Highlights from the Bahamas...

Take it from me, the Bahamas boast a bevy of breathtaking sites and memorable bites! From road-side-fried conch to the luxuries of Atlantis, I had one kick-ass of a time last weekend! Here are some highlights…

The Strip Aptly Dubbed "The Fish Fry"

OH Andros Restaurant, Bar & Fish Fry

A recommendation from my driver, “Big Papa” a group of us headed to Arawak Cay’s Fish Fry (10 min from the port). The Fish Fry is a strip of 'ma and pa'-type restaurants specializing in…you guessed it: fried seafood! We settled on Oh Andros and the joint was awesome! My suggestion? Spring for a Combination Plate with as many sides as possible. Their coleslaw is a knockout. Don’t forget to wash it down with a Kalik, the official beer of the Bahamas. This brew holds more than 50% of the Bahamas’ market share and is refreshing and easy to drink!

Relax Guys, I Did have Some Help!

Conch Fritters

Crab Salad Sandwich (my personal fav) Can't You Tell? I Was So Hungry I Forgot to Snap a Photo Beforehand!

Combination Platter with Rice, Coleslaw and Plantains

In attempts to work off my feast from lunch (more like stall until dinner), I spent the afternoon exploring the Atlantis Paradise Island property. Figuring that a solid poker game could help me work up an appetite, I headed towards the casino and was floored by what stood at it's entrance.

The Crystal Gate, Dale Chihuly 1999

The artist? Dale Chihuly. This guy rocks! Like myself, he is inspired by his environment and is constantly taking risks. The artist is also known for his teamwork, marriage of science and art and his admiration for his father— sound familiar? This installation was one of his most difficult pieces and is comprised of 3,100 hand-blown crystals and stands 18 feet high.

Dale Chihuly: A Total Badass!

Finally it was time for an early dinner before boarding and I had my heart set on Bobby Flay's MESA Grill. When I say, "I had my heart set," I mean I had walked past the restaurant's entrance all afternoon and had read the menu cover to cover. So I grabbed a Vistage buddy and headed towards MESA. Surprise, Surprise: NOT OPEN UNTIL 5PM (15 minutes after we had to be aboard the ship). Unbelievable! Only me, right?

Bobby Flay's MESA Grill

Uh, until next time! However if you are in the area, I recommend making time for dinner here. The dishes boast Flay’s signature Southwestern-style fused with flavors of the Caribbean. I suggest going with a large group and sharing several dishes family-style. Indulge in items like Bahamian Spiced Chicken Skewers with Yogurt Cilantro Sauce and Fresh Bahamian Lobster Tail with Red Chile-Coconut Sauce. No excuse to skip dessert. Make room for treats like Pineapple Tequila Sherbet with Papaya Meringues and Citrus Mint Salad.