Somewhere... Café & Lounge Reviewed July - October 2009
The second level dining deck at Somewhere
Somewhere is one of those inviting, easy–going places that compel you to return time and time again during your stay... and time and time again in your vacation memories. This place just drips of the quintessential Caribbean bar and eatery scene. Beachfront, barefoot and laid–back, the mood is casual and relaxed serving up heaping helpings of Mexican fare, a few north of the border mainstays, pastries, coffees, teas, wines and tequila (pron. to–kill–ya) amongst other drinkables. Hang out at the lively beach–level bar, dine steps from the sand, or take the stairs to the adults–only level bar/lounge and take in the action–packed adventure on Grace Bay by day and spectacular sunsets by night. Natural wood decks, nautical ropes, teak furnishings and Tiki torches complete this tropical Shangri–La where some clothing is all you need to feel completely comfortable... bikinis and shorts are acceptable and expected attire!
Steak Fajitas at Somewhere
A take–off on a popular and successful café he had in Baltimore, here it’s a family business where Luis Fabara and his sister Carmen’s authentic, by–the–book homemade recipes have evolved with everyone’s input. Cilantro, tomatoes and onions are key ingredients, although secret ingredients can end up in the most curious places, like coffee or tequila in the Chili Con Carne. Carmen insists, “We do everything fresh”, from tomatoes to avocados with black beans for everything, no refried – because they’re healthier and they taste better.
Happy Hours change daily – an hour before sunset and an hour after with this evening’s event officially commencing at 6:23 to 8:23. It was indeed my serendipity to come to a bar where Mojitos are popular and prepared four different ways by four different bartenders. I considered it a personal sense of duty to try them all – as an essential part of reporting and also for the sake of journalistic integrity. Margaritas are also popular libations, but watch out for the brain freeze with the frozen version, while the traditional on–the–rocks is the first Margarita in my opinion to pacify and satisfy all those who still mourn the loss of an old Mexican–inspired island icon.
A plate of Nachos at Somewhere
An enormous part of my vacation memories frequently revolve around food, and to this day, I can still bring to mind in vivid detail a guacamole I became addicted to at a beachfront cabana/bar in Zihuatanejo, Mexico almost two decades ago. Having never discovered a worthy adversary until now, this guacamole was rich and buttery with a perfect texture and served with thin and crispy orange, blue and yellow tortilla chips – delectable, tasty and it’s close to home! I wasn’t alone... in the company of ‘oh, that’s good’, ‘very fresh’ and ‘is there any left?’ Everything at Somewhere tastes absolutely fresh with an emphasis on colour and presentation. Condiments like pico de gallo, salsa roja and sour cream served on the side so you can create our own south of the border sensation... some like it hot, so don’t be afraid to ask for more heat! Our table opted to share some of everything...
The Chicken and Lime Soup is doctor recommended with tender, shredded chicken and crunchy chopped peppers in a wholesome tasting broth. Lime gives everything such a refreshing and tangy zing, with a few appealing slices floating in the bowl. Carmen contends that limes boast detoxifying and cleansing properties – but I must speculate if that still holds true when it comes to Mojitos? The Nachos are ‘dressed to thrill’ with add–ons like Jalapeño peppers served on the side so you can turn up the heat! The chips stayed remarkably crunchy with one diner declaring, ‘best nachos on Provo’!
Somewhere’s Chicken Quesadilla
The Bean Burrito with beef or chicken is cut on an extreme angle making for attractive presentation and the flavours were incredible. This bastion of south–of–the–border cuisine was bursting at the seams with beans, beef and rice and flavour. It was our luck to have the auspicious privilege of sampling Don’s Special Bean Burrito. I don’t know who ‘Don’ is but I would certainly like to shake his hand. If this is on offering, it’s a must try. If salads don’t particularly excite you, I virtually guarantee that a Some–salad will send you into a state of delirium. The flour tortilla bowl is crunchy and edible, filled with shredded romaine, tomatoes, onions, peppers and your choice of chicken or beans topped with a generous and welcome dollop of that to–die–for guacamole and shredded cheese. But that’s not it. The honey–lime vinaigrette has a lip–smacking ‘kick’ and pulls it all together. As it soaks into the tortilla bowl you can’t help but break off chunks and savour the incredibly refreshing throng of tastes and multitude of textures.
Somewhere’s Somewhere's homemade Cheesecake
Chicken Quesadillas and Beef Fajitas are the two most popular menu items – I loved the tender and savoury flavours of the quesadillas and the refreshing side of cool, crunchy black bean and corn salad while my fellow diners complimented its ‘complexity of flavours’ in the midst of ‘fresh is the word’. But I was hopelessly and captivatingly fanatical for the fajitas... and I don’t think I was alone. A basket of heated flour tortillas and my appetite patiently waited while a sizzling platter of wine–marinated beef arrived, the aromas permeating the air causing my immediate and profuse salivation, followed by ‘can you smell that?’ with an enthusiastic ‘I’m downwind’ reply. Grilled onions and peppers are an anticipated and predictable accompaniment, but fried jalapeños and tomatoes are not – frying them intensifies their already tremendous taste. One diner rendered this dish ‘exquisite’quickly pursued by ‘that’s a hit’ and ‘that’s great’. Without a doubt, numero uno!
Sweet Somethings include coffees, teas and Café Patron XO – a necessary part of the indulgences... Luis confessed he goes through 3 bottles of Café Patron a week – what about your customers, we joked! Delight in warm apple pie, zesty key lime pie, decadent 4–layer chocolate cake, rich and creamy cheesecake, sinful tiramisu and the classic flan. Enjoy 15 coffees, 19 teas (and counting) Somewhere, or take it home by the pound.
Now... back to the Mojito Mix-Off. Kudos to all the mixologists! Each created a noteworthy and quite stimulating Mojito... but this was too much fun to do single–handedly and once is not enough... take the challenge and you be the judge!
Eager and enthusiastic we returned for breakfast... the coffee was fabulous–Turkish and the Somewhere blend. The Huevos Rancheros and Chorizo Burrito were amazing, and while we didn’t personally require this particular RX, it’s rumoured that J.J.’s Bloody Caesar is the ultimate hangover cure.
Go anytime, but go Somewhere... sometime soon!
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