Photo taken by Samantha DePaquale
Known for more than just the birthplace of Rum, this beautiful island is a great spot for a tropical vacation. Sunny skies, sandy beaches, palm trees, and crystal blue water… what more can you ask for?! Oh great food. Not the first thing that comes to your mind, I’m sure, if you happen to think about Barbados but important enough to write a blog post about! First, some great things to do here are:
Take a day trip out on a Calabaza Sailing Cruise
Visit Hunte’s Gardens
Soak up the sun at Carlisle Bay
Get a little wet with some water sports such as surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing
St. Nicholas Abbey
Harrison’s Cave
Barbados is an island filled with a lot of history and culture. There is so much for you to take in and learn about when staying there. One thing I love about this destination is the people. Barbadians or “Bajans” as they are also known are some of the friendliest people I have ever met. They are so kind, welcoming, and full of hospitality. Just having a simple conversation with my taxi driver who was taking my family and I to dinner one evening gave us so much insight into the local life of the communities in Barbados. He also is the main reason I got to try some of the best food the island has to offer. Even though the last time I was there was several years ago, I can still remember the taste of the best fish sandwich I have ever had from a tiny shack down the road from my hotel called Cuz’s Fish Shack.
Cuz's Fish Shack
Photo taken by Samantha DePasquale
Cuz’s Fish Shack is a great way to truly experience Barbadian culture and cuisine. This tiny little shack serves up one thing and one thing only, a fish sandwich. Grilled and paired with lettuce, tomato, and cheese on a bun it doesn’t sound like much but it definitely does not disappoint. When on a tropical vacation, it is very easy for the expenses to add up, especially if you’re staying somewhere that is not all inclusive. Cuz’s is a great and cheap lunch option that will leave you feeling full and and satisfied for only $4. It’s a very popular spot amongst locals so start up some conversations while you’re waiting in line! There definitely will be one at lunch hour but many will tell you it’s worth the wait. Cuz also sells bottled water and soda but I recommend trying a Banks beer which is brewed right in Barbados. It goes perfectly with the fish sandwich and if you like spice like me top it off with some Bajan hot pepper sauce and you’re all set. You can even buy a bottle of the sauce to take back home with you in the airport! A definite must.
If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience check out Champers. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or special occasion due to the beautiful atmosphere, high-end dishes, and highly trained staff. With a beautiful ocean view from any table, dining at Champers is a great place to have an upscale experience. Some noted menu items include:
Caramelized Sea Scallops
Grilled 12-ounce ribeye
Medley of Seafood
Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb
Champers Cevichè
Making a reservation is highly recommended if you’re thinking about dining here during your trip. Because of the atmosphere, cuisine, view, and service you will definitely want to try Champers.
Champers
Video taken by CarnivalLiveTV.com
If you’re looking for some more seafood and Japanese cuisine, check out Naru. Also located right along the water, you get a great view of the ocean while enjoying various Japanese dishes and sushi. The restaurant first opened in Sept. 2011 along the south coast boardwalk in Barbados. One of the best dishes on the menu is the soft shell crab, and they have a list of 27 rolls filled with different types of fish and veggies. Some of their most popular rolls are:
Aloha Roll
Duality Roll
Spider Pig Roll
Wacky Maki Roll
Proper Pork Roll
Not so big on seafood? Not to worry. Naru has many appetizers, soups, salads, small plates that are perfect for sharing, and main entrées to choose from. From noodles to fried rice with chicken, beef, shrimp, and duck you can customize your dish to your liking. Don’t forget to check out some other great dishes such as:
Twice Cooked Local Chicken Leg Quarter
Grilled Bone-In Pork Chops
Marinated Yellow Fin Tuna
Grilled Fillet of Angus Rib Eye with Cassava Puree
Naru Restaurant and Lounge
Photo taken by Samantha DePasquale
As I mentioned in a previous blog post about Barcelona I am a huge Tapas lover. Tapas is another word for small plates. Going to this type of restaurant is great for groups so you can share a bunch of dishes and get to try different things. If you’re looking for this kind of experience plan to eat at Tapas.
Tapas Restaurant
Photo taken by Samantha DePasquale
As you can see there’s a theme in Barbados for having oceanfront restaurants with great views. You can find this when eating at Tapas. From seafood plates, to meat plates, pastas, and desserts Tapas has all of these for you to devour. After opening in 2009, this restaurant in the area of Hastings has grown a great deal in terms of popularity. They earned a Certificate of Excellence due to the consistent positive reviews from travelers on TripAdvisor. Providing proficient service to customers and setting reasonable prices for tasty dishes keep travelers coming back for more.
If these restaurants don’t have you already making reservations, be sure to keep them in mind if you ever find yourself under the sunny and beautiful skies of Barbados.
Photo taken by Samantha DePasquale
`Photo taken by Berit Watkin
