Providenciales- Paradise and PUPPIES!

stitchybitch (61)in #food • 6 years ago (edited)

If you've ever been on a Caribbean cruise, you've probably stopped into the island of Grand Turk to flounce around in the water or visit Margaritaville.

Well, near this very small stop for cruise ships, there is another, larger island that is part of Turks and Caicos called "Providenciales" or "Provo", a beautiful island full of amazing sights, food, beaches, drinks... AND WILD PUPPIES. (but we will save that for the end!)

Providenciales is about 40 square miles and is lined with some of the most beautiful waters you will ever lay eyes on.

I know this first hand, as I lived there for six months!

The islands are actually part of the British Territories, but they use US currency. And every dime you spend there is worth it.

Some of the best restaurants available are the small hole in the walls that have started to gain a lot of recognition in the tourist circles. But it is still widely unvisited and that means:

PLENTY OF BEACH TO YOURSELF!

This was actually taken during New Years out front of the main beach! As you can see, there isn't much of a crowd!
Unless you're staying in one of the resorts, then you might end up having some sand to share.

But as someone that hung out with the locals and spent a good bit of time there; allow me to give you a couple suggestions of places to stop in for some grub (and some puppy love) if you happen to find yourself on this little slice of paradise!

#1: Da Conch Shack.

Pardon the potato camera picture.
Bar none, one of the best places to eat. Da Conch Shack touts to have the best rum punch on the island (they do) and offer the unique experience of dining right on the beach in a casual atmosphere! They encourage you to take off your shoes and dance, especially when they have their dance parties! But anytime is fine, especially if you've had their signature punch!

One unique aspect of dining, especially if it is slow, is once you place your order you can watch them go out on a clear boat into the water to actually fetch the conch they are going to prepare for your lunch!

A potcake hanging out in the still-warm sand!

A lot of the restaurant was wrecked during a hurricane last year, but the community came together to help the workers put the isla0nd staple back into ship-shape!

Get the conch fritters. Trust me, if you think you dislike conch, this place will change your mind. They changed mine!

#2: Yoshi's!

Yoshi's sushi bar started out as a small little place next to the IGA market on Blue Hills Highway about 12 years ago! It was the first time that I had sushi that could actually be considered a meal. One roll was enough to last you the whole day.

I am not sure what kind of black magic Yoshi is wielding at his bar, but it is not to be missed.

Since his modest start, Yoshi's sushi bar has now moved to a very prestigious position on Grace Bay. Instead of paper menus with pencils, you now order on I-pads. His restaurant may have moved up in the world but the prices are still reasonable and the sushi is to die for!

(And yes, one basic roll is filling enough to be a meal, still!)

#3 Sweet T's.

Once again, sorry for potato camera.

Sweet T's is the real deal when you want fast food with no frills.

When you come out of the airport, keep your eyes peeled for a bright pink little building on the right-hand side. Therein resides some of the best chicken wings you will EVER have. I don't know how they do it.

Some say they fry them in peanut oil.
I've heard rumors that they sing to the chicken while they season it.
But whatever they are doing, they are doing it right.

Don't bother looking for a menu. There are two selections.
-Chicken
-Fries (chips)

When you order, you simply state a denomination.

"$5 chicken, $3 fries" (as seen in the picture)

And whatever you do, DO NOT... I repeat, DO NOT skip getting the ketchup. Even if you hate ketchup. It does not taste like any other ketchup on the planet.

I am drooling just thinking about it.

And finally, now that you got your grub on, why not stop in to get you some lovin's?

Potcake Place.

daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaw

On the island, there is an indigenous breed of dog that basically runs wild.

They are called "Potcakes" and they are precious. (They are called this because the locals leave the cakes of rice that stick to the bottom of pots outside for them to eat)

With a visit to Potcake Place, you can take a puppy out for a play in the sand! And if you absolutely fall in love with that pupper... you can take them home.

That's right! Not only is Potcake Place a rescue and beach-buddy rental shop, it is an adoption agency!

Potcakes are spry, high energy, and trim. They are loyal to a fault and come in all shapes and sizes! (and of course, colors) You can bring your own slice of paradise back with you to love forever.