For a memorable evening of chic comfort, and relaxed sophistication, the Gecko Grille awaits. Ocean Club Resorts boasts this unique and contemporary dining experience that has been a favourite of guests and residents for the past 10 years.
Their magnificently crafted mahogany Vodka Bar is a one-of-a-kind here on Provo, featuring 75 different vodkas from Absolut to Zyr. Martinis are a specialty - and with 75 vodkas, the possibilities are not only endless, but potentially perilous! Signature Vodka Cocktails are an impetuous way to begin the evening - with names like Citrus Kamikaze, 007 and Black Black Russian just to name a few!
If
indoor dining is your pleasure, the vivid and colourful wall murals exude
a tropical feel, providing guests with air-conditioned comfort amidst the
hum of the lively bar you just left behind. A few steps further transports
you to a lush, enchanting outdoor garden romantically illuminated under
a canopy of stars with fairy lights and tiki torches.
Named for the delightful geckos that inhabit Providenciales, these playful, agile creatures have the ability to change and blend in with their surroundings. The Gecko Grille has recently undergone a metamorphosis of its own, with an exciting and tantalizing new menu. Under the artful and creative direction of their new chef, Nicola Giordano, whose extensive and diverse background has earned him accolades and acclaim from Montreal, Canada to Rome, Italy, where he received a medal of recognition from Pope John Paul at the Vatican for his Italian cuisine. Offered on the new menu, is an abundance of innovative and enticing taste sensations, while still preserving some original signature favourites that have made The Gecko Grille popular. Nicola also prepares appetiser, entree and dessert specials nightly, coupled by a Saturday Evening 3 Course Special featuring a Certified Black Angus New York Strip for $30.95.
Their cosmopolitan menu brandishes a multitude of unique and original new tastes fusing the Caribbean with Nicola's Italian roots. A distinctive wine list complements your dining experience, with a tailored list of "Michael's Picks" available for the serious wine aficionado.
A delightful medley of starters is offered including the new Shrimp Martini. Three jumbo shrimp in an Absolut Pepper cocktail sauce extends your visit from the Vodka Bar to your table! Escargot Montagnard, Grilled Vegetable Pizza and Beef Carpaccio are also new additions. The classic Caesar, Gecko Salad and Buffalo Mozzarella Caprese may be enjoyed on its own, or further adorned with grilled fish or Caribbean jerk chicken. As mussels tend to be a rare find on island menus, I was thrilled to see them on the list of nightly specials. A generous portion of tender mussels in a rich Dijon cream sauce accompanied with garlic bread. A succulent surprise indeed.
Hailing from Italy, it is no surprise to see Chef Nicola's pasta offerings, made even more delectable enhanced with seafood and local lobster. His Mediterranean beginnings from the famous Italian Almafi coast are a definite culinary influence. The Lasagne Melanzana is a revered Gecko Grille favourite. A vegetarian lasagne of eggplant parmiggiana smothered in Chef Nicola's secret recipe of cheeses, herbs, spices and an aromatic tomato sauce with an immense depth of flavour achieved only by passion and timeless nurturing. The Gnocchi, homemade potato pasta with choice of Gorgonzola cream sauce or house pesto is now an entre selection. Incredibly rich, smooth and delicious with intense flavours compliments of the pungency of the Gorgonzola.
For beef lovers, Gecko Grille proudly announces that they are certified members of the Black Angus Beef program through Certified Angus Beef Brand and Buckhead Beef of Atlanta Georgia. They claim you just won't find better beef on island! A dynamic Brandied Red Peppercorn sauce accompanies Filet Mignon, centre cut New York Strip, a massive 24 oz. Porterhouse and Surf & Turf. Or, savour the Grilled Greek-Style Lamb Chops infused with lemon, rosemary and olive oil, or Chicken Marsala, airline breast of chicken pan seared and served with a mouth-watering Marsala mushroom sauce. Airline chicken? Feeling rather up-to-date on my culinary jargon, I was most certainly perplexed. Simply, airline chicken is a unique cut of chicken. A boneless, skin-on breast with the first wing bone attached. Mystery revealed. Upon request, Chef Nicola graciously prepared the previous evenings' special for me, Chateaubriand au Buerre Maitre D'hotel. Named for the nineteenth century French author and diplomat, Fran&Mac217;ois-Ren&Mac218; vicomte de Chateaubriand, this enduring dish was reportedly created by his chef, Montmereil in the time of Napoleon. A virtual rhapsody for the palate, the beef was grilled to perfection and simply melted in your mouth, with a divine butter-based sauce so delicate, yet incredibly decadent. Shiitake mushrooms, baby asparagus and a delightful pomme William potato completed this unforgettable culinary adventure.
For the seafood lovers, you must try the Gecko Grille Signature dish, Plantain Crusted Grouper. Local plantain is deep fried until crispy, then chopped fine with the addition of savoury spices and butter. The grouper fillet is encrusted in this zesty combination that is broiled to perfection and topped with a fragrant and piquant Creole sauce. Coconut Crusted Mahi Mahi, Snapper Almandine and in season, fresh local lobster complete the seafood options.
For the sweet finale to our deluge of decadence, the Key Lime Pie came highly recommended. A delicate graham crust, with an incredibly smooth and wonderfully tangy filling, presented "topless" with a cloud of whipped cream on the side. Or for an unusual apr&Mac218;s dinner refresher, come full circle and try the Key Lime Pie Signature Vodka Cocktail. Smirnoff Vanilla, Triple Sec, pineapple and lime juice. Or cleanse your pampered palate with assorted sorbets, with exotic flavours like kiwi, passion fruit and coconut. Our party also indulged in specialty coffees - always alluring concoctions of freshly brewed coffee and liqueurs. An After Dinner Cocktail List is also available featuring a selection of ports, cognacs and dessert wines.
The Gecko Grille, an elegant and romantic diversion, not to be missed.
By Mandy Rostance-Wolf
Reprinted from "Where When How - Turks & Caicos Islands" January/February 2006.
