We saved Coco Bistro (www.cocobistro.tc) for our last night as it
seemed to get all the raves for the top food and best place to dine from
virtually every source.
It was a 5 minute walk from out hotel right inland from Grace Bay, so there
are no views, but the place offers a wooden decking with lots of overhanging
palms.
We were first seated near the front and ordered our water and wine, a
bottle of William Fevre Chablis 2012 from our server Wisner, when the kids at
the next table started to whine and have multiple fits. We noticed lots of
children here, so asked to be moved to a table away from most of them. The
manager, Steven, was oh so gracious and moved us to the extreme rear in a small
alcove with only two tables and we felt very romantic, even with Sam there.
There was another table just through the palm trees with a huge group of folks
from either New York or Jersey and we heard every loud word they said,
especially the lady who kept saying, "I TRIED." They left minutes after Steven
returned to open the wine, which has been rebranded and now comes in a tacky
foil wrapper, but it's still a great Chablis.
We had already gobbled up the pesto rolls (yup, pesto inside the rolls) at
the first table, so we proceeded to order from our now new server,
Frankie.
Samuel ordered the Caesar Salad with Crisp Bacon, croutons, anchovies (on
the side, and they were canned!) & fresh shaved Parmesan in a "Spicy
Dressing (no wimps please)" according to the menu. Well, the dressing was by no
means spicy, and we all laughed and remarked on this to Steve and Frankie; they
said that many people returned the dish, so that was why they had a
warning.
Will ordered the Spicy Lobster Soft Tacos with Fresh Guacamole and Sour
Cream, Pineapple Tomato Salsa, and again while delish, they were by no means
spicy.
My Avocado & Lobster Spring Rolls with Thai Mango Salad & Sweet
Dipping Sauce were fantastic and loaded with chunks of sweet lobster to boot, my
farewell to this tasty friend we met while here in the Turks & Caicos, which
I shall surely miss.
In a very poor attempt on food bravery Samuel ordered the Homemade Ravioli
of Conch & Flame Grilled Sweet Peppers with Piquant Rose Sauce. When it
arrived he looked at the very large ravioli and almost fainted. He took a taste
and would venture no more. While he had tried the dish, I was itching to taste
it, but we decided against our better judgement and called Frankie over and
explained. They said they would gladly replace the dish and shortly his Chicken
Breast with Shrimp in Curry Sauce, Rice and a huge crunchy papadam arrived. That
was not problem, although he wouldn't try the shrimp.
Will and I had asked for a longer break and ordered a bottle of Sauvignon
Blanc 2013 called Graywacke from Marlborough, New Zealand. It was a great wine
and while slightly citrusy it was perfect with both our varied main courses
which we split. Steven explained it was made by the same guy who used to make
wine Cloudy Bay!
Penne Pasta with Caicos Lobster (oh yes, we had to have more one last
time), Shrimp, Bay Scallops & Arugula in a very rich White Wine Tomato Cream
Sauce laced with Fresh Homegrown Basil and Asiago Cheese Shavings could have
served two people. The dish was superb and the fresh basil was indeed superb as
an accent as was the cheese. All the seafood was so fresh and tasty to boot.
Luckily, we were splitting our entrees and mine was much lighter in size, but
very intense in depth. Blackened local Mahi came with a tasty Red Thai Curry
Sauce & Jasmine Rice. On the side was a wonderful Mango Chutney and welcome
Buttered Broccoli, as veggies are not too common it seems.
I have to also mention that the bathroom has air conditioning, which is not
too common! Also, at one point during dinner, there were some rain showers. The
staff provided umbrellas, which we saw popping up in other areas around us, but
due to the heavy palm tree leave overhangs above us, barely a drop touched us. I
just can't imagine what happens at all these outdoor spots when it rains much
harder. Right before we came to the islands, Tropical Depression Bertha passed
through with two solid days of rain, and now that we have left another
depression has hit (well, it is hurricane season) and is threatening three to
four days of rain and thunderstorms!
We decided we had to have dessert on our last night and I made the mistake
of trying the Fried Banana Fritters, which was a huge portions, really enough
for two or three!
The fritters were drizzled with Caramel Sauce and had the most delicious
scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream, which was a treat compared to the heaviness of the
battered treats. Will chose wisely with Homemade Ice Cream, and it was the best
we had all trip. His Vanilla was the same as mine, and the Banoffee Ice Cream
was a true creamy treat.
