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Message
Providenciales, Turks & Caicos - Great Caribbean destination for food lovers
Posted on 4/9/13 at 5:51 pm
Posted on 4/9/13 at 5:51 pm
My wife and I got married a few weeks ago and had a fantastic honeymoon at Grace Bay Beach on the island of Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos chain. One of the reasons we picked it, aside from it having one of the highest rated beaches in the world and not being filled with mega-resorts, was due to the restaurant options. Side note, Culinary Productions did a great job with the food and displays at our wedding: LINK
Below is a quick summary of a few of the places we hit on our trip:
Day 1 -
For dinner we got a cured meats and cheese platter, along with meatballs and lasagna from Lupo, just a few steps from the Villa Renaissance. We enjoyed it all thoroughly on our balcony with a few cocktails and a bottle of wine. Absolutely perfect ending to day one.
Day 2 -
We woke up and I picked up a few breakfast items to go from The Vix. Nothing fancy, just a lot of bacon, eggs, fruit, biscuits but it hit the spot after my pre-wedding diet.
For lunch, we walked down to Hemingway's where we split cracked conch and each had an order of grouper tacos with mango salsa. Really nice lunch at a decent price.
Cocktails on the balcony before heading out to Bay Bistro.
Bay Bistro was absolutely wonderful. We had reservations for a private beachfront table at 6:30 at it did not disappoint. Gorgeous setting for a sunset, and beautiful when lit up by the tiki torches.
I went with a martini and the conch wontons to start, while my better half had the coffee rubbed tuna (not on the menu that night but Chef Clive made it for her). Wonderful start. Very flavorful. We went with a bottle of Caymus Belle Glos Pinot Noir which wasn't dominated by vanilla like their cab, IMO. For our entrees, I chose the blacked lobster with mango salsa (again, not on the menu that night but Chef whipped it up) and my wife chose the rack of lamb. Both of us were really happy with our selections. To wrap it up, we chose a few different flavors of the housemade ice cream.
Day 3 -
For lunch, nothing fancy but still good: Chicken tikka masala for me from Garam Marsala and spicy shrimp pad thai for her from Thai Orchid. Both were within steps of our small resort and were very flavorful.
Dinner - Le Bouchon
I can't recall the name of the French pinot noir we enjoyed but it was quite good. We started with good bread, wahoo carpaccio and foie gras. The wahoo was incredibly fresh and very simply prepared. Great starter. The foie gras was really good as well. Served with croutons which gave it the texture needed. Wonderful start.
For our entrees, my wife got simple grilled red snapper. Again, very fresh and flavorful. I was hoping to go with the spicy lobster dish but it was out before our late reservations (8:30). Instead, I went with steak au poivre. Very good sauce, cooked the perfect medium rare. Very satisfying meal to end another good day.
Below is a quick summary of a few of the places we hit on our trip:
Day 1 -
For dinner we got a cured meats and cheese platter, along with meatballs and lasagna from Lupo, just a few steps from the Villa Renaissance. We enjoyed it all thoroughly on our balcony with a few cocktails and a bottle of wine. Absolutely perfect ending to day one.
Day 2 -
We woke up and I picked up a few breakfast items to go from The Vix. Nothing fancy, just a lot of bacon, eggs, fruit, biscuits but it hit the spot after my pre-wedding diet.
For lunch, we walked down to Hemingway's where we split cracked conch and each had an order of grouper tacos with mango salsa. Really nice lunch at a decent price.
Cocktails on the balcony before heading out to Bay Bistro.
Bay Bistro was absolutely wonderful. We had reservations for a private beachfront table at 6:30 at it did not disappoint. Gorgeous setting for a sunset, and beautiful when lit up by the tiki torches.
I went with a martini and the conch wontons to start, while my better half had the coffee rubbed tuna (not on the menu that night but Chef Clive made it for her). Wonderful start. Very flavorful. We went with a bottle of Caymus Belle Glos Pinot Noir which wasn't dominated by vanilla like their cab, IMO. For our entrees, I chose the blacked lobster with mango salsa (again, not on the menu that night but Chef whipped it up) and my wife chose the rack of lamb. Both of us were really happy with our selections. To wrap it up, we chose a few different flavors of the housemade ice cream.
Day 3 -
For lunch, nothing fancy but still good: Chicken tikka masala for me from Garam Marsala and spicy shrimp pad thai for her from Thai Orchid. Both were within steps of our small resort and were very flavorful.
Dinner - Le Bouchon
I can't recall the name of the French pinot noir we enjoyed but it was quite good. We started with good bread, wahoo carpaccio and foie gras. The wahoo was incredibly fresh and very simply prepared. Great starter. The foie gras was really good as well. Served with croutons which gave it the texture needed. Wonderful start.
For our entrees, my wife got simple grilled red snapper. Again, very fresh and flavorful. I was hoping to go with the spicy lobster dish but it was out before our late reservations (8:30). Instead, I went with steak au poivre. Very good sauce, cooked the perfect medium rare. Very satisfying meal to end another good day.
This post was edited on 4/9/13 at 5:53 pm
4
Posted on 4/9/13 at 5:52 pm to Politiceaux
Day 4 -
For lunch we went over to The Vix (near/affiliated with our resort - The Villa Renaissance.) I had the blue cheese bacon burger, my wife got the grouper sandwich. Both of us very much enjoyed our meal.
Dinner - Caicos Cafe'
Caicos Cafe. Best meal of the trip, in both of our opinions. We started with three appetizers (hey, we're on vacation): Gnocchi, Scallops with almond, herb and bacon crust, and cracked conch. Gnocchi and scallops were both extraordinary. I've never had gnocchi like this, and the scallops were simply outstanding. So many flavors with great texture. The cracked conch wasn't all that great, but we didn't need to/plan to eat all of each anyway - we certainly knocked out 100% of the scallops and gnocchi.
For the main course, I selected the Lobster fra diavolo and my wife went with the Tagliolini seafood flambéed with Pernod. I'm not typically a seafood pasta person, but these two were both just knocked way out of the park Incredible zestiness and flavor with a lot of lobster in my dish, and hers: WOW - tons of seafood, perfectly cooked housemade pasta, fish, mussels, conch, scallops, lobster, etc. I just cannot praise these entrees enough.
For dessert, we went with tiramisu and the Bailey's affrogato. Best tiramisu either of us ever had and the afforgato - ice cream soaked in Bailey's and espresso? Someone sent a message from on high with me in mind when this was created.
Day 5 -
We used this day to drive our rental car to the other side of the island (small island - only about 15-20 minutes) to check our a few of the more isolated beaches. Sapodilla Bay, Taylor Bay and Chalk Sound National Park. All three were absolutely stunning. Truly.
For lunch, we had reservations at Las Brisas overlooking chalk sound. Unbelievable views. One of the things you truly have to see to believe.
Las Brisas is a Spanish owned tapas joint and it did not disappoint. We went with the lobster bruscetta, mussels in cream sauce, conch fritters and some type of sauteed shrimp....to start.
For some reason, we ordered entrees - I went with the chorizo and pork burger, she went with the caprese sandwich. The burger tasted different than a beef burger, of course. A lot of punch and was quite enjoyable. My wife enjoyed the few bites of her sandwich that she could complete as well.
Dinner - Magnolia
After our huge lunch, we slacked on appetizer ordering at Magnolia: only one, and just a small cup of escargot. Great garlic butter, served with crispy bread for texture. Perfect start. We both went with the famous tuna and it did not disappoint. Neither of us saw much else on the menu worth ordering, but were very happy with the main course. The sunset over the Turtle Cove marina and the blue hills here was incredible.
Day 6 -
Went over to Caicos Bakery to load up on almond croissants, quiche and éclairs before it closed for Easter. Enjoyed on the balcony. Really great little bakery run by a very friendly French lady. Delicious.
For lunch, we hit Lupo just a few steps for meatball sandwiches. Seriously, huge bonus for resort location. This place is fantastic and very reasonable price-wise. Don't miss it if you're in the area.
Dinner - Coyaba
Lobster bisque and spicy ahi tuna to start - both full of flavor. Lobster thermidor and osso bucco for entrees. All were good, but not up to par with some of the other high end restaurants.
Day 7 -
We started the morning off with some left over treats from our massive Caicos Bakery haul the day before - still great.
Bay Bistro for Lunch/Brunch. Lobster Benedict for me - Good, very filling; Cracked Conch for my wife - Quite good - she wanted to get her fill before our flight Monday.
Dinner - CoCo Bistro
The setting at CoCo Bistro is absolutely stunning, as is well known. We started with spicy lobster tacos and lobster ravioli - both were absolutely packed with flavor and were a great start. For our entrees, I went with the "Penne Pasta with Caicos Lobster, Shrimp, Scallops and Arugula in a White Wine Tomato Cream Sauce Laced with Fresh Homegrown Basil and Topped with Asiago Cheese Shavings " and she got the roast lamb rack with herb crust. Both were absolute knockouts. Her lamb was perfectly cooked to temperature (medium rare) and my pasta was just absolutely loaded with delicious, fresh seafood. The tomato cream sauce was perfect with it and full of flavor. Again, I'm not a huge seafood pasta person but this was another knockout.
We paired everything with a nice French Pinot Noir. Wonderful, wonderful meal.
We split a key lime pie to cap it off. I ended the night with a Montecristo No. 2 on our balcony picked up from a local shop. Great day.
Day 8 - Flight home. Picked up a few more almond crossaints for breakfast and one last meatball sandwich from Lupo before heading to the airport.
I cannot recommend Providenciales highly enough for honeymooners or romance travelers. They also have some good places for families. Great restaurants and absolutely stunning beach. Really clean, safe island as well. Easy to traverse.
It's not a cheap destination but it was worth every penny. We are already planning our return.
For lunch we went over to The Vix (near/affiliated with our resort - The Villa Renaissance.) I had the blue cheese bacon burger, my wife got the grouper sandwich. Both of us very much enjoyed our meal.
Dinner - Caicos Cafe'
Caicos Cafe. Best meal of the trip, in both of our opinions. We started with three appetizers (hey, we're on vacation): Gnocchi, Scallops with almond, herb and bacon crust, and cracked conch. Gnocchi and scallops were both extraordinary. I've never had gnocchi like this, and the scallops were simply outstanding. So many flavors with great texture. The cracked conch wasn't all that great, but we didn't need to/plan to eat all of each anyway - we certainly knocked out 100% of the scallops and gnocchi.
For the main course, I selected the Lobster fra diavolo and my wife went with the Tagliolini seafood flambéed with Pernod. I'm not typically a seafood pasta person, but these two were both just knocked way out of the park Incredible zestiness and flavor with a lot of lobster in my dish, and hers: WOW - tons of seafood, perfectly cooked housemade pasta, fish, mussels, conch, scallops, lobster, etc. I just cannot praise these entrees enough.
For dessert, we went with tiramisu and the Bailey's affrogato. Best tiramisu either of us ever had and the afforgato - ice cream soaked in Bailey's and espresso? Someone sent a message from on high with me in mind when this was created.
Day 5 -
We used this day to drive our rental car to the other side of the island (small island - only about 15-20 minutes) to check our a few of the more isolated beaches. Sapodilla Bay, Taylor Bay and Chalk Sound National Park. All three were absolutely stunning. Truly.
For lunch, we had reservations at Las Brisas overlooking chalk sound. Unbelievable views. One of the things you truly have to see to believe.
Las Brisas is a Spanish owned tapas joint and it did not disappoint. We went with the lobster bruscetta, mussels in cream sauce, conch fritters and some type of sauteed shrimp....to start.
For some reason, we ordered entrees - I went with the chorizo and pork burger, she went with the caprese sandwich. The burger tasted different than a beef burger, of course. A lot of punch and was quite enjoyable. My wife enjoyed the few bites of her sandwich that she could complete as well.
Dinner - Magnolia
After our huge lunch, we slacked on appetizer ordering at Magnolia: only one, and just a small cup of escargot. Great garlic butter, served with crispy bread for texture. Perfect start. We both went with the famous tuna and it did not disappoint. Neither of us saw much else on the menu worth ordering, but were very happy with the main course. The sunset over the Turtle Cove marina and the blue hills here was incredible.
Day 6 -
Went over to Caicos Bakery to load up on almond croissants, quiche and éclairs before it closed for Easter. Enjoyed on the balcony. Really great little bakery run by a very friendly French lady. Delicious.
For lunch, we hit Lupo just a few steps for meatball sandwiches. Seriously, huge bonus for resort location. This place is fantastic and very reasonable price-wise. Don't miss it if you're in the area.
Dinner - Coyaba
Lobster bisque and spicy ahi tuna to start - both full of flavor. Lobster thermidor and osso bucco for entrees. All were good, but not up to par with some of the other high end restaurants.
Day 7 -
We started the morning off with some left over treats from our massive Caicos Bakery haul the day before - still great.
Bay Bistro for Lunch/Brunch. Lobster Benedict for me - Good, very filling; Cracked Conch for my wife - Quite good - she wanted to get her fill before our flight Monday.
Dinner - CoCo Bistro
The setting at CoCo Bistro is absolutely stunning, as is well known. We started with spicy lobster tacos and lobster ravioli - both were absolutely packed with flavor and were a great start. For our entrees, I went with the "Penne Pasta with Caicos Lobster, Shrimp, Scallops and Arugula in a White Wine Tomato Cream Sauce Laced with Fresh Homegrown Basil and Topped with Asiago Cheese Shavings " and she got the roast lamb rack with herb crust. Both were absolute knockouts. Her lamb was perfectly cooked to temperature (medium rare) and my pasta was just absolutely loaded with delicious, fresh seafood. The tomato cream sauce was perfect with it and full of flavor. Again, I'm not a huge seafood pasta person but this was another knockout.
We paired everything with a nice French Pinot Noir. Wonderful, wonderful meal.
We split a key lime pie to cap it off. I ended the night with a Montecristo No. 2 on our balcony picked up from a local shop. Great day.
Day 8 - Flight home. Picked up a few more almond crossaints for breakfast and one last meatball sandwich from Lupo before heading to the airport.
I cannot recommend Providenciales highly enough for honeymooners or romance travelers. They also have some good places for families. Great restaurants and absolutely stunning beach. Really clean, safe island as well. Easy to traverse.
It's not a cheap destination but it was worth every penny. We are already planning our return.
Posted on 4/9/13 at 5:54 pm to Politiceaux
Awesome info. We had to decide between Belize and Turks and Caicos last year and went Belize because we were a little unsure about what we could do on the island.
Bookmarked the info for next year if we decide to go.
.
Bookmarked the info for next year if we decide to go.
. Posted on 4/9/13 at 6:33 pm to fightin tigers
Did you stay at Grace Bay Villas/Resort? ARe any of these in the resort or just short walk/cab ride away.Went diving there 10 years ago so all is new to me now but ready to go back.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Posted on 4/9/13 at 6:52 pm to charlied
Gotta second the magnolia reccomendation, the Tuna was the best I've ever had and view over the marina is unbeatable. Liked it so much I went twice on my trip.
Posted on 4/9/13 at 7:34 pm to charlied
quote:We stayed on Grace Bay at this penthouse at Villa Renaissance that we rented through VRBO:
Did you stay at Grace Bay Villas/Resort? ARe any of these in the resort or just short walk/cab ride away.Went diving there 10 years ago so all is new to me now but ready to go back.
LINK
We can't wait to go back. Probably next May. If not then, definitely the following Spring. We have a number of other big trips we want to do over the next three to four years.
Most of the restaurants we chose were walkable, some were a short cab ride.
This post was edited on 4/9/13 at 7:35 pm
Posted on 4/9/13 at 7:44 pm to Politiceaux
Posted on 4/9/13 at 7:54 pm to Politiceaux
Bookmarked for honeymoon
Posted on 4/9/13 at 8:30 pm to fightin tigers
quote:It's not a place for an extremely active vacation but there are opportunities to SCUBA/SNUBA/Snorkel. Big Blue Unlimited offers a lot of more active options.
Awesome info. We had to decide between Belize and Turks and Caicos last year and went Belize because we were a little unsure about what we could do on the island.
Posted on 4/9/13 at 8:57 pm to Motorboat
quote:Perfect honeymoon for us. Peaceful, not filled with megaresorts, all-inclusives, kids, etc. A few fantastic spas. Easy travel, too. Quick flight to Atlanta then a 2 hour 15 minute flight from there.
Bookmarked for honeymoon
This post was edited on 4/9/13 at 8:58 pm
Posted on 4/9/13 at 9:16 pm to Politiceaux
Ive been to beaches t&c the last three spring breaks. We are already booked for a fourth. I havent tried food in the town. But of all the things i had at beaches...the lamb was the best ive ever eaten. Strange
Beaches is best if you have kids.
Also, grace bay has to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Absolutely amazing.
The only negative is the small and crowded airport.
Beaches is best if you have kids.
Also, grace bay has to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Absolutely amazing.
The only negative is the small and crowded airport.
This post was edited on 4/9/13 at 9:22 pm
Posted on 4/10/13 at 2:53 am to Politiceaux
Great write up. Pics would have made this sticky-worthy.
Posted on 4/10/13 at 8:38 am to RunningBlake
quote:I'll have to disagree. All-inclusive is the antithesis of the island, IMO. It's a quiet place where I wouldn't want to be around a thousand people looking for beach or pool chairs. There are too many really good places to eat to be strapped to one resort. It's gotten to the point that the boutique luxury resorts within close distance of Beaches have had to lower prices because of the crowds on the beach over there.
Beaches is best if you have kids.
From what I gather, one can buy a day pass so that their kids can check out the theme park like stuff at Beaches.
This post was edited on 4/10/13 at 9:41 am
Posted on 4/10/13 at 9:40 am to HoustonGumbeauxGuy
quote:Thanks. Unfortunately we packed in a hurry before the wedding and all and forgot her digital camera. We had to resort to disposables. Oh well.
Great write up. Pics would have made this sticky-worthy.
Posted on 4/10/13 at 10:03 am to Politiceaux
I agree with your take in all-inclusives, when I go somewhere I hate feeling like I'm trapped eating or drinking at the resort. It's much more fun to explore the local options.
Posted on 4/10/13 at 10:06 am to TJG210
If you want all-inclusive, go on a cruise. At least then you will get to see different locations.
Posted on 4/10/13 at 10:13 am to BlackenedOut
I agree.
And I definitely don't understand going back to the same all inclusive over and over again. Turks has beautiful beaches, but so does almost every island on the Caribbean.
I've never understood the allure of going to a beautiful island and never leaving the resort.
How do you know you enjoy one island over the other when you never leave the resort?
Anyways: Politceaux, you would also enjoy St Maarten. More good restaurants there than any other island I've been to. I believe they boast having over 300 restaurants in a 20 sq mile area.
And I definitely don't understand going back to the same all inclusive over and over again. Turks has beautiful beaches, but so does almost every island on the Caribbean.
I've never understood the allure of going to a beautiful island and never leaving the resort.
How do you know you enjoy one island over the other when you never leave the resort?
Anyways: Politceaux, you would also enjoy St Maarten. More good restaurants there than any other island I've been to. I believe they boast having over 300 restaurants in a 20 sq mile area.
Posted on 4/10/13 at 11:12 am to LSUAfro
quote:
Anyways: Politceaux, you would also enjoy St Maarten. More good restaurants there than any other island I've been to. I believe they boast having over 300 restaurants in a 20 sq mile area.
We scoped it out for this trip. It's on our to do list for sure.
Posted on 4/10/13 at 11:32 am to Politiceaux
Ive been to Provo probably 15 times for scuba. 10 years ago the food on the island was severely lacking. Went 2 summers ago and was surprised at the advancement of restaurants. Anyway, this isnt an island you go ot to party. This is a place you go to to get away from everything and relax. Scuba is great, and you wont find better beaches and water in the world. You will meet a ton of New Englanders because there is a direct flight from provo to Newark. They get their quicker than flying out of texas or louisiana because you have a plane change in Atlanta or Miami.
Posted on 4/10/13 at 11:41 am to CarRamrod
quote:Yep. Direct flights from Boston, Chicago and Toronto as well.
You will meet a ton of New Englanders because there is a direct flight from provo to Newark.
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