Sometimes
what you’re looking for is a little local flavor, in more ways than
one. If you’re a little adventuresome and would like to try a spot
where residents might hang out, there’s a boisterous happy little
spot that’s a “hole in the wall” out along the old Airport
Road that serves up Jamaican fare. There’s sure to be a few dining
and playing a game of dominoes outside on the deck, several having beers
along the bar and watching a sports game on the ‘tele’ overhead.
A few of us got together for a more casual experience to visit with returning residents. This evening a pleasant island breeze swept through, though there’s an air-con option when the air is still or the temperatures rise. We all sat down to a round of rum & cokes (here the coke seems only for colour), a glass of wine, or a Jamaican beer called Red Stripe. Tunes played in the background, the lights were dimmed, and the rest was clean and comfortable. It’s not a place you go for a three-course deal. You “check the board” to make your choice and get on with it!
There are always several items on the list taking advantage of the freshly caught local fish, as well as a few good old stand-byes. One of the unique things about the menu is that you choose your main and then mix and match it with what sides suit you best, such as the local favorites including peas & rice, corn on the cob, and a cole slaw. Yes, children are more than welcome! The teens in our group took one look and quickly ordered up burgers and fries. The juicy patties came on sesame seed buns, cooked to order, and were rated as “really” good. A thumbs up that kept them happy yapping at their very own table off to the side.
My husband was a bit envious of their decision, but ordered the Oxtail in the end to get his share of beef. The lovely blend of flavors was presented as a stew with plenty of carrot slices, onion, mushrooms, and green peppers in a mild gravy. He enjoyed his meal (and my dogs enjoyed the bones later on as a late night treat!) The very tender Stewed Beef, by contrast, was in a much richer gravy with a bit of heat and touch of cinnamon for added interest, with green and red peppers, green beans, corn, peas, and onion. It was also considered good.
Of course, how can you go to a local kitchen and not try the Jerk Chicken? There were five hearty pieces prepared medium to hot as described by a non-heat eater. They claimed that the heat sort of sneaks up on you unsuspectingly, but for those looking for more of a bang, a little extra sauce comes along on the side.
The rest of us went for the seafood. The Salt Fish and Ackee was a cornucopia of flavors. The mild, slightly salty fish was flaky and melded with its blend of green and red peppers, onion, and rice. The Ackee, Jamaican’s national fruit, had an unusual, mild, natural flavor with a light texture that melted in your mouth. The fish and fruit were served along with fried plantains that had been sliced lengthwise and browned, not battered. A great addition to the plate. And no, they don’t taste like bananas!
Minced Lobster was also on the menu. The good sized portion came mildly spiced, definitely not overpowering, and was ranked for the old timers as “way up there with Dora’s.” I had to try the conch, as it’s a favorite of mine, always served in unique and interesting ways. This time it was well steamed so that the pieces were very tender, and then mixed with red and green pepper and onion as a thick medium hot curry. (This time rated by a heat lover!) When you see the conch listed as a stew at the Hole in the Wall, it’s prepared more like a soup. In this case there was plenty of conch, and I enjoyed the rendition very much.
I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised when there wasn’t anything
on the menu for dessert. I just didn’t have room! But the rums kept
coming for those that were so inclined, and for others - they tried their
hand at a slot machine just around the corner. We disappeared one by one
or two by two into the night and the evening slowly wound down to a close.
It’s an option here on Provo that many might like to try. And for
those residing out along Grace Bay, the Hole in the Wall does a free pick
up and drop off service so that a taxi fare does not dissuade you from
giving them a try! Have fun.
By Laura Adzich-Brander
Reprinted from the January/February 2004 issue "Where When How - Turks & Caicos Islands"
Back
to Restaurant
Menu
Drink Recipe/Bartender of the Month
