here at the busiest times and between the deck, beach and pool there are always plenty of seats. Dont be the one! BTW, all the pictures here were taken at the busiest times since thats the only time we can travel as a family. So you can see for yourself

Insider Tip that is not really an insider tip: Dont bring a speaker to the beach no matter how small, and dont assume everyone likes Country Music. I see that from time to time. Might as well wear an “I’m a douche” T-shirt. If you do that I promise to bring my own speaker and blast “Best of Barney” right next to you.

Caicos Bakery – (opens 7:30. close Sundays) 5 minutes away. Come out, turn left and look for it right next to Caicos Cafe in Caicos Cafe plaza. Get some croissants (almond – yum, chocolate), a baguette and you are all set. And dont worry about the “here’s another idiot bringing their own bread to breakfast” look at the free breakfast. You’ll get used to it. Best bread on the island. Well, they are french!

Lunch ideas: Besides lunch at the hotel you got many options nearby. The following directions all facing the ocean.

To your right you have Ocean Club West and Seaside Cafe (5 minute walk). Seaside is becoming a great dinner choice as well. The food is better that the “resorty” place suggets as long as young phenom Francois is at the helm

Also to your right, another exciting option, 20-25 walk is Flamingos. Past Club Med, by the second dock you’ll see. Fun local fare. Great curried grouper.

To your left, a 15 minute walk, you got Hemingways at the sands – Nice conch fritters, Fish and chips (great fries), very popular fish tacos with mango chutney

Also to your left (5 minutes) is the Regent Village you can enter via the Regent Grand. Highly recommend Lupo, Garam Masala (not open for lunch at the moment,) and Le Bouchon (burger with egg!).

Elsewhere, as mentioned lunch at Las Brisas on chalk sound is pretty cool with the most stunning views on the island. Try the lobster salad in season.

Bugaloos and Conch Shack are other driving option

RIP Jerkey’s – Goat Curry

Dinner ideas: You got Seven, The Deck, Sunday night beach BBQ on the premises and a plethora of restaurants within walking distance like Bella Luna, Caicos Cafe, Le Bouchon, Lupo, Via Veneto, and more. Here are some of our favorites…

Coco Bistro $$$$ – 2 minute drive. 15 minutes walk on the road, dont walk in the dark. Perhaps the most romantic and definltely the most popular resaturant on the island. Great soups, Tuna Sashimi, grilled lobster, lamb, and more. Coconut cream pie for dessert is a must

Seven $$$$ – One of the better resort restaurants on the island with a pretty inventive menu. Try the Vanilla rum butter poached lobster with papaya buttermilk risotto, or the best end of lamb.

Caicos Cafe $$$ – 5 minute walk, in Caicos Cafe Plaza. This is our personal favorite and we try to eat here at least twice on every visit. Do not get fooled by the review rankings on Trip Advisor. Great great pastas, some homemade that day, some artisanal with top quality ingredients. Try the Grilled Calamari, Gnocchi, Wahoo Carpaccio (when available) apps. Fantastic seafood pasta dishes like the Tagliolini, Lobster Fra Diavolo (in season). Some of the meat dishes like the ribs and steak are popular as well. We’ve tried them all

Le Bouchon $$$ – At the Regent Village. As French Bistro as it gets on the island from a former bistro owner in Paris. Fantastic escargot and arguably best steak on the island.

Seaside $$$ – Great new addition (since new owners took over a few years ago) at the Ocean Club West next door. This is an underrated gem with Coco veteran Francois doing all sorts of magic with groupers, fresh tuna, and conch

Caravel $$$ – A newish, local, super friendly comfortable spot, just a short drive (turn left, on the left right past OCW entrance). Try the white chowder and Fish Tacos

Private Dining at Seven Stars – SS also offers a variety of private dining like feet on the sand, beachside cabana, and an in-suite option. The first two come with a private butler, while the in-suite comes with a private chef. All start at $300

Hope this helped. Enjoy!

Categories: Turks and Caicos | Tags: Provienciales, Seven Stars, Seven Stars Turks and Caicos, Travel, Turks and Caicos | 10 Comments

Turks and Caicos – Via Veneto

Posted on December 27, 2013 by Ziggy

“Do you come with your own plunger” my friend Elizabeth wondered once she saw me unpack my equipment after running into each other in Via Veneto. “Ahhm, not exactly, its actually my flash diffuser”. I realized right then that I need to add a new flash diffuser to Santa’s list (sitting besides me was the actual island Santa so it was convenient), right between a new car and Mensch on a Bench. This was actually an improvement over last year when I borrowed my brother’s camera bag which had sort of peculiar male genital shape. To any patrons after a few Chiantis sitting there it may have looked like I was really happy to be there. This year I walked everywhere with a plastic bag.

I’ve been waiting to eat in the new Via Veneto for almost a year, after just missing the coming out party in the spring. Luckily owner Aldo subscribes to the “do it right or dont do it at all” mentality, which meant delaying the opening. Coming from a competitive environment such as Rome is a big plus to Provo. Early reviews have been a little shaky but thats the Provo norm these days as building relationships with vendors can take some time. Everything except the meats is imported from Italy; From the chefs, the tiles, the paintings, to the girlfriend, all imported from Rome. Hence, app page a bit pricey but contrary to the forums chatter the rest not too bad at all. This is indeed the closest you get to eating in Italy. Perhaps one Cacio e pepe dish shy from a Roman Trattoria. As with any Italian establishment in the USA, sticking to dishes from one region only is quite impossible and a recipe for failure.

Once we were seated outside, the gods got angry and it started pouring. Those were the Italian tile gods going “go a in to a check out the a tiles”. Our tables were swiftly moved inside on top of the tiles. It felt like eating at a Russian family house without taking my shoes off. We were no there on a saturday which meant “No Pizza for You!”. The pizza is Roman which if true, and I have nothing to doubt its not, expect thin almost Matzoh like crust. The less toppings the better from my experience.

We started with a Coccetto app of mushrooms, bread and ham topped with cheese which was fine. While I’ve had various Russian/French variations of this dish, I never heard of Coccetto

As is often the case with Italian Trattorias the highlights are the pastas. Spaghetti Carbonara was as good as we’ve had in Rome. Creamy, a but runnier than I like, but still quite good. The Fetuccinne with Guanciale (pork cheeks) and black truffles (top) was best of show surprisingly considering its white truffle season at the moment. The dish had plenty of truffle aroma to satisfy all senses and convince the brain that its pretty darn yummy (foodie technical term).

The lamb chops as our shared secondi was slightly uneven but cooked well and quite delectable for the most part. We finished off with a nice ice cream duo, one topped with chocolates and the other with cherry sauce. Cherry won 3 “Mmmmmm”s to 1.

Categories: Turks and Caicos | Tags: Best restaurants in turks and caicos, food, Providenciales Dining, restaurants, Travel, Turks and Caicos, Via Veneto Turks and Caicos | 2 Comments

Turks and Caicos – Jerkey’s

Posted on December 24, 2013 by Ziggy

Sailing Paradise no more. It is now Jerkey’s located in what’s becoming Provo’s Restaurant Row on the road between Seven Stars and Leeward Highway. We sampled more of the same between the two of us. Same sublime Jerk Chicken – moist, juicy, and flavor packed, especially once you add their homemade Jamaican sauce. Still my favorite Jerk on the island. We eat it as if its the last day on the Mayan calendar. Same goes for the succulent, “Sarah Jessica Parker” boney Goat Curry. At some point I looked at both dishes and had to make a Sophie’s choice. BTW, if you dont see something on the menu like the Jerk Chicken, or the Caribbean platter featured in the Top 7 dishes in WhereWhenHow, ask for it

Although we enjoyed this lunch and Jerkey’s is now much closer, I and others I know very much miss the magical Sailing Paradise location. You can still visit those colorful huts, and who knows perhaps the tables are still there so bring some Jerkey’s takeout and a small oven

March 26th, 2013 Sailing Paradise post…

What a difference a year makes!

For the first time ever we opted to do something different on our last morning in Provo. Instead of sit by the beach and drag the agony, only to continue the agony at the airport, staring at the array of Pringles (i.e., lunch) at the terminal store trying to remember our favorite flavors, I decided to leave a little earlier and head to Sailing Paradise for a final feast. And what a feast this was.

Last April, a few weeks after Sailing Paradise reopened with new owners after being closed for some time, we were sitting there discovering our new favorite local spot. It was just the 4 of us and I remember a lady approach Orville, the man in charge, and ask him “Well? do they like it?”. Well, I think we like it even more today. Orville, owner, chef, and sometimes driver (more on that) told me there were moments last year where shutting down looked like the only option. This is not exactly prime location as far as Provo dining goes which is why Orville offers a free shuttle service to the beach potatoes of Grace Bay to bring them to Blue Hills. He does not have much a choice here.

And on this particular lunch we discovered the Caribbean Platter, i.e., The Dish, the mother of all combos, the Kila of Manila (my childhood dream was to be a WWE announcer). Seriously folks this is one sick dish (British readers – sick means good) and the most likely leader of the number of times we said “OMG, this is F**ing good” during a meal. Jerk chicken, jerk pork, fried fish (lightly fried grouper, so so good. Is this Escovitch?), goat curry, plantains, rice and peas.

This is my favorite jerk on the island. Juicy, tender seasoned to perfection, and with that homemade Jamaican sauce (if they dont bring it, ask for it) you got this finger licking, heavenly goodness of the Caribbean. The pork was more of the same. It looks dry, but its moist and tasty. And then there was the goat curry (not pictured, I ate it all) with all that goat glory, a joy ride with every morsel. Easily best dish of the trip nominee. Screw you Pringles – Original

We also enjoyed some tasty “fish tacos” (more like wraps actually pictured above). Or according to my iPhone auto correct, Fish Racists! Those auto corrections are so bizarre sometimes (Reminiscing over “Doomsday and Seven Stars are gorgeous!!” Doomsday of course means Somerset).

Now here’s the thing, obviously all this was made to order as it should be. But I’ve been to some local places where the jerk chicken for example was great one day and dry the next. I suspect in Sailing Paradise you will get better consistency for the same reason Orville has to drive you there.

So check it out everybody. And check out the Dish. Here’s more from Sailing Paradise at Blue Hills

Categories: Turks and Caicos | Tags: food, Jerkey’s, Providenciales Dining, Providenciales restaurants, restaurants, Sailing Paradise, Sailing Paradise Turks and Caicos, Travel, Turks and Caicos dining, Turks and caicos food, Turks and Caicos Restaurants | 1 Comment

Long Bay Beach Kite Surfers

Posted on December 20, 2013 by Ziggy

Long Bay, Turks and Caicos – Beautiful beach, beautifully isolated, beautiful people. We fit right in! 🙄

We were invited by our friends from Ottawa to watch them fly in gorgeous, windy Long Beach. An ideal spot for Kitesurfing, and most ideal to learn how to kite surf due to the shallow waters. While things got to a rough start where we met with an angry rain shower (kites = great shelter), followed by dying winds, things got back to normal as the skies cleared and the winds came back. Besides, it was a good time for me to practice my true passion, Beach Yoga!

Roberto from kitesurftci.com

Meryl from Spa Tropique

Categories: Turks and Caicos | Tags: Providenciales, Travel, travel+photography, Turks and Caicos, Turks and Caicos Kiteboarding, Turks and Caicos Kitesurfing | 2 Comments

Mis Amigos – Turks And Caicos

Posted on December 16, 2013 by Ziggy

Its been 33 hours and 25 minutes now since I’ve said goodbye to our friends in Turks, and I have to tell you readers (both of yous), I miss my Turks amigos already. There’s a lot to write about this time. And when I run through the possibilities in my head on where to start, there’s always one that puts a smile on my face. That’s the one.

Mis Amigos is the perfect first stop from the airport and to the airport. Not only it is a good place to start practicing your right turns, its convenient, delicious, and you feel like you are visiting friends, rather than a restaurant. Friends with benefits! Friends that can cook well (a luxury in the city of NY). Tina the owner runs the place, the kid serves, and the husband does ~~nothing~~. Oops, got caught day dreaming again. I mean the husband cooks. Its one of those places that you simply don’t want to leave. So not surprisingly two nights ago it was packed with locals. Remember when I said that this is one of those places you don’t want to leave? The KILLER Margaritas may have something to do with it. Avid readers of EWZ know that I don’t use upper caps cheaply. I only use them when I mean it, or when I get paid to do it. They were KILLA! (joking about the paid stuff of course)

Freshness is key in this 6 month old Mexican cocina/cantina. Sometimes, on a remote island it can be more economical to make things from scratch. Which means everyone wins! On my island of Staten, everything is done fresh by a guy named Joe. Trader Joe’s! (we are strong supporters of the farm-to-freezer-to-my freezer-to-microwave-to-belly-to-why is the microwave smells of fish for a week concept). That freshness and special attention to detail is felt right off the bat with some of the best Chips and Salsa north of Tijuana. The salsa has a nice kick, thick, and easy to scoop. This is not your typical watery, soggy restaurant stuff. I normally don’t care much for chips and salsa wherever we go and I normally stop eating them after a couple scoops. I cared here.

A hefty Poblano pepper stuffed with pork sitting on a corn veggie Quesadilla was more than satisfying.

Chille Relleno – Anaheim pepper filled with cheese deep fried in beer batter had pleasant mild heat and was good

Lobster Quesadillas – “Pretty Pretty Good” Larry David quotes sometimes come to mind while eating. I should probably see someone about that. Fresh Lobster chunks with cheese in those perfectly crisped tortillas. Good luck finding this in your neighborhood Chili’s. Our favorite item here so far.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich – with homemade mayo and slaw. Honestly one of the juiciest, tastiest chicken sandwiches I’ve had in a long time. Nice buns from Caicos Bakery

For a place that is still trying to get its bearings with its vendors Mis Amigos is doing a lot of things right. You can really sense the passion of the owners and the attention to detail here. Check em out, Amigos!

ZZZZ 541