WRITTEN by JOHN MORRIS
You won’t die of thirst or starve on Roatan…
Let’s face it, we can’t always go out to a restaurant to eat. I mean, you could but it tends to add up moneywise and maybe you enjoy cooking or are with someone who does.
Most of us untrained chefs learned from our family members, and recipes were passed down over generations. We simply grew up with it.
For me, there’s no greater comfort than the smell and taste of a traditional, home-cooked family meal.
So today I want to share some insight about the experience of food and drink shopping on Roatan.
No, you cannot go to the local Publix or Piggly Wiggly or Safeway… and find everything you want. You have to know where to look.
First I will cover menu ingredients and then we’ll get to the wine. That way I know most of you will continue reading. Save the best for last I always say!
When you think about shopping, Eldon’s Supermarket probably pops into your head first and rightfully so. The store caters to North Americans and you will find just about everything you need – baked goods, fresh produce, dairy, meats, seafood, household products… and even a popular hot food counter!
There is also Supermercado Plaza Mar, Super Isleño and the new Comercial Ramirez-Sandy Bay that all offer local brands – these are good and often inexpensive.
Now if you are like me, you crave a rib eye or a pork tenderloin… or anything USDA.
Roatan Provisions in Coxen Hole is your go-to resource. They recently created a website where you can order online, pay and have it delivered to your home. Take that Amazon!
For produce you have many choices – from supermarkets to pulperias to veggie trucks. It just depends on what the boats bring over that week.
SM Organic works with organic farms on the mainland. You can follow them on Facebook for weekly offerings and place your order. BTW, their blueberries are to die for!
At the Lawson Rock Deli, you’ll find wonderful products from Copan – artisan cheeses from Café San Rafael, Maya Jayde’s organic spices, hot sauces and beauty products – plus fresh, locally-grown hydroponic lettuce and herbs (think arugula!) and delicious home-style breakfasts and lunches. (I am getting a little ahead of myself here but they also have a nice selection of wines.)
And finally we come to the adult beverages…
Our local beers are cheap and popular but many international brands are found in most of the larger supermarkets. Yes, we even have Guinness. Non-alcoholic beer is also available in select stores.
Speaking of beer, the Roatan Island Brewing Co. also offers beer to go in refillable jugs. Latin Lager is my personal favorite.
Relax Tito’s Vodka fans… spirits from around the world are available!
And then there is wine. Rest assured, all the supermarkets are well stocked but if you want more variety – something not from Chile – here are a few suggestions:
Casa Colorado in Coxen Hole for Italian, German and now Spanish with their new line of Pata Negra which I will try tonight and let you know…
Duty Free in Coxen Hole for a good sampling of California reds at reasonable prices…
Henry Morgan for southern Italian wine from the region of Puglia – the heel of Italy’s boot.
Do you remember this famous quote from Julia Child?
“I enjoy cooking with wine. Sometimes I even put it in the food…”
Diversity among the island’s population brings us many choices in what we can buy, prepare and enjoy in our meals prepared at home.
So fear not you aspiring chefs and home-kitchen heroes…
Roatan has you covered! Bon Appetit!
P.S. The Spanish wine was wonderful!
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