Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Moderate
The Flying Iguana
WEST INDIAN The owner of this place, Puck (aka Orling-
ton Baptiste), studied his craft in Kansas City, with the Hilton Group, before setting
up this amiable restaurant overlooking the airport's landing strip and the sea. Potted
hibiscus and lots of effigies of iguanas, stuffed and carved, ornament a room that's a
celebration of West Indian mystique. The house drink is the Iguana Sunset, a concoc-
tion whose secret ingredients change according to the whim of the bartender. What-
ever the recipe, it usually produces a lightheaded effect that goes well with the
carefully conceived cuisine. Examples are not limited to combinations of fresh fish
and shellfish, including calamari, shrimp, scallops, and conch: You'll also find steak,
chicken, and lamb, seasoned in a way that evokes both the Caribbean and the Medi-
terranean. Happy hour is from 4 to 6pm daily.
The Valley, at the airport.
&
284/495-5277.
www.flyingiguanabvi.com. Reservations recommended.
Main courses breakfast $7-$15, lunch and dinner $12-$36. MC, V. Daily 6:30am-9pm.
Little Dix Bay Pavilion
INTERNATIONAL The most romantic of the dining
spots on Virgin Gorda, this pavilion is our preferred choice at this deluxe resort, which
also operates Sugar Mill Restaurant. Guests (most middle-aged and well heeled) sit
under a large thatched roof as trade winds breeze in through open doors. The chefs
change the menu daily. Although many of the ingredients are shipped in frozen,
especially meats, there is much that is fresh and good. The seafood keeps us return-
ing again and again. Specialties include grilled halibut, seared snapper, and broiled
lobster served with steamed broccoli in butter sauce with roasted almonds. Most
dishes are at the lower end of the price range.
In Rosewood Little Dix Bay hotel (p. 226), 1km (
2
⁄
3
mile) north of Spanish Town.
&
284/495-5555.
www.littledixbay.com/dine2.cfm. Reservations required. Main courses $20-$36. AE, MC, V. Daily
8-10:30am, noon-3pm, and 6-9:30pm.
Mine Shaft Café
AMERICAN Near Copper Mine Point, this little bistro draws
diners who like a panoramic view, affordable prices, and well-prepared food. Count
yourself lucky if you arrive for one of those all-you-can-eat Caribbean-style barbecues
staged at least once a month. Locals flock to the cafe on those nights for a riotous
party time. The catch of the day is usually your best bet, and it can be grilled to your
specifications. The chef also turns out succulent steaks and some zestily flavored
baby back ribs. Fresh lobster is also a feature, as is grilled shrimp. Throughout the
day you can drop in for sandwiches and juicy burgers.
Copper Mine Point, the Valley.
&
284/495-5260.
http://mineshaftbvi.com. Reservations not needed.
Sandwiches and burgers $7-$16; main courses $19-$34. AE, DC, MC, V. Mon-Thurs 5-10pm; Fri-Sun
noon-10pm.
The Rock Café
ITALIAN/CARIBBEAN Nestled among the rocks between
the Baths and Spanish Town, this cafe with an adjoining piano bar is the place to go
if you want to make an evening of it. The restaurant opens onto a big open terrace for
moonlit dining. The chef cooks authentic Italian cuisine, and the food is superb in
spite of the reliance on a lot of imported ingredients. Fresh locally caught fish is your
best bet. Start with the tropical lobster salad with fresh fruit and grated ginger, or
yellow fin tuna carpaccio with citrus vinaigrette. If it's featured, go for the fresh baked
lobster brought in from the neighboring island of Anagada and served with cognac
butter. Other mains include grilled swordfish in a basil sauce or some of the best
pasta dishes in the B.V.I., especially the
fettuccine al salmon,
in a creamy sauce flavored
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