Bankie Banx’s Dune Preserve beach bar.
Long a sanctuary for celebrities in search of an under-the-radar retreat, Anguilla is also an up-and-coming foodie destination for both authentic West Indian cuisine and elevated organic fare. However, its reggae roots run deep with the annual Moon Splash reggae festival. Read on for eight spots to enjoy Anguilla’s sublime food and night life.
1. BlanchardsÂ
Situated in a cozy cottage on Meads Bay beneath a pink facade and teal shutters, Blanchards is run by an American ex-pat couple and has been a go-to spot for fresh Caribbean fare and warm hospitality for 20 years. Start with the Caribbean sampler and feast on fresh grilled mahi, jerk chicken and crayfish (similar to lobster and equally abundant on the island and its menus).
The hydroponic farm at CuisinArt.
2. CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa
For the inquisitive foodie, arrange a tour of CuisinArt’s hydroponic farm where they grow 44 varieties of lettuce, tomatoes and herbs in a greenhouse through water recirculation and drip irrigation, allowing for farm fresh crops year round. Afterwards, have lunch made of the farm’s fresh ingredients poolside at Café Med.
All about that lobster BBQ and rum punch at Sandy Island.
3. Sandy Island
Charter a boat with Shoal Bay Scuba or take the sea shuttle Happiness ($10 per person roundtrip) from Sandy Ground Beach two miles offshore to the remote, pink sand beaches of Sandy Island. Spend the day snorkeling, frolicking in the shallow water and refueling with a Caribbean BBQ party. Menu highlights include fresh grilled lobster with coconut and ginger and rum punch.
The legendary Bankie Banx performing at Dune Preserve.
4. Bankie Banx’s Dune Preserve
Legendary Anguillian reggae artist Bankie Banx has his own delightfully ramshackle beach bar on Rendezvous Bay where he performs live weekly. The governor of Anguilla is a big fan and can often be found at a private table enjoying his music.
Lobster quesadillas at Hungry’s.
5. Hungry’s Food VanÂ
Check out Anguilla’s thriving food truck scene at Hungry’s. Owned by former executive chef at Cap Juluca, the van dishes up fresh quesadillas stuffed with rice, peas and carrots and your choice of filling (the lobster is superb), as well as soups and salads.
Chicken BBQ at Ken’s.
6. Ken’s BBQÂ
Ken’s BBQ (no website) is a roadside food stand in The Valley loved by locals across the island, serving barbecue pork ribs and chicken made from livestock raised on his own farm. Hours vary, consult your concierge.
7. The PumphouseÂ
Serving elevated Caribbean cuisine in a funky setting by the old salt ponds in Sandy Ground, come to The Pumphouse for dinner and stay for live music nightly.
8. Tasty’s
For a true taste of what the locals eat, head to Tasty’s for conch creole with coconut dumplings, curried goat stew, grilled crayfish, pumpkin soup and johnny cakes.
A version of this story originally appeared on Miami.com.
