Over the past decade Provodenciales has become quite the Caribbean foodie destination. Many of the finer hotels now boast Michelin-worthy restaurants complete with stunning décor, expansive wine lists and contemporary menus helmed by innovative chefs. O’Soleil at The Somerset at Grace Bay hits all these marks with its striking interior and globally inspired, locally infused cuisine overseen by rising star executive chef Lauren Callighen. The contemporary white on white décor evokes a heavenly ambiance with an edge, complete with Louis chairs, iridescent sconces, lofty ceilings and crisp linens. The atmosphere of playful sophistication continues through the sleek mahogany and marble bar, the perfect spot for an aperitif or robust glass of wine.
The Menu: Drawing on her upbringing in coastal Newfoundland, Callighen’s menu includes both fresh seafood and heartier land fare, prepared with continental techniques and given an island twist. In short – diverse dishes with bursts of local flavor. The Caesar salad is enlivened with plantain croutons; shrimp tagliatelle is given an exotic twist with mango and coconut curry; and the Australian rack of lamb surprises with a harissa bbq sauce and quava glazed shallot. The plating of these dishes is as whimsical and artful as the surrounding décor, and portions are the perfect size: satisfying but not overly filling, so there’s plenty of room to sample a few appetizers, a main, and still have room for dessert.
The Must Have: you’d be hard pressed to come up with a reason not to order the Prix Fixe. And being surrounded by water, there’s no better place to savor gorgeous fresh seafood. Start with the tequila cured salmon served over a fennel apple salad with tangy citrus vinaigrette and shrimp toast. Follow with the grilled Wahoo with coconut peanut sauce accompanied by baby bok choy and banana relish. And no need to make an impossible decision for dessert: opt for the Caribbean Trio and indulge in papaya sorbet, Appleton Rum cake with toffee sauce and passion fruit mousse topped with mango coulis.