So friends, join me for a quick bit of trivia, JEOPARDY
style: Also known as star fruit, this fruit derives from a species of trees
native to the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. It is also the name of one of the finest
restaurants on the island of St. Kitts in the beautiful and exotic West Indies.
Answer? You got it! What is Carambola!
Our family has been very fortunate to have been able to do a
bit of traveling over the past several years, and this past New Year’s we rang
in 2015 in the warmth and hospitality of the West Indies. The restaurant Carambola was a real find, and
we owe it all to PJ, our driver. Thinking back on our most memorable and
enjoyable experiences, they often have occurred when we have engaged the
services of a really good personal guide or taxi driver who inevitably gives us
the inside scoop.
In St. Kitts, Patrick James, PJ for short, was the man. His card advertises “service
par excellence” which is not an understatement.
We happened upon PJ purely by chance when Jacque, Stephen, Greg and I
decided to venture off the resort for a little taste of St. Kitts outside of
the Marriott version of Caribbean life. Falling
into PJ’s taxi was a great stroke of luck – and fun- for my family.
It was first off to the port where we had the opportunity to
buy ‘genuine’ Rolex watches at the discounted price of three for a $100.00, and
Louis Vuitton luggage that was priced at equally obscene discounts. After buying the obligatory Hawaiian style
shirts, it was off to see the beaches and the wild monkeys that roam the
island. It is said that there are more
monkeys on St. Kitts than there are people.
I was pleasantly surprised to find PJ available to take us to our next
stop on our adventure.
Once in his taxi, I inquired about where he might suggest
for lunch. He immediately told us about
Carambola Beach Club (http://www.carambolabeachclub.com/about-carambola/), pointing out this was where Prince William and Princess Kate
dined. He told us that he would take us
there and let us make up our minds after seeing the menu, prices, and ambiance. He pointed out that this was one of the more
expensive jaunts on the island. After a
scenic drive with spectacular views of the Caribbean and Atlantic oceans, we
arrived at Carambola. Pulling off the
rugged, recently paved (in the last century) roads, we pulled onto a private
drive that led us to the restaurant. A
quick glance at the menu, a look at the awesome views, and a feel of the
ambiance, and the Sklar family was sold.
PJ left us to enjoy our meal, letting me know that he would be back in
about an hour and a half to take us to Shipwreck Beach for a drink with the
monkeys.
We started off with maybe some of the best sushi I have ever
had. I love sushi; I sincerely
appreciate the way a really good sushi chef creates not only tasty but artistic
creations. This was the case at
Carambola. If I had known what we were
in for, Sushi would have not only been served as an appetizer, but would have
been our main course.
(Sakura Rolls)
My favorite was the Sakura Rolls - a spicy tuna roll. It was not over-powering with the Sarrichi sauce,
and I really liked how they added some additional tuna to the outside of the
roll. Jacque and the boys really enjoyed
the Shrimp Tarragon Maki, a combination of crabmeat and chopped shrimp with
tarragon mustard sauce. It was topped
with a generous amount of fish roe. This
was Greg’s first adventure into the world of sushi, and he left being a fan.
(Shrimp Tarragon Maki)
(California Roll)
For lunch I had the fish sandwich which was a large piece of
grouper lightly fried on a grilled bun.
The grouper was tasty, very fresh, and large enough to allow me to leave
most of the bun on the plate and just enjoy the fish. Both the boys had the Char Barbequed Chicken
that was infused with whiskey sauce which they enjoyed. While our three meals were great, Jacque took
the prize for the Sklar family member who most enjoyed the meal. She had the lobster salad. Note this was at least the third time Jacque
had dined on Caribbean rock lobster since our arrival on the island. The presentation was simple: an abundance of
fresh lobster chunks in a mayo sauce with a green salad on the side. This was not what she was expecting, but was
very pleased.
(Char Chicken)
Shortly after we finished, it was off to Shipwreck Beach
with PJ where we were able to see monkeys enjoying a snack of fresh sugar
cane. A quick drink from the bar there,
and it was back to the Marriott. Glad we
made the time to sneak away from the resort and experience the sights and
flavors of authentic St. Kitts!
So here is your final trivia question: Full of warmth,
hospitality, and amazing taste sensations, this exotic West Indian island
boasts one of the best culinary venues in the tropics, a local gem called
Carambola. Answer? That’s right, St.
Kitts. Add it to the bucket list!
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