Elite Traveler Spring 2020

EXPLORE TURKS AND CAICOS

A TASTE OF TURKS

Act like a local

Caicos Café Mediterranean and modern Italian fare gets an island twist from chef Massimo Olivari at this Grace Bay mainstay, which is popular with visitors and locals alike. Perfect for both casual gatherings and romantic nights out (for the latter, snag a table on the deck), the restaurant features everything from fresh local seafood and foie gras terrines to handcrafted pastas and slow-braised lamb shank, along with a thoughtful selection of wines. +649 946 5278

Da Conch Shack & Rum Bar There’s no more iconic spot on

Providenciales than this feet-in-the- sand spot on Blue Hills Beach. Conch is found on nearly every menu in town, but here you’ll find it in a wide variety of preparations — from salads and chowders to curries and a fried version called ‘cracked conch’ — with a vibrant atmosphere, particularly on nights when there is live music. There are also other local specialties (like Johnny fries) and burgers, along with rum drinks and cold, local beers to help fuel the fun. daconchshack.com Somewhere Café and Lounge A prime location on Grace Bay Beach — plus the advantage of being in the only two-floor structure on the shore — has helped make this casual café a popular choice for enjoying the sunset, rum punch in hand. Come early to snag a rooftop daybed, then stay after the sun goes down for DJs or live music, Tex-Mex-inspired eats and homemade baked goods. somewherecafeandlounge.com Island Fish Fry When planning your trip, make sure to be in Providenciales on a Thursday to enjoy this must-do island event, which has become the weekly place to be. Every Thursday from 5:30 to 9:30 pm in Bight (Children’s) Park, this mini food festival features stalls from over a dozen vendors cooking up dishes like crab-n-rice and lobster mac and cheese. Grab some eats and enjoy live entertainment, artisans peddling handmade goods and, at the end of the evening, a Junkanoo parade.

Coyaba Set in a lovely tropical garden, this Grace Bay favorite from chef and owner Paul Newman has been drawing regulars for nearly two decades. The signature menus change often, but always feature international dishes crafted from Caribbean- sourced fruits, herbs, spices and seafood; think tuna loin wrapped in potato and served with tamarind stir fry, papaya ginger and mango wasabi, or chicken breast with jerk spices, ackee croquettes and pick-a- peppa gravy. coyabarestaurant.com

Coco Bistro Conch two ways,

pepper-crusted local tuna and crispy Caicos lobster with avocado spring rolls are just some of the culinary delights that await guests of this Grace Bay bistro, where everything is served in a magical alfresco setting inside the largest palm grove on the island. The restaurant is the domain of executive chef and owner Stuart Gray, a Canadian expat who honed his craft working in celebrated kitchens around the world before running the kitchen at one of Grace Bay Club’s fine-dining restaurants. cocobistro.tc

From top Da Conch Shack

entrance; conch fritters and ceviche at Da Conch Shack; Somewhere Café and Lounge; a spicy dish at Somewhere Café and Lounge

Photos Nick Brown Photography, Ren Nickson, Agile LeVin/visittci.com