It’s no secret that the world famous twelve-mile stretch of Grace Bay Beach is a virtual paradise found. A plethora of treasures to discover, both natural and man-made. A recent dining experience uncovered what could very well be one of Provo’s best-kept secrets - The Orchid Bar & Grill located at the Alexandra Resort on Grace Bay.
A stroll through the Alexandra Resort’s lush, tropical 
gardens transports you to your front row centre dining experience overlooking the spectacular shores of Grace Bay. Just a few steps further from the main dining area, accessible from a boardwalk accented with nautical rope and flanked with swaying palm trees, a newly constructed deck is nestled in the dunes beneath sunshade ‘wings’. Arriving just prior to sunset, the inimitable crooning of Jimmy Buffet emanated from hidden speakers on the deck as the sun began its evening performance. The widespread audience was not to be disappointed! Although cloudy, we were treated to a truly magnificent ‘red ball of fire’ sunset as camera flashes could be seen for miles up and down Grace Bay with every single person captivated by Mother Nature’s nightly show. Reluctant to leave the deck and the natural beauty of Grace Bay Beach, but eager to embark on our evening’s dining experience, we were pleasantly surprised to see that many of the tables at The Orchid Bar & Grill accommodate an expansive, almost unrestricted view of not only Grace Bay Beach, but the twinkling lights of Blue Hills and beyond compliments of the crescent-shaped bay. The nautical décor continues in the open-air restaurant which is accented by ambient light, funky and hip furniture and friendly, professional, eager to please staff.
Choose from their cocktail menu for a refreshing start, with many tropical selections like their signature cocktail, Orchid Fever. Not found on many cocktail menus, their Mojito is well worth mentioning, lively and invigorating with fresh mint and tangy lime. While contemplating our menu choices, Guerline, our server, appeased our appetites with a delicious, grilled garlic bread. Wonderfully fresh tasting, this was definitely not your average garlic bread. Their menu changes seasonally, so there are always a variety of selections including lobster, when in season. A nightly soup special and main course special round out a very palatable and appetizing menu.
For starters, the shrimp bisque was a definite winner. Rich, thick and creamy with ample chunks of roasted shrimp. An evening special of bacon green pea soup was smooth, velvety and luscious with the savoury flavour of smoked bacon. Gazpacho garnished with baby shrimp will cool the palate on those hot, sultry nights, and the traditional favourite, Caicos conch chowder completes the soup options.
Salads are prepared using the freshest ingredients, and in their Alexandra Spinach Salad, the ‘stems’ were removed leaving only the tender leaves, served with orange segments and crumbled bacon in a honey mustard dressing. The always popular Caesar Salad is tossed in a garlic and anchovy vinaigrette - imparting all the expected flavours in an understated way.
Entrée and seafood selections were all equally appealing complemented by a modest but quite adequate wine and champagne list, all very reasonably priced. The 2002 Chateau Souverain Alexander Valley Merlot was a unanimous favourite amongst our table. Served in stemless glasses, hailed as the newest way to enjoy wine, this red sported a rich, dark colour with intense blackberry flavours. Highly recommended this wine had great character with a long finish. A perfect accompaniment to all our entrée and seafood selections.
My generous portion of Black Angus Filet Mignon was grilled to perfection and served atop a delicious green peppercorn sauce. Green peppercorns are the unripened berries, softer and much milder than their black or white counterparts. Entrees are served with some unique side orders, my choice being sweet potatoes, tender with just the right amount of sweetness with a delicious combination of julienne vegetables. The baby back ribs were a succulent choice, marinated in a pineapple guava barbeque sauce, sweet and tender and finger lickin’ good. My husband opted for the half rack of New Zealand lamb, meaty portions grilled to perfection and marinated in a mint and garlic sauce with both flavours perfectly enhancing the meat, subdued instead of overpowering. For surf and turf lovers, try the Orchid’s version of Above and Below. An Alaskan king crab leg coupled with a tender filet mignon accompanied by a garlic butter sauce.
You simply must not leave the islands without sampling our many diverse and delicious seafood selections. Cracked conch, an island favourite, was tender and tantalizing, marinated in an egg batter and deep-fried until golden brown, accompanied by this diner’s choice of coconut rice that was the perfect tropical combination. Two types of seafood pasta were on offer with the focus here being definitely on seafood - abundant, generous servings of these treasures of the sea - loads of it, in fact! The first, sautéed shrimp with Cajun spices was finished in a thick and rich sauce, with lingering flavours of garlic and a delicate hint of white wine served atop your choice of fettuccine or spaghetti. The second, seafood pasta, was a bountiful medley of Alaskan king crab, shrimp and mussels in a decadent and flavourful marinara sauce, comparable to a French bouillabaisse served on a bed of pasta. For grilled fish lovers, grilled grouper with an island mango butter sauce and grilled snapper in a drawn lemon butter sauce are also a must try in the islands.
Take a few moments to relax, enjoy and digest your dinner selections. Admire and appreciate that beautiful panorama of Grace Bay’s sparkling lights as they cast their reflection on the calm sea and contemplate a sweet finale. There’s always room for dessert! The Cherry Cheese Cake was presented topless, with an ample mound of cherries, a lavish dollop of whipped cream with an artistic display of kiwi sauce. Key Lime pie is always a popular, pleasurable finish. A variety of tropical fruits are presented in their fruit salad for a more healthy dessert choice, or opt for the decadent banana tart with a brandy and rum sauce, or the oft celebrated ice-cream - light, simple, always refreshing.
For an authentic and delicious taste of the islands, come Mondays for The Orchid’s Island BBQ served on the deck in the dunes overlooking the beach. Enjoy all-you-can-eat island fare including BBQ ribs, grilled fish, steak and chicken, salads and dessert for one low price, reservations recommended.
And for the ultimate in alfresco dining, in the most romantic and exotic surroundings imaginable, The Orchid offers barefoot dining right on Grace Bay Beach. Sand oozing through your toes, steps from the waters edge enjoy a 5-course meal and your own private server. Simply put, the quintessential ‘Best table in the house’!
There you have it … The Orchid Bar & Grill EXPOSED! Not likely to remain a best-kept secret for much longer!
By Mandy Rostance-Wolf
Reprinted from "Where When How - Turks & Caicos Islands"
September/October 2006
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