Conch Festival

Posted on November 28, 2009 by marta

The annual Conch Festival was held this afternoon down in Blue Hills

The Turks and Caicos Conch Festival is held each year in Blue Hills and today was the day for fun and conch tasting. The weather was a little cloudy but nonetheless all kinds of delectable conch dishes were prepared and samples served up by the islands best restaurants.

Delicious servings of conch were tasted by the crowds attending this annual event

The 6th annual Conch Festival had all kinds of events from marching brass bands, our island queen’s were in attendance, conch blowing, cultural performances, Mojito contest along with my favourite event… the Bamberra Rum Junk A Noo Rush.

Junkanoo is a must to see and enjoy........Blue Hills is the place to be.

You can't help but dance along with the drum beats, whistles and bells.

The colourful costumes of the swirling dancers combined with goatskin drums, cowbells, horns and other instruments. Everyone joins in as the performers go through some wild and uninhibited dancing as they bang on drums and move down the Blue Hills road. The word “rush” is given to this all-out form of dancing in the streets as people “jump up” to the island rhythms.

Mark your calendars. November is the month for the conch festival so come join us on Provo.

Marta

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Beaches and more beaches

Posted on November 22, 2009 by marta

Mike floating about on Grace Bay beach at the Bay Bistro

I decided to take Mike to one of my favourite spots along the North shore and Grace Bay. It really is interesting how the beach changes from one end at the entrance to Turtle Cove Marina to the other end at Leeward. If you want to snorkel, the best spots are at Smith’s Reef and the Bight Reef at Coral Gardens (White House Reef). Mike took all his great photos of turtles at the Bight Reef. Here’s one from today……..he saw turtles, a sting ray, a huge barracuda, a lionfish (oh no!!!!) and lots of fish.

Mike snapped this photo of a Hawksbill Turtle at the Bight Reef

The best for just enjoying the water and swimming, just lazing around and for the softest sand is just in front of the Bay Bistro ( great food and tell Chef Clive, Marta sent you!) and Sibonne. We used to find all kinds of sand dollars there years ago but when things got built up they all disappeared. We spent hours here today just enjoying the water.

Nothing like having a cold Corona on the beach while enjoying the water

While Mike was out snorkeling at the Bight Reef, I saw a white eagret swoop over my head and land. He stayed for a while and I managed to get some great shots.

A white eagret stopped by to check things out.

To top off every fantastic day in the Turks and Caicos Islands…….. a sunset that was extraordinary. We were at a friends house overlooking our villas at Harbour Club and Flamingo Lake below us. The colours and the calm waters showed off the Five Cays so clearly.

Harbour Club Villas between Flamingo Lake and the ocean at Cooper Jack Bight

On your next visit to Providenciales, explore all our beaches as there’s many of them each one as spectacular as the next. See you there!

Marta

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Lionfish in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Posted on November 3, 2009 by marta

Beautiful and colourful but a disastrous predator eating juvenile fish on Turks and Caicos Islands reefs.

Lionfish are also known as Turkey fish, Dragon fish or scorpion fish and they are now a serious threat to our coral reefs and surrounding waters here in the Turks and Caicos Islands. If left to their own devices, lionfish could multiply in number into the millions eating up all marine life on the reef and then move into shallower waters where they will find conch and lobster. They are an extremely invasive species.

A snuba gal comes face to face with a Lionfish and Jodi from Snuba TCI snapped this great photo.

In June of 2009, Jodi and Snuba TCI donated $1200.00 worth of Lionfish catching gear….nets, gloves and collecting bags and gave it to the DECR on Provo. Jodi has caught at least 18 Lionfish on the Bight Reef at Coral Gardens also known as the White House Reef. I believe the first Lionfish sighted way back in 2006 was in this area. Today, all the dive operators are taking up the battle to catch any Lionfish they see out at the dive sites.

Lionfish have up to 18 needle like dorsal fins which contain venom purely for defensive purposes.

Lionfish are not poisonous but their spines are venomous and can cause a nasty sting to humans. They rely on lightening quick reflexes and camouflage to catch their prey. They are a perfectly safe and delicious food fish once the fins have been removed. What remains is a tasty filet that’s as good as grouper according to some. The DECR has launched a 12 month long lionfish tournament which will award $3,000.00 to the first fisherman to record 3,000 lionfish catches.

Lionfish will hopefully be added to the menu at many of our islands' restaurants.

Here’s what you can do to help: Ask for lionfish at your favourite restaurants. Ask Mickey and Jayne of Flamingo Divers or Jodi to show you how to catch them (other island dive operators can show you too). Join REEF and give a donation towards their research or just by collecting data on lionfish when you dive.

Thanks once again to Jodi of Snuba TCI and Jayne of Flamingo Divers for such great photos of Lionfish.

Marta

http://www.diving.tc

Tiki Hut Halloween

Posted on October 31, 2009 by marta

A pretty lady bug and a scarey witch with skeleton hands.

When Doug Camozzi puts on a Halloween party, it’s the only place to be especially since Michael Jackson and Elvis were sighted. The parking lot by the Tiki Hut was full of bumble bees, pirates, fairies, monsters, princesses and others too numerous to mention. Even Dorothy (aka Chevette) was there and took a break to sit on Scarecrow’s knee!

Michael was joined by some of his scary friends.

Dorothy and pumpkin Scarecrow made a lovely couple

I’ve never seen so many colourful, imaginative costumes and so many people were dressed up from 10 week old baby fairies to toga clad Caesars and we all thought “Nicky Nicolette” had simply the most gorgeous legs! Corey Forbes and friend provided Caribbean music, there were face painters decorating kids’ faces, the jumping castles for the kids along with an assortment of games and of course delicious food……..a grand buffet or burgers and fries served up by the great Tiki Hut staff . Drinks were over flowing too!

This gory and gastly duo were enough to scare everyone away

It's a family fun affair for kids of all ages big and little too.

Lil' Miss Glamour gal with her splendid hat was a hit.

These two little munchkins were so adorable and cute

Even little babies got into the fun of the night.......she's so precious!

This couple dressed in Roman togas ate grapes and waved cooling fans

Contrary to rumours, Nicolette and Jungle Man/Tarzan did not arrive at the party together

No we're not the three Musketeers!!!

Doug, in costume, sure knows how to throw the best parties.

It's Doug under that costume and he sure knows how to throw the best parties.

Well guys, if you weren’t at the Tiki Hut this evening you missed out on all the fun! Thanks Doug and all the Tiki Hut helpers. We’re going to be there for sure next year and I can’t wait. I have so many more photos but can’t post them all. Be sure to head down to the Tiki Hut in Turtle Cove for lunch or dinner………great specials of the day, great food and even greater friendly staff and service.

See you there!

Marta

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Conch Salad

Posted on October 10, 2009 by marta

Fresh from the sea, a delicious conch salad made just for you!

Conch is a staple here in the Turks and Caicos Islands and something you should try when you are here on holiday. It takes many shapes and forms……a Ceviche type conch salad, conch fritters, cracked conch, conch fingers, curried conch, and conch chowder. Here’s the recipe for a delectable conch salad Turks and Caicos style. Yum, it is so good!!

2lbs Conch meat, diced 1c rice vinegar, ½ c red vinegar, 4 ea limes juiced, zest from 1, 2 ea red onion, diced fine, 1 ea yellow bell pepper, 1 ea red bell pepper, 1ea green bell pepper, 4ea garlic cloves, crushed to paste, 2T sugar, salt and black pepper to taste, 6-8 sprigs cilantro chopped stems and all. Hot sauce to taste. Split, pound and dice the conch meat and set aside. In a stainless steel bowl, place all remaining ingredients, mix well and let stand for 10 min. Pour mixture over the conch and mix well, and place in refrigerator for 45min before serving.

Conch salad with a chilled glass of your favourite white wine.

Stanford Handfield is the creator of these beautiful bowls made from conch and you can buy them locally along with other items that he makes. Many of our restaurants if not all have a variety of conch on their menus. Try some today!

Marta

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Island Coffee

Posted on August 24, 2009 by marta

The best coffee on island is roasted here on Provo by Vicki

The best coffee on island is roasted here on Provo by Victoria

Providenciales has it’s own coffee lady who roasts the coffee beans into delicious blends that are savoured throughout the islands. We met Victoria Turner when we first came to Provo about ten years ago and at the time a delicious, good cup of freshly roasted coffee was hard to come by.

Vicki pours the green coffee beans into the roaster

Victoria pours the green coffee beans into the roaster

Victoria started her company Turks and Caicos Coffee Roasters and came to me asking for a photo she could use for her speciality coffee bags. A beautiful beach, turquoise water, blue skies photo was chosen and is now her trademark for good island coffee.

Vicki checks to make sure the coffee beans are perfectly roasted

Victoria checks to make sure the coffee beans are perfectly roasted

The aroma when Vicki is roasting is indescribably good!!!!

The aroma when Victoria is roasting is indescribably good!!!!

Victoria’s coffee is available in our local gift shops, Graceway IGA and many of the island resorts and restaurants carry their own special blends. It makes for a perfect gift for friends and family back home.

Vicki with Tina and Sheldon at their wedding...........coffee for all their guests

Victoria with Tina and Sheldon at their wedding...........coffee for all their guests

Tina and Sheldon gave all their wedding guests a gift of island coffee blended for this special occasion. Look for Turks and Caicos Islands roasted coffee or email me and I’ll put you in contact with Victoria.

Fresh coffee roasted right here on Provo is the only way to go!!

Marta

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Chalk Sound

Posted on August 16, 2009 by marta

My favourite photo of Chalk Sound taken from the road infront of this private home with its' own Juliet balcony

Many peoples introduction to Chalk Sound is from the air coming into the airport. It has the most spectacular turquoise colourations dotted with mini cays or islands. For those of you familiar with our second home in Banff, Alberta, Canada…..we have Peyto Lake which has similar turquoise colour that is due to glacial rock particles that are suspended in the water.

We were lunching at Las Brisas Restaurant one day and I happened to catch some photos of this gentleman going for a swim

Chalk Sound is variously referred to as a large lake, a land locked lagoon, a large natural creek , a bay or sound as well as an inland waterway. Take your pick. It is shallow and silty and you can see the clouds of fine sand particles kicked up by the above swimmer. That’s what gives the water its stunning turquoise colour.

View of the water looking towards Silly Creek and the residential area of beautiful private homes

Chalk Sound is a national park and is approximately three miles long (5 km) and lies in the south west part of Providenciales. At one time in the early 1900’s it was leased for raising and canning turtles, lobster and shellfish. Mr George Silly ( a part of Chalk Sound called Silly Creek still retains his name ) lived on a barren bluff between the two entrances to Chalk Sound in a thatched roofed cottage and he had a small shop and a cannery there.

Clouds reflecting in the turquoise waters of Chalk Sound

The history of Chalk Sound revolves around various commercial enterprises such as mentioned above. George Silly also leased Chalk Sound and tried to rejuvenate the sponge industry. He had 250,000 cuttings of reef sponges sown. He continued this experiment of planting sponge beds but the operation died out after his death in 1917 and was abandonned after the war.

Chalk Sound private home with a million dollar view

Today Chalk Sound is lined with spectacular homes but you can rent kayaks from Las Brisas Restaurant or perhaps be lucky enough to see the kids learning how to sail a Caicos Sloop. Stop in at Las Brisas Restaurant for a delicious lunch or dinner with one of the best views on Provo. Their Paella is really good………Pina Coladas too!!

An Old Man Cactus stands tall against the panoramic blue turquoise background of Chalk Sound

Marta

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Lobster Season Opens

Posted on August 1, 2009 by marta

The Caribbean Spiny Lobster locally known as crawfish

Lobster season opens today and I’m sure all available boats will be out today fishing for lobster. The Caribbean Spiny Lobster is also known as langouste, rock lobster, crayfish and crawfish and they tend to shelter in crevices of rocks and coral reefs during the day and coming out at night to feed. They have a striped body, brown-gray in colour with yellow spots on the segmented tail.

Lobsters covered the bottom of this boat

In the Turks and Caicos Islands lobster season is from Aug 1 to March 31 and some of our fishermen learned to dive at a young age and have inherited their knowledge of lobster from their fathers or other family members.

Yum! Lobster tails for dinner this evening the opening day of lobster season!

Boats usually carry team of 2 to 4 fishermen and since the fishing boats have a shallow draft, they can stop directly over patch reefs on the Caicos Banks. The spiny lobsters are found hiding in crevices and under coral outcroppings.

A boat load of lobsters destined for many of Provo's restaurants

I couldn't resist putting in this photo (sorry Laura!!) but this was simply the biggest lobster I've ever seen. It was huge!

I couldn't resist putting in this photo as this was simply the biggest lobster I've ever seen. It was huge!

Our guests at Harbour Club Villas will be heading to Baci’s Ristorante this evening where John will be preparing a delicious lobster feast for this evenings diners. Come on down to Baci’s for fine dining in an Italian terrazzo style ambiance nightly fresh fish and lobster specials. Hope to see you there!

Marta

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Lemon Cafe

Posted on May 26, 2009 by marta

We went to Lemon Cafe for lunch today and really enjoyed it.

Time to try something new (at least to us) on Provo. Some of Harbour Club Villas’ guests had mentioned dining at Lemon and had brought back some brochures with sample menus. Today was the day and we drove into The Village at Grace Bay to find this charming place that’s a little tucked away but well worth looking for.

I loved the breeze coming through the restaurant which is surrounded by lush vegetation

I loved the breeze flowing through the restaurant which is surrounded by lush vegetation

Lemon is a restaurant with a distinct Moroccan flare and flavour with a touch of Mediterranean influence. The owner, Mark showed us to our table and on the menu was a delicious assortment of soups, salads and sandwiches plus tapas, tagines and b’stilla. I know this has nothing to do with the food but I must say I just loved the rich looking Mexican tile floors that looked like burnished leather and also the breezy openess.

View from the outside looking in.....neat lanterns hanging from the trees.

We’ll definitely return especially for dinner the next time as I want to see what Lemon looks like at night and see the outdoor garden seating area with all the lamps lit up.

Check out Lemon soon and perhaps we’ll see you there!

Bon Appetit!

Marta

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

King Helmet Shell

Posted on May 17, 2009 by marta

In Blue Hills, a local cleans a King Helmet shell so that it's ready for sale.

Piles of conch shells lie in the waters by Da Conch Shack in Blue Hills. In amongst them there were a few King Helmet Shells which seem to be much rarer than the Queen Conchs. I’m noticing more and more of these shells and Triton shells being harvested and sold in various places on Providenciales.

Low tide had exposed the piles of conch shells lying in the waters

It was low tide at the beach in Blue Hills where piles of conch shells lay in the water. I guess they get cleaned and sold by beach vendors. Behind the shells, you can see the pen containing live conch that supplies Da Conch Shack.

Taste some conch while in Blue Hills………right on the water!

Marta

http://www.diving.tc

MyTurksAndCaicosBlog.com

Turks and Caicos Vacation, Travel, Fishing, and Diving

Category Archives: Restaurants

Conch Festival

Beaches and more beaches

Lionfish in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Tiki Hut Halloween

Conch Salad

Island Coffee

Chalk Sound

Lobster Season Opens

Lemon Cafe

King Helmet Shell