Hi, I'm wondering what kind of authentic/island food there is on the island. Like fruit stands, road side stands, etc. Or, is mostly everything restaurants? Thanks so much!

Holy moly, where do I begin. Well at Gas Express there is a little truck that sells killer Lomito (pounded and seasoned meat) sandwiches for 9,00 naf. Also he has Tres Leche (cake).He is open at night only. I love Mi Banana across from our island Gentlemen's Club on Nikiboko Nord. It's called Mi Banana and it has LOVELY fish and Columbian food. Clean and well priced. Next to Napa is a Spanish lady who has decent food. In back of Last Bite Bakery (another great place for homemade sweets and coffee) is Kaya Jean B.F. Vitte. Dollars Terrace is at the end and served local food. Antriol Catering off the Lageon Road on Kaya Mariana has awesome lunches of Conch and fish. Rose Inn in Rincon is the place for Lunch (ribs, goat and fish). She is closed Wed. I will let Michael and others jump in.

I am NO form of expert, but if I understand your question correctly there is LOTS of local island cuisine to enjoy. The tiny Snak shoppes at roadside offer WONDERFUL local dishes at an amazingly low price.

Much is very mildly seasoned and very tasty. Bring your common sense, sense of adventure and sense of humor and try the experience.

I enjoyed goat stew and 'funchi' (sp?) a kind of pollenta and any of the small skewered meat dishes with rice.

Thanks to the recommendations of Ann, Tom and others we tried El Fogon Latino last week -- wow! Outstanding food with a Columbian twist and TONS of garlic. Seafood soup was cream based and competed admirably with the best New England seafood chowdah, very fresh dorado was topped with a liberal dose of garlic, grilled conch was outstanding, and I've been told the beef dishes are also great. And the prices were, frankly, amazingly low. The gentleman serving us (the owner, I suspect) was delightful, the premises clean, nice tableclothes on the table....a wonderful surprise away from town, resorts and tourists.

Thanks guys! That was exactly what I was looking for. This is my Dad's first vacation ever (what a place to start!) and he is really interested in "local" food. He's adventurous and wants to try as much as he can and experience the island. Thanks again!

I have to agree about El Fogon Latino. My son has the steak of some sort and it was so tender he could cut it with his fork. Very good and will definitely go back there and did I say how cold the beers were?

Scott, glad you enjoyed El Fogon The humble legend (Bas) introduced me to that fine place.

Another place that Ann mentioned which is on my "must do" list is Antriol Catering. Hope to visit it several times in the coming weeks.

Debbie, what is the name of the place where you get chicken only on the weekends?

HD, if you like BBQ and chicken satay, go to Bobbi Jans. It is only open on the weekend. Sometime this weekend (travel gods willing), I will be enjoying their chicken satay - mmmmm!!!

Tom, Antriole Catering is also excellent. Just make sure that someone gives you good directions on how to find it; it's not easy!

Tom..as a self professed rib afficionado, the Latino Carnercia is the place you're talking about..Only on Sat mornings..

I'll agree with Antriol Catering. It's also a good idea to call them ahead of time to let them know you are coming. I LOVE their cut up potatoes

Scott, I agree, Antriol Catering is a little hard to find, but worth hunting for

Thanks Vince

Cynde, me too

Golly I am smiling a lot today

Hi Tom, Latino Carnercia is the name of the place. Man, now I'm hungry. Last trip, picked up 3 chickens for lunches. Best bet is to be there by 10:30 or so and chickens will be ready, not so nuts about their ribs, but the chickens are super! Sorry, Vince... For ribs, it's bobbejans or rib factory for me. Chicken sate- Bobbe jans. Burgers or a really nice dinner - Lion's Den.

Hey kids, it's actually called Carneceria (sp?) Latina. You should call ahead or as Debbie said, get there early. Personally I do not love the taste and find them too greasy but I do shop there for all my meat and sometimes staples. I also get the doggie bones there. Super owners.

Op=Op across from Torito Snack on Kaya Korona (Antriol) has seriously delish smoked chicken and ribs. I love the chicken and last time I paid (a long while now) it was 10,00 for a full chicken.

What about Gibi's???? I had my first goat stew there and loved it! The first thing my nephew asked when we told him we were headed back was: "are we going to Gibi's?"

Here is the map and number. BTers go on Tuesday nights. Try to phone ahead if you can. I will be there January 2.

Thanks, Ann! I always get the name messed up one way or the other. Now, this Op=Op I will have to try out next visit. Smoked chix and ribs sound good. Do they have BBQ sauce on them, Ann? Just curious. Do you have to order ahead if getting two or three whole chickens? Or are they cooked and in fridge?

They are like Carneceria, not a sauce but smoked...lovely chickens. Call ahead. I do not have my cell with me but email me and I will send the phone. They do not fridge their food as it goes so fast.

Debbie...Well I sincerely think that more experimentation is called for here! Last trip we had the rib cook off experiments & using the scientific method (don't ask) gave the edge to the Carneceria. Their BBQ chickens were also great. We also had Bobbi Jans & Rib Factory & rated them in that order... And then discovered the all you can eat rib deal at the City Cafe. And.. took pride in myself for not trying to break their record.
I guess in Feb will have to revisit all to update my data.
Yes I've had the burgers at Lion's Den (& I still remember the famous Green Parrot burgers) but was also surprised with a really nice burger for lunch at Capt Don's.

Rose Inn in Rincon is awesome! I had the goat stew when we were there. http://www.bonairedining.com/guide/restaurants/roseinn.html

Well I said my thanks before reading the whole thread.

Thanks to everyone that took the time to answer my question, draw maps, pass on links and generally share their experiences

Hope I didn't miss anyone