This past winter I visited Belize for about two weeks and mostly spent my time in Caye Caulker, a small island off the coast of Belize City. The best part of my trip? A dinner at Wish Willies, a restaurant in this guy’s yard where he cooked up the day’s catch, usually whole fish, and served it at one of the many picnic tables behind his house. I didn’t get to see enough and I promised myself that I’d return to see more of the country.

Fast forward to eight months later… I just got word today that I’ve been invited by Belize Tourism to spend a week touring their fine country.

I’m so excited.  Belize?  Warm weather?  Gorgeous seafood and adventure sports?  Count me in!

They’ve put together an amazing itinerary, which includes tons of local food. I’m very excited about the culinary aspect of Belize, because on my first trip, it was such an interesting combination of latin american/mexican/carribbean foods with a heavy dose of seafood. It wasn’t unusual to see conch fritters, rice and beans and ceviche on the same menu. Since I didn’t see much of Belize the first time around, I’ll be curious to see how the regional differences influence the food as we travel up the coast.

Here are some of the restaurants on the itinerary:

Robert’s Inn Grove

Ka’ana (Local Maya food will be served & we will have the opportunity to view the chef in action)

Jaguar Paw Jungle Resort

The Phoenix Resort

Elvi’s Kitchen (Culinary display of food preparation will be made.  Available for display & tasting. We will have the opportunity to meet Chef Jennie Staines & ask related culinary question)

Victoria House

Stay tuned…  This will all be happening the week of November 9th – 14th.