Even though the spaces of Isla Village have changed over the years, the pillar is still the same-Caribbean Garden. The evening we dined, we were astonished that the place wasn’t at capacity because it was absolutely excellent in every way. Case in point: when we tucked in to our dinners, we spontaneously cheered for the chef Marcello.

Aptly named, the garden like setting is luxurious. Knowing that we were on a tiny strip of land between a Selina and the ocean accounts for a rainforest feel. It makes me chuckle to think of the Rainforest Café that we have visited back home.

Alfanso was our attentive waiter. His “Spanglish” was so earnest, and he totalled endeared himself to us with very little effort. He took care of Melinda and I first and then would turn and say to D and Richard: “And for the misters?” He was adorable.

Alex, the mixologist also deserves our praise. His Caribbean Bird that I selected as my mixology choice was the prettiest cocktail, I have ever seen and equally delicious! It was a martini made with passion fruit and vanilla with a splash of sparkling wine. Grenadine floated at the bottom. When I stirred the mixture, the yellow canary turned into pink variation.

D’s choice of Tholoc on Fire cocktail was equally impressive. Spiced rum and pasilla pepper were beautifully contained and garnished and was a thrill when ignited. D said the spicy libation tasted even more fiery as you drank closer to the bottom of the vessel.

Richard enjoyed his Tulum Craft Beer made with seawater

and Melinda her Aperol spritz, passing on the unique Limoncello Spritz on the menu.

Our shared appetizers of Guacamole and Shrimp Aquachili were a big hit. The “guac” was crowned with a frilly parmesan wafer that we are determined to master back home (to hell with the expense)!

Since I tasted the Aquachili a couple of years ago, I enjoy it as much as ceviche now. The dish is spicier than ceviche and includes the welcome veggies of cucumber, tomato and serrano chili salsa.

I still haven’t had a feed of fish and chips on the island and since I leave this weekend, it might not happen. Richard either felt the same or wanted to appease my curiosity by ordering that fish & chips that evening. We were blown away by the fish quality in a tempura coating. I loved the presentation of the fries being scattered over the plate (who says our food can’t touch each other?)

We are very inclined to eat Lake Winnipeg pickerel (non-Canadians call it wall-eye) since we live half the year on the lakeshore. It is a mild but scrumptious fish that when eaten just out of the water, literally sparkles in your mouth. D’s Grouper last evening was the closest thing we have experience to recreating that sensation. It was the “catch of the day” served on a bed of mashed potatoes and el dente cooked veggies in a beurre blanc sauce.  D was thrilled!

Melinda also chose a grouper special,  likely because it came with a coriander risotto. The blackening of the fish contrasting with the silkiness of the risotto, ensured that Melinda enjoyed every morsel on her plate.

My choice of entrée has a bit of a story behind it. Years ago Caribbean Brisas (sister to Caribean Garden) used to be on Medina with the ocean as its backdrop. We enjoyed many dinners over the years and each time I dined, I would have the fruita de mare pasta because they made it in a light wine/lemon/garlic/butter sauce which made its way to Caribbean Garden’s menu. It was like going “home” for me. Kinda hard to explain but it is the way I relate to food. Food is my comfort, my joy and is a sure fire way to elicit positive feelings of gratitude and contentment.

I feel like I should close here but there is more to tell. D and Melinda both turned down dessert but the ears of Richard and I perked up! We ordered a lucious chocolate cake and four forks. The tastes were a lovely crescendo of the evening.

When we dined at Caribbean Garden, we not only met the other half of the Gonzalez/Maldonado duo but their lovely daughter Anna. Anna was interested in asking us questions about the culinary scene in Canada as she is considering travelling internationally to do her upcoming study practicum. Since D graduated from the same program from the Toronto Metropolitan University, Sister Sue from the comparable program in Winnipeg and my having taught with the Manitoba Tourism Education Council, we felt well prepared to give her our opinion. In the end, we even mentioned that we have space in our house for students to rent, should she choose Winnipeg. We were delighted to meet her and would be equally honoured to help her with her career.

Insider tip: Most delicious grouper on the island.

Kath’s quote: “It’s not about passion. Passion is something that we tend to overemphasize, that we certainly place too much importance on. Passion ebbs and flows. To me, it’s about desire. If you have constant, unwavering desire to be a cook, then you’ll be a great cook.” – Thomas Keller

Love never fails.

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