From the moment I landed I was excited to finally be back on such a beautiful Island, MY beautiful Island. Both of my parents are from Grenada and as a child I would come here frequently. As I got a little older school and work became my priority and I wasn't able to visit as much. However, I did manage to make my way every few years. For the past 3 years, I have been fortunate to bring in the new year in Grenada with friends and family. This year I landed on Old Years day which didn't leave me much time to prepare for the all inclusive party I was attending that night. From the airport, my mother and I went to visit my grandmother and a close family friend then went home to shower and nap. Home being my stepfathers house in Woodlands, Grenada.
Later that night some of my friends, family and I headed to Port Louis where Dj Puffy was playing and we set out to have a good time. We were late as usual so we walked in as the clock striked 12 and the fireworks were blasting off. The night was still young for us. As the music played and we danced, I had the Hennessy and Pineapple juice flowing. After all I was determined to get my money worth. The ambiance was nice even when we had to run for shelter in the rain for a short while. The rain didn't stop the party, people were dancing in the rain celebrating a new year of life. There were multiple bars set up throughout the venue; so the lines were short and also some young men selling food under a tent. Of course I had to taste the food. I bought jerk chicken and chips (Jerk chicken and french fries). It was really good. The spices were flowing through the chicken and the chips were good in itself although I added ketchup and hot sauce. Normally I like mustard on my chips as well but it wasn't available.
After we left Port Louis at 4:00 am we headed to Grand Anse beach to the after party. For the past 3 years I've been helping Aunty Pat, my moms best friend in her restaurant that she co-owns with her husband. Coconut Beach has the best New years breakfast party and normally lasts until the wee hours of the morning. Doors opened at 4:30am and people started pouring in. The menu consisted of freshly baked bread, sweet bread, salt fish souse, ham, fishcakes, green salad, provisions, fruit skewers, tania log and waters which is a broth seasoned with local ingredients, provisions and most times with fish. There was also a full bar, local juices, lemongrass tea and cocoa tea. As soon as I reached I was called into the kitchen for assistance. After helping chop some salad and serving several guests I finally was able to escape. I went to sit on the outside tables with friends where I continued to drink Hennessy as if it was my morning coffee. I went to wet my feet in the clear blue water but it was kind of cold. After a minute or so it warmed up and my body became accustom to it.
Everyone continued to eat, drink and dance! It was a celebration. The sun came up and people started fading away slow. By 9:30am there was probably still about 20-25 of us left. Food was done, kitchen was cleaned and closed and most people were lingering outside and conversing in drunk talks. It was another successful year and as much as I enjoyed it I was still jet lagged and couldn't wait to go home and crash. Shortly after we finished closing up the resturant I went home and slept for the remainder of that day.
The rest of my trip was filled with much relaxation. I slept a lot the first week being there. Before my trip I was so overwhelmed with school, work and catering that I literally had no time to sleep. I used this time to catch up on much needed rest. I also worked on my website almost everyday of this trip. The Clear air was refreshing and a great workspace.
As soon as I landed people of course kept asking me "So when you cooking?", "When you making me one of those cakes?" (in reference to the strawberry shortcake cheesecake I've been posting) and my only answer was "soon!" LOL! That first week I made 3 cheesecakes with the strawberry shortcake crumble and some Shrimp & Chicken Rasta Pasta. Everyone who was able made sure they came to get some. I actually enjoyed feeding them. I love cooking so anytime I get some new taste testers to give me feedback, I am glad.
Other than hanging out with my amazing friends and family and drinking rum and a bunch of Stags (beer), I ate some good food. Every Thursday night we would head down to Coconut Beach Restaurant for $1 wings and lime there until closing. I always got the hot wings because I loved the spice. They were sooo good. I mean everything I tried here was pretty amazing. On this trip (because I frequent this restaurant on all my vacations here) I had the Lobster Thermidor, the Crab Cakes, Plantain Chips, and the Fish broth. All of which I would definitely order again. Another great place I would reccomend for some great food is Umbrellas Beach Bar. The service wasn't as great but the food and drinks definitely helps. Both times I came here on this trip I had the nachos because they were so good. The first time I had the Fish nachos and on my last day I had the Chili nachos. The trick to their nachos is not only that its bursting with great flavors but the chips are actually Doritos! Delicious! I also ate Jerk Chicken, Fried Chicken, Fish and Chips and much more from various local bars and food trucks.
One of my favorite memories on this trip was visiting Adelphi waterfalls. Last year my friends and I set out to find it however we got lost and never did. They went back 2 days later but unfortunately for me it was the day I was departing so all I got was pics. This year I was determined and we succeeded. It was BEAUTIFUL!! I literally would've stayed under that waterfall all day if possible. We set up a bar on some rocks under the waterfall, listened to music, took pics and just enjoyed the moment. It was freeing. It was beautiful and in that moment I didn't have a worry in my head. It was healing.
I would advise anyone who goes to Grenada to go for at least 1-2 weeks because there is really so much sights to see and places to eat. Be sure to hit up Wall Street (location in the Grand Anse area) where theres a bunch of food trucks and a few restaurants/bars thats open late for people who are coming from fetes and need a bite to eat. You can go to club Bananas on a Tuesday where drink specials are 2 for 1. Be sure to see the multiple waterfalls, visit various restaurants and different beaches. I'm positive that you will enjoy it the way I do. And if you're up for a good time go in August for Carnival where you're ensured to have an AMAZING time.
Oh Sweet Grenada land of spice and everything nice, until next time... I Love You!
