Starting Christmas holiday in Turks and Caicos is not easy but alas, someone has to do it 😉
2019 it appears I was the chosen one. Before going home for the Holidays, 3 friends and I decided to first head to a destination we had all been dreaming of, the Turks and Caicos Islands. Crystal clear blue waters, white, finer than sugar sand, and stunning resorts with all-inclusive cocktails and island treats, what is not to love? (Well one thing I suppose would be the high price tag, but once you arrive, you quickly understand why they can get away with it).
Today I’m going to reminisce on the recommendation that came from resort staff and boutique’s we wandered into employees: Omar’s Beach Hut. First, the setting. Picture eating a meal here looking out into the below:
Now tell me you wouldn’t give anything that comes from this kitchen a 5 stars? It is NO wonder that Omar’s is recommended by every local on the island and has a full 5 star rating on TripAdvisor. The ambiance is magical when you’re in a beautiful place like Turks and Omar himself makes a point to stop by every table and greet his guests. In the middle of a pandemic, it’s easy to support local restaurants and businesses when you have good people, good vibes, and amazing food like at Omar’s.
After getting to know the menu and recommendations, our crew went with a little bit of everything on the menu- lobster roll, conch fritters, jerk chicken, fish tacos, rum drinks, beers, etc. etc.. While sharing was highly encouraged at that time, it was really hard to let go of any bite of my order as it was my first time trying this delicacy. The grilled conch, accompanied with fried plantains and beans and rice.
The grilled conch was absolutely heavenly. Being that conch is plentiful in Turks, I was determined to try in as many ways and places that I could and Omar’s was hands down the best.
Fresh and aromatic and filled with flavor. As you can see it is grilled in an aluminum casing that is filled with bits of fresh conch, fresh vegetables and herbs galore. The food is caught locally and you don’t have to be told that once trying, it is obvious from how fresh the conch tastes (and was especially evident in the fish tacos). I’m pretty sure I heard the pounding of the conch in the kitchen after ordering. The prep leads to this wonderful “sauce” that the vegetables and conch marinate in which has all of the flavors combined but then seeps into each part of the meal. It’s hard to describe how good something is when it is your first time trying but you just know it is as good as it can get. The sides are not to be ignored as well. Rice and beans, or peas, prepared to perfection, with a hint of sweetness and fried plantains to balance out all of the tastes. With the variety in the main, the plantains were almost a palette cleanse so upcoming bites would taste as surprising as the first.
The portion size was generous enough as well. Pricing in Turks is known to be higher, so you should not be surprised at a $25 price tag for lunch. You’ve been warned so if you have come prepared with that in mind, no worries on island time once you’re enjoying! Local beers offered on the menu made for the perfect all around experience.
May I suggest: Eat (and drink) where the locals eat!
