Going to Grenada- Installment 6 - Vegetarian(Pescatarian) and Gluten free?

When traveling, meals are often a big challenge for me. Although, learning how to eat so I am not sick has made the experience of traveling a LOT easier.
The good news is that imported goods are expensive in Grenada, so they have an established supply of fresh foods grown on the island. And, also, I eat seafood, and an island is a perfect spot for that!

I had done a little online research of restaurants and other folk's experiences, so I had a short list of places to try. Our first day on the island, we spent the day at Grand Anse Beach, and had a nice midday break on the upper deck of the Umbrella Restaurant. 

Even though it was midday, we were on vacation! So we started with the drinks menu. I started with a Mango Daiquiri, which was refreshing and excellent, blended fresh mango and rum. Huz had the Umbrella Cooler, which he liked well. We ordered an appetizer of Lambie Souse, conch marinated in lime, but they were out. So, we ordered lunch. I had the Wanna Be Waldorf salad, because it was safe eating. I also tried a strawberry daiquiri at the waitress's suggestion, but it was awful. Strawberry syrup, way too sweet. Huz took care of it. He also had a Rum Punch, and was the best of the island.

For dinner that evening we took a taxi to the inner harbor of St. George's. Out at the far end of the bowl is B.B.'s Crabback. We made reservations- and you need them. We were taken to our seat by the over-the-top B.B. He is the chef/owner and very involved with his customers. It is a casual place, with really good food. We sat right on the edge of the water, overlooking the harbor. The walls, ceilings, everything is covered with notes and signatures of the patrons.

We got our lambie here, as an appetizer. I informed the waiter of my diet limitations, and he and B. B. walked me through my safe choices. I had King Prawns, in a mango sauce, and dessert was flaming bananas. They were nicely aflame at delivery, but I don't think all the alcohol burned off, as they were definitely not for those that don't love rum!

Our view of the Carenage of St. George's harbor included this enormous sailing yacht. It was the same size as a container ship.

We did not try the signiture dish of B.B.'s, the Crabback. Too bad, as it sounded great- but not on the allowed list for me. Huz' dinner was incredible. It was the special. Mahi mahi chunks rolled in cinnamon and nutmeg, and perfectly flaky, on a gorgeous sauce. He used the rice and lentils served with our dinners (fragrant, slightly sweet, perfumed) to sop up every last drop. I played it fast and loose, and took a bite of his fish. DEE-Vine.

Our breakfasts were had at the breakfast buffet at the Rex Grenadian. Buffets are fraught with dangers for folks like me. A cruise the first day yielded a piece of cheese. But, as I watched the egg station, I decided to brave a vegetable omelet. She pretty girl making the eggs stirred some veggies into my freshly cracked eggs and omeleted them (Oil!Yikes!What kind? ) I smelled the finished version but was not told by my senses to stop there, so ate. It was a success and I felt fine, so that was my breakfast each morning.

Lunch, when I'm on my own, is not something I bother with much. Not that I don't get hungry, but taking a taxi to find a place to eat takes too much time away from other things. So, I've learned in these travels to bring a few things that work to keep my energy going. I had rice crackers, envelopes of Justin's Almond Butter (individual serving packs, expensive, but protein in a squeeze envelope) and Kind Bars. Also, I bought a bag of French Cashews(a red, sweet, pear shaped fruit with a large pit and a perfumed white flesh) from a lady on the street my second morning in Grenada, and  the fresh local fruit was a perfect lunch solution.

 Our second evening, we were hosted by the Veterinary School at the University Club for a cocktail party. (As an aside, nailed the dress code in packing platform wedge espadrilles that make for mile-long legs but shoes that handle grass, sand and decks with aplomb.) The party was right on the waters edge, a beach, deck area with a bar and tables. We arrived in time to watch the sun set. Divine. Once again, I was not tasting the passed offerings of quiches and kebabs. I know I won't be eating going in, and plan accordingly. As in, making dinner reservations post party.

Sun setting from the University Club.

This time I chose a restaurant close to our resort. The Beach House is a short taxi ride from the Rex Grenadian. Another beautiful setting, right on the beach, ocean waves audible in the darkness. I played it safe with a Rum Punch and the Daily Fresh Catch, which was a Mahi Mahi with a fruit salsa. Light and delicious. The Spicy Vegetarian Curry sounded very good, but one of my limitations is a coconut allergy, and many of the sauces and dishes of the Caribbean feature coconut milk or water, or coconut. So, keeping it simple, I steered clear.  And then watched Huz devour a piece of Coconut Cream Pie.

Our last night on the island, the Vet School hosted us at The Aquarium Restaurant, a short walk down the beautiful beach just outside. The Aquarium is tucked right up against the rocks at the south end of the beach. Once again- we were surrounded with beauty while we ate.

 It was buffet style...danger. But, you don't want to be the weird one who doesn't eat anything, and drinks 2 rum punches...so into the danger zone I go, clutching my plate to my chest and skeptically looking at the piles of food on the plates of the folks on the way out of the buffet. Then, it was my turn. There was a woman serving, and I asked her what was in the first buffet warmer. She said "rice". But then I asked what else, is there coconut, or flour for the sauce, or.... and she got that wide eyed look I've seen before, and disappeared, quickly returning with a black-clad chef, who stuck with me right through the line, guiding my choices. I left the line with a nearly full plate! The food wasn't excellent (that is a tall order in any buffet) but there were plenty of choices for me. Was I "the weird one"? Probably. But I wasn't "the weird one with an empty plate"!
And, after our dinner, and some goodbyes, we got to stroll down the beach, in the breaking waves and cooling sand back to our hotel. Half way down the beach the live steel drum band playing at the pool house of the resort got our attention, and we watched and enjoyed the music for a while. Paradise? Yup.