Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
lobby's hand-dyed wicker lounge chairs. The rooms, however, could use a little sprucing
up.
Eating
The highlight of any visit to Rodrigues is sampling the unique local cuisine at one of the
island's many
tables d'hôtes
. Rodriguans cook a variety of recipes that are quite different
from their Mauritian neighbours - less emphasis is placed on spiciness and most meals are
cooked with minimal amounts of oil.
Meals at the best and most well-known 'hosts' tables' on the island range from Rs 350
to Rs 700, and you should always call at least one day ahead to make a reservation.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
THE GOURMAND'S CHECKLIST
A list of Rodrigues' must-eats according to Françoise Baptiste; author, hostess and chef extraordinaire.
»
Ourite
- octopus salad with lemon juice, olive oil, pepper, onions and salt. The dried variety has a rather pun-
gent taste and admittedly isn't for everyone.
»
Vindaye d'ourite
- boiled tender octopus flavoured with grated curcuma (such as ginger or turmeric), garlic,
vinegar, lemon juice and a sprinkle of local spices.
»
Saucisses Créole
- a variety of meats that are dried and cured locally.
»
La torte Rodriguaise
- a small cake of papaya, pineapple or coconut mixed with a cream made from a local
root called
corn-floeur.
TOP OF CHAPTER
5
Port Mathurin & Around
MAURITIAN, SEAFOOD
€
Restaurant du Quai
( 831 2840; Rue Wolfert Harmensz, Fisherman Lane; mains Rs 145-285; 11am-2pm & 6-9pm Tue-Sun)
This
friendly place by the harbour is always full in the evenings with local families and visitors
enjoying its fine seafood and lobster dishes. Staff are very keen to please and make a
damn fine punch cocktail as an aperitif.
Chez Ram
MAURITIAN, SEAFOOD
€
