Category Archives: Food and Drink

Where to Eat in the BVIs

The British Virgin Islands, more commonly known as the BVI, is a yacht charter paradise. The BVI have all of the ingredients for a perfect Caribbean sailing holiday: consistent winds, gorgeous islands, a mixture of deserted beaches, luxury hotels, shipwrecks, beach party towns and, of course, fantastic restaurants. 

The impeccable white sandy beaches beckon you to sit back, soak up the rays and chill out, or by the ideal sailing conditions from island to island, the culinary landscape of the BVI naturally reflects Caribbean influences that will dazzle your appetite with all you’re looking to enjoy. 

Cooper Island Beach Club

This breathtaking sunset stop is surrounded by a sandy white beach dotted with palm trees, connected by a lushly landscaped boardwalk. Happy hour, lunch and dinner menus are infused with delicious specialty options that can include Seared tuna salad and Josper grilled mahi mahi to Aberdeen Angus Steak and Vegan curry. Lunch is served between 12-3pm and dinner between 5:30 and 8:30 pm and is open between October 25th and August 11.

The connected Rum Bar has a collection of over 280 rums, meaning they have the largest selection in the Virgin Islands. Featured are a range of house-infusions, rare aged rums and classic cocktails made with rums from all over the world. Try a rum sampler board and their knowledgeable staff will explain the origins and history while you take in the atmosphere. Be sure to ask about their homemade rum infused chocolates.

Kick back on their comfy outdoor sofas and enjoy the sunshine with a cocktail. The beach bar and decked lounge faces west – perfect for watching a beautiful Caribbean sunset.

Saba Rock

Getting to Saba Rock near Virgin Gorda is just the beginning, as this tiny island resort is only accessible via yacht. Once you arrive, you’ll see why this has been a longtime favourite of both locals and tourists. The happy hour here is an especially lively scene. The food, however, is straightforward and comforting. A house specialty is Lobster Escargot, which features locally-caught Anegada lobster baked with lemon, garlic, and butter. Ben sure to take a look at one of the chef’s specialties, like the tropical beef stir fry or Caribbean spiced chicken. Wash it all down with a refreshing cocktail. Be warned that The Painkillers here are especially strong.

Note – Saba Rock has been closed since Hurricane Irma and is in the process of extensive renovations. It is slated for a reopening in the 2020 charter season!

CocoMaya

This beachfront restaurant in Virgin Gorda has a chic design – think basket pendant lighting, customised stone bar, and bamboo accents everywhere – and flavourful Asian-inspired menu of shared plates. Sip their signature cocktails in the open-air bar, or drink them right on the sand! Enjoy an exotic blend of Asian and Latin cuisines with creative twists. Try the Spicy Calamari Salad and Tempura Shrimp Lettuce Wraps or try our Sushi, including their famous CocoMaya roll.  The wine list is extensive, and the cocktail program is fun, too, with the best seller being the Cojito, a playful twist on the classic mojito that features coconut water and a coconut rim.

Contact one of our Brokers today to organise your Virgin Islands Yacht Charter.

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Provisioning on a bareboat charter!

In October, the Boatbookings London team visited Croatia to evaluate the Bali 4.5 and to discover and test out new itineraries and anchorages.

If you are anything like the Boatbookings brokerage team and love your food – here are some food ideas for you! Follow our provisioning list so you won’t be disappointed with your lunches!

Part of the team after the 40 minutes of shopping!

TIPS

Due to having the flu, I was to look after the bags and water while the rest of the team picked up the food.

– Be prepared and write a list! Don’t go in blind. Plan what you will need. There’s nothing worse than preparing lunch and forgetting that you didn’t buy salt….like we did!
– Delegate someone to sit with the bags while others go off to get the food…leave all the water with the bags so that you don’t exhaust yourself!
– Vegetarian lunches are great while cruising. Have your locally sourced protein for dinner.
– Find out exactly what will be on the yacht prior to writing your list!

Provisioning list

Whether provisioning for the Amalfi Coast, or exploring the cays in the Exumas, provisioning for a week’s charter may seem daunting, but do not to threat! This can be a fun exercise when you know what you are going in to get!

Be organized, planned and get excited for all the fantastic cooking you will be doing!

Fresh Food:
– 10 tomatoes
– Box of salad
– Garlic bulbs
– Carrots
– Courgette
– Lemons
– Bananas
– Honey Pomalloe
– Mushrooms
– Peaches
– Shallots
– Red / yellow / green pepper
– Cucumber
– 30 eggs
– Chilies
– Mangos
– Raspberries

Dried foods:
– Bag of Almonds
– Bag of pistachios
– 2 x Tortellini
– 2 x Gnocci

Dairy:
– 2 x mozzarella balls
– 1 ricotta pot
– Feta bar
– Milk
– 2 x Camembert
– Natural Yoghart
– Butter

Misc:
– Balsamic vinegar
– Salt and Pepper
– Olive Oil
– Ketchup
– Coco-Cola
– Bitter lemon
– Tonic water
– 2 bags of crisps
– 2 x Hommous
– Nutella
– Pesto
– Coffee
– Tea

Breakfast:

6 Guest Frittata
  • Olive oil
  • 3 shallots 
  • 1 diced red pepper 
  • 1 diced yellow pepper 
  • 1 diced courgette
  • Salt and pepper
  • Crumbled feta
  • Crack of black pepper
  • 8 eggs and a knob of butter 

Breakfast

Simple breakfast
  • Butter
  • 12 eggs 
  • Hot chilies
  • Fresh bread
  • A Spoon of ricotta with the eggs
  • Mango
  • Raspberries

Lunch

6 guest bruschetta and salad
  • Olive Oil
  • 2 shallots 
  • 4 balsamic glazed tomatoes
  • 1 diced yellow pepper 
  • 4 tablespoons of ricotta
  • Salt and pepper
  • Rocket
  • Pesto for drizzling
  • A crack of black pepper

Lunch

Carbs, with a side of carbs and salad – PERFECT! Pesto Gnocchi, Caramalised onion bruschetta with a fresh greek salad.
  • Olive Oil – everything
  • Half a loaf of toasted bread – bruschetta
  • 4 balsamic glazed shallots – bruschetta
  • Mozerella – bruchetta
  • 3 tomatoes – salad
  • 1 diced green pepper – salad
  • Half a cucumber – salad
  • crumbled feta – Gnocchi
  • Salt and pepper – everything
  • Rocket – Salad and Gnocchi
  • Pesto for the Gnocchi

Eating fresh food on the back of a yacht in a pretty anchorage for lunch is possibiliy one of the best things you can do in life. Food always brings family and friends together, its a great time to talk about the morning’s sail and discuss the options over the next following days. The best way to view a country is from its coastline, speak to one of our team members today about chartering.

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Your Croatia Yacht Charter Gourmet Guide

Food is an integral part to the overall success of any holiday. We all have our favourite French dishes, both sweet and savoury, as well as our go-to Italian pasta dishes, Greek treats and Spanish sweets. But what do you know about Croatian cuisine?

Our Charter Broker team have just returned from 5 days sailing Croatia’s Dalmatian Islands to find the best tables for your 2020 summer sailing adventure. Get ready for mouthwatering cuisine, sensational seafood and luscious lamb dishes!

Konoba Vala, Bobovišca

The island of Brac is just 10 nautical miles away from the historical city of Split, but feels a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of Croatia’s favourite yachting city. The main town of Milna provides the perfect first setting for your summer yacht charter, but if you’re looking for a smaller hamlet, try the quaint fishing village of Bobovišca. Konoba Vala is a rustic restaurant looking out onto lush vegetation and those magical Croatian cobbled boardwalks. You must try the locally Grilled Calamari, served with spiced Mangold (part of the Chard family) Delicious!

Konoba Bako, Vis

Just under 30 nautical miles further south of Bobovišca lies the popular island of Vis. Vis has to be one of your stops on your Croatia crewed motor yacht itinerary, well known for it’s military history and bunkers. You must also visit the ever popular Biševo Blue Cave, and the magical Green Grotto. Spend your days anchored in your own private bays, enjoying water sports and ultimate tranquility, When you’re ready to head into port, Komiza is the perfect town to spend the evening, sampling Croatia’s best fish dishes. Konoba Bako is the must-visit restaurant for dinner; request a table on the water and indulge in the best octopus you’ve ever had. We really recommend the braised octopus in red wine, as well as the house grilled lamb chops. Sample the house wine and take in those spectacular sea views.

BOKERIA, Split

Your itinerary will unfortunately have to come to and end at some point and there is no better place to disembark that the ancient city of Split. Home to the enchanting Diocletian’s Palace, built for Emperor Diocletian at the turn of the 4th Century, Split perfectly blends history with modernity. BOKERIA will blow you away with their service, selection of wines and gourmet treats. Some of our favourites include the Sous-Vide Octopus which is finished on the grill, as well as the Lemon and Cuttlefish Black pasta. This could be the best pasta dish you’ve ever had.

Croatia will deliver your every wish and surpass your expectations. From medieval cities to buzzing beach clubs, spectacular scenery by day to stargazing by night, we know you will have the best Mediterranean yacht charter to date. Contact the Boatbookings broker team today to make this reality!

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Spend Spring Break 2020 in St Barths

Summer in the Mediterranean may be coming to a close but your winter getaway is just around the corner. With just over 100 days until Christmas, it’s time to start planning for your 2020 Caribbean adventure. Our crewed motor yacht destination of choice has to be St Barths!

If you love St Tropez, the Pampelonne Beach Club culture and chic nightlife, St Barths is the Caribbean island for you! Spend your days anchored of Nikki Beach St Barths, shop till you drop in Gustavia and enjoy dinner in Bagatelle or La Guérite. What more could you want for your 2020 Spring Break getaway? The only thing we can think of is a yacht to take you there. Welcome the Benetti 108 Supreme, LULU!

LULU may be a small package but she packs a punch! You will benefit from a superb tri-deck layout, offering lounging, dining and social spaces galore, as well as a jacuzzi! An experienced captain, a top chef, a service orientated crew take your Caribbean yacht charter experience to new heights. We are excited for you!

If you have already experienced St Barths, why not try the Bahamas for Spring Break 2020? Go swimming with the pigs, dive Thunderball Grotto or just kick back and relax in some of the clearest waters on the planet! We look forward to showing you the way in 2020.

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Where shall I eat in Hvar ?

Hvar has witnessed countless invasions over the centuries, resulting in a rich cultural, archaeological and architectural heritage. Thought to be one of the ten most beautiful islands in the world, Hvar lies a 2-hour yacht trip away from the historic town of Split situated on the southwestern coast of Croatia.

Hvar Town is the busiest destination on the island attracting thousands during the height of summer, not only for its rich culture but also for its vibrant nightlife scene.

Konoba Lambik

Konoba Lambik is situated in the little town Milna 3km from Hvar Centre, situated in a valley surrounded by olive trees. The restaurant attracts returning clients every year, who are never disappointed! This restaurant is considered by some to be one of the absolute best restaurants on the island of Hvar, especially if you like fresh fish! It can hardly get better than sitting under an olive grove eating fresh food prepared by the owners, accompanied by excellent wine. The service is also fantastic, so make sure to reserve to avoid missing out!

Dalmatino

Steak & Fish House Dalmatino will provide you with a feeling you have found a well-hidden treasure! Dalmatino is tranquil, an escape from urban city life, yet only just a few steps from the main square. Enjoy a glass of the famous “Hvarski Plavac”, rich with fruity notes, perfectly combined with your chosen meal.

Konoba Vrisnik

Konoba Vrisnik’s charming atmosphere perfectly compliments the top-notch service. Located at the bottom of the steep hill leading up to the village of Vrisnik, tables are outdoors. The octopus is soft as butter and melts in your mouth! Be sure to try “hobotnica ispod peke”, which you must order 3 hours in advance, and “hobotnica na toc”. If you want something else, try the fresh fish grilled over an open fire or the beef with fig sauce. Their house wine is made by the owner so you can be sure you are drinking proper local wine! Book a table before 7 pm to enjoy the sunset.

Get in touch today to find out how you could be eating at one of these stunning restaurants.

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