After arriving in my 93rd country, Dominica, my friend and post-production manager Nate and I set out on our first adventure on this sovereign Caribbean island nation. Of course, it’s important to note that Dominica and the Dominican Republic are two different nations in the Caribbean.
The Dominican Republic lies on the eastern side of the island of Hispaniola, located between Cuba and Puerto Rico. Dominica, meanwhile, lies between Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Lesser Antilles. The lush landscapes and warm tropical climate greeted us as we arrived, and our excitement was palpable. I couldn’t wait to eat some delicious Dominican food!
Our first stop was a small, unassuming coconut stand roughly 10 minutes from the airport. The stand lay in the shadow of a cluster of tall, swaying palm trees. They provided a natural canopy that protected us from the midday sun. In the air was the sweet aroma of grilling plantains and the subtle, nutty scent of toasting coconut. The woman running the stand greeted us with a warm smile and quickly got to work.
She expertly grilled the plantains, turning them over until they got crisp and caramelized on the outside. She then toasted the coconut, its rich, sweet scent mixing with the smoky aroma of the plantains. Both the plantains and the coconut were fantastic. Each bite was a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Dominican food, like most Caribbean cuisines, uses lots of fresh tropical fruits, seafoods, and meat.
The woman also handed us fresh coconuts, expertly slicing off the tops with a machete to give us access to the cool, refreshing coconut water inside. As a final treat, she made us a cane juice cocktail, blending freshly pressed sugarcane juice with a squeeze of lime. The result was a drink that was both sweet and tangy, a perfect refresher in the tropical heat.
Next, we drove further along the winding coastal road until we stumbled upon a local Dominican food stand. It was a simple setup, just a wooden shack with a few benches and tables, but the enticing smells coming from it drew us in. The woman running the stand greeted us warmly and proudly showed us her offerings for the day.
She had an array of fresh juices made from local fruits: guava, with its sweet, floral notes; sorrel, with its tart, berry-like flavor; and passionfruit, with its tangy, tropical taste. I’d had sorrel in Guyana, and it blew me away there. Each juice was vibrant in color and served in clear glass bottles that showcased their natural hues.
The Dominican food was just as impressive. She had smothered turkey, tender and juicy, with a rich, savory gravy that tied all the elements together. The baked macaroni and cheese was golden and bubbly on top, with a creamy, cheesy interior that was comforting and delicious.
The rice and peas were fantastic, with the rice fluffy and the peas adding a slight earthiness. Baked plantains provided a sweet contrast, while the baked taro root added a unique, starchy flavor. The turkey gravy went well with everything, adding a depth of flavor that was simply irresistible. I was starting to fall in love with Dominican food!
Our next destination was the Rainbow Beach Restaurant & Bar, a charming Dominican food eatery right on the beach. The restaurant’s walls were bright and cheerful, reflecting its name, and it had a relaxed, welcoming vibe. We took a seat at a table with a perfect view of the ocean. The sound of the waves provided a soothing backdrop.
I decided to try a Kubuli Lager, a light and refreshing local beer. It had a slightly hoppy finish that was perfect for the warm weather. The atmosphere at the restaurant was so inviting that I knew I’d be back in a few days.
As our Dominican food adventure came to a close and the sun began to set, Nate and I made our way to our Airbnb in Portsmouth. It’s called The Lighthouse767. The building stood on a small hill and had an unobstructed view of the ocean. Our first-floor unit was modern and spacious, with large windows that let in plenty of natural light. The living room was tastefully decorated, with comfortable seating and a flat-screen TV.
The kitchen was fully equipped, perfect for preparing any meals we might want to enjoy at home. The bathroom was sleek and modern. There was also a washer and dryer, which would come in handy . The smaller bedroom was cozy, with a comfortable bed, but the master bedroom was the undeniable highlight. It had a large balcony that offered stunning views of the ocean. It even had a telescope, perfect for an astronomy buff like me!
I couldn’t wait to go back out, try more Dominican food, and explore the island!
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