Grenada

Have a Slice of Spice while You’re Here

Tornia Charles — 2012-04-19T18:38+00:00

“Hello, good evening and welcome to the Spice Basket.” The sound of that welcoming Grenadian accent, together with the ambiance and décor of the amphitheater all play a part in setting the tone for the weekly Wednesday night show called ‘A Slice of Spice.’ The host of the evening first invites you to have dinner; a mixture of succulent creole culinary fare that leaves a lasting impression on your mind. Portions of golden apple glazed grilled fish, callaloo stuffed chicken, cherry ginger glazed ham, pumpkin rice, potato plantain croquettes, ginger mixed vegetables and nutmeg dressed salad all creatively laid out for your selection will simply take your breath away. After a few minutes you will be offered a choice of coconut ice cream and lemon chiffon pie; a choice that seem almost impossible to make. It won’t be long before a large screen is lit and your attention will be captured with an enthralling video showcasing the tri island state, its history and traditions. Immediately after this, the theatrical show begins with captivating characters and enchanting performances, making the entire night absolutely delightful! You are reminded of old Grenadian folklores like the legend of the soucouyant and the La Diablesse, who appears like a beautiful woman dressed in a long petticoat with the aim of capturing the hearts of young vulnerable men. Ladies dressed in the pretty Carnival costumes dance among the audience giving you a sneak peak of our Spicemas Festival. You will also witness dramatizations of small aspects of the Grenada Revolution, fire eating, big drum dancing and so much more that you just have to experience yourself. ‘A Slice of Spice’ is more than just dinner and a show; it is Grenadian history, culture and traditions bottled in one night – a night that should be experienced by all. For more information – Contact: Spice Basket Ltd Beaulieu St. George’s Grenada Phone: 1 (473) 437 9000 or 1 (473) 232 9000 Email: info@spicebasketgrenada.com or rsvp@spicebasketgrenada.com Website: www.spicebasketgrenada.com

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Win a Trip for 2 to Grenada

Tornia Charles — 2012-04-03T17:37+00:00

Beginning this May, the Grenada Board of Tourism together with Caribbean Airlines is giving you the opportunity to win a Dream Vacation for 2 to the Spice Island of Grenada! Just imagine having the opportunity to select your own hotel, your own restaurants, your own activities and your own travel buddy. This is exactly how this dream vacation works. To be eligible for this competition, you must become fans of both the Caribbean Airlines and Discover Grenada’s Facebook pages and register for the competition by providing the required information. Now, here comes the fun part. You get to decide where you would like to stay by selecting a property of your choice, island activities and restaurants. Congratulations! You’ve just built your dream vacation itinerary. After this, all that’s left to do is write a short paragraph explaining why your itinerary is best and why you should win this Caribbean Airlines Grenada Dream Vacation! To submit your itinerary, hit the ‘Book Vacation’ tab and share with your friends. Now sit back and watch the votes soar! If you’re the lucky winner, be prepared to receive 2 return tickets to our island from any one of Caribbean Airlines’ departure airports and all the elements of the itinerary you created. These include accommodation at the hotel of your choice for 4 days inclusive of breakfast, an island tour, various dining experiences and island activities you chose. Life just doesn’t get any better than the Caribbean Airlines Grenada Dream Vacation! For more information, contact us at the following: Grenada Board of Tourism P.O. Box 293 Burns Point St. George’s Grenada Ph: 1 473 440 2279/2001 Fax: 1 473 440 6637 Website: www.grenadagrenadines.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/discovergrenada Twitter: www.twitter.com/discovergrenada

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Best Times to Experience the Spice Island

Tornia Charles — 2012-02-21T20:00+00:00

Adrenalin Junkies Do you get excited at the thought of challenging the wind while sailing at high speeds? Does diving eerie underwater sculptures peak intrigue, or is there an urge to experience the twists and turns of the Balthazaar River while going adventure river tubing? If you’ve answered yes to all of those questions, then try our Annual Grenada Sailing Festival in January. The rest you can do at any time of the year. The Elite What does 5-star accommodation, private jets and fine dining all have in common? You – the elite traveller! Discover the spoils of life at any time during the year because whether you decide to hideaway at the Calivigny Island or sample the exquisite cuisine of famous TV Chef Gary Rhode’s Restaurant, the secret luxurious side of the Spice Island await you. Culture Cravers If you’re intrigued by the culture and traditions of another country, then the important events in your calendar should be April’s Carriacou Maroon & String Band Festival, May’s Grenada Drum Festival, the Spice Mas Festival in August and December’s Camerhogne Folk Festival! They are all experiences never to be forgotten. Sports Enthusiasts With 5 Regattas, 1 cycling tournament, 1 triathlon and a bill fish tournament throughout the year, Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique is nothing short of a playground for sporting events. The only thing missing is you. Party Animals With Carriacou’s Carnival in February and Grenada’s in August, the Spice Islands are the only ones in this region celebrating 2 carnivals per year. With colorful costumes, a plethora of Jab Jab revelers and soca music at its best, these Carnival Festivals are Grenadian expressions in all its glory. So, if you love a lifestyle filled with heavy entertainment, a carefree attitude merged with traditional folklore, then February and August are the best times to visit. Sun & Beach Holidaymakers If you enjoy a vacation without exerting any energy, then this category is for you. You can laze around on the beach, take a water taxi to the city, have persons cater to your needs and do nothing all day. If this defines you, you can experience the Spice Islands at any time during the year.

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See What Others Had To Say

Tornia Charles — 2012-02-20T20:04+00:00

For years, we’ve always wanted a Caribbean vacation and as retirees, my wife and I wanted it to be as quiet as possible. In September of 2011, we decided to experience Grenada and what an experience it was. We had the best time of our lives. Some days we lazed around on the beach, other days we went sailing but our most memorable experience was the Adventure River Tubing on the Balthazaar River. The twists and turns from the currents and the view from the river are simply amazing, and everyone should do this at least once. Michael and Margaret Holt Retirees Tampa, FL ‘Tanya Log’ porridge, Fish Friday Festival, a nutmeg print dress, the Spice Basket and the turtle watching in Levera and lazing off on Paradise Beach in Carriacou are just a few reasons why I’ll continue to visit the Spice Islands. Simply Amazing! Steven Chetram Freelance Writer Trinidad & Tobago If you’re a party animal, then you just have to experience Grenada’s Spice Mas Festival in August! That Soca Monarch Competition and J’ouvert morning had the most amount of energy I’ve ever seen in any one location. Although I was originally born in the Caribbean, I had never heard of 2 jouverts in one country, and the locals never seemed to get tired. You see them playing Jab Jab on Monday morning, fancy mas on Monday afternoon, Monday night Mas later that night and on the road again on Tuesday morning. When I asked one guy if he had time to sleep, he said “we’ll sleep when the Carnival is over.” Ha ha! Caroline Howell Travel Agent London, UK We had many first experiences in Grenada. We were never greeted with fruit juice, saltfish souse and bakes upon arrival at any airport before. It was also the first time we dived an underwater sculpture park and had our names printed on a jute bag at a nutmeg station. The entire vacation was incredible and we have so many memories that we must go back there. The Pierre Family Teacher Nice, France

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4 Island Experiences You Wish You Had

Tornia Charles — 2012-02-20T18:05+00:00

Partying Aboard the Rhum Runner Cruise The experience aboard this two tier party boat is unlike any other. With the steel pan in the background, a limbo competition in the middle of the floor and everyone with a glass of rum punch in hand, guests embark all smiles. While onboard, guests can see the interior of the island and midway through the cruise, they get the opportunity to swim on a white sand beach on the south coast. The Rhum Runner Cruise is definitely an experience that should not be missed. Losing Yourself in the Beauty of the Spice Isle Whether it’s the sight of the cascading waters of the majestic Crossroads Waterfall, the powdery white sand on the famous 2 mile long Grand Anse Beach, or the colorful flora that has won 9 gold medals for the island, Grenada’s physical attributes are definitely something to behold. With its underwater sculptures, mountainous interior, pristine beaches and laidback lifestyle of its people, one can’t help but lose onesself in the beauty of the spice isle. ‘Bubbling a Pot’ What is this you may ask? ‘Bubbling a pot’ is simply the local lingo for cooking; a practice that is popular on Paradise Beach on the island of Carriacou and Levera Beach in Grenada. Whether it’s the national dish of Oil Down or ‘Waters’ as the locals call it, bubbling a pot on the beach makes for a great afternoon outing. The Kayaks will always offer a helping hand and after you’ve had your fill, the tropical waters of the beach await you. ‘Liming’ with Island Folk ‘Liming’ is another part of the island lingo simply used to describe hanging out. However, when this is done with island folks, it takes a unique turn. You will be surprised to see that these carefree spirits can transform a simple road side barbeque or a trip to the barber shop into an evening of fun and entertainment. The local lingo, creole cuisine and recanting of funny island stories is an experience that only the islanders can deliver.

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Celebrate 38 Years With Us

Tornia Charles — 2012-01-20T16:14+00:00

The islands are buzzing with excitement as the countdown to Grenada’s 38th Independence Anniversary Celebration continues. A sea of red, green and gold flood the streets of the city as Grenadians portray their national colours with their best independence outfits. The rich aroma from a pot of ‘oil down’ will awaken your senses from almost every street corner while calypso and soca music can be heard echoing from every bar! Activities begin during the month of January and continue with events such as an independence torch run, a best village and calypso competition and even a swim meet. Come experience a passion like no other as Grenadian nationals display their love for their country on Monday 7th February, 2012. Feel the fervour of our farmers, experience the elation of our folk dancers and make memories worth a lifetime with our military parade! Celebrate 38 years of Independence with Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique! For more information – Contact: Grenada Board of Tourism Burns Point St. George’s Grenada Ph: 1 473 440 2279/2001 Fax: 1 473 440 6637 Email: gbt@spiceisle.com Website: www.grenadagrenadines.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/discovergrenada Twitter: www.twitter.com/discovergrenada

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Grenada Scores two top awards in Scuba Diving Magazine’s 2012 Reader’s Choice Awards

Orlando Romain — 2012-01-19T17:13+00:00

Grenada was rated #1 in two of the most coveted categories in the 2012 Scuba Diving Magazine Awards – Best Advanced Diving and Best Wreck Diving in the Caribbean/Atlantic. The destination is described as “a magnet for divers who prefer to explore sites that are high on the difficulty meter. When you combine unpredictable, muscular currents, fast moving reef drifts, blue-water descents and deep wrecks like the Hema I (90 feet), Shakem (100 feet) and the 600 foot former Italian luxury liner, Bianca C (165 feet), you’ve just mixed up the perfect recipe for advanced diving. To add to the excitement, take the 90-minute ferry ride from St. Georges to Carriacou, one of the three islands that comprise this country, and explore the fish-swarmed pinnacles and sunken vessels just offshore.” “We are deeply gratified that our unique array of reefs, walls and ship wrecks has been recognized by the readers of Scuba Diving Magazine,” said Simon Stiell, Director of Tourism for Grenada. “With 50 dive sites on two islands to choose from, there is always something new and exhilarating to explore.” For the Readers’ Choice Awards, thousands of Scuba Diving subscribers and web users rated their dive experiences on a scale of one to five. Results of the 2012 Awards are featured in the January/February 2012 issue of Scuba Diving magazine now on the newsstands. Grenada, with its great drift and reef dives is perfect for divers of all levels. Whether above or below the water, Grenada’s tropical colours, pristine beaches, rainforests, wonderful food and its greatest treasure, the warm and welcoming people, will make your visit above and below the water a pleasure.

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Experience a Carnival with a Difference

Tornia Charles — 2012-01-18T19:42+00:00

Whether it is the shimmering costumes of the masqueraders, the organized movements of the jab jabs or the sweet sound of the soca and steel pan music, a Caribbean Carnival Celebration is always an experience of a lifetime! But when it comes to the little island of Carriacou, the experience is definitely one with a difference. Most persons take the 90 minute ferry ride aboard the Osprey Lines, while others prefer the 20 minute flight via SVG Air. In 2011 however, ‘The Real Jab Jab Group’ from mainland Grenada chartered a large vessel which enabled passengers to enjoy a 4 hour party on route to Carriacou. Of course in keeping with the traditional Caribbean Carnival, one will still see beauty and talent at its best on the night of the Queen Show Competition and the early morning jouvert in L’Esterre, among so many other aspects. What differentiates the Carriacou Celebrations from the rest of the islands is the Shakespeare Mas. It is the only place in this region, where one can see men dressed in peirrots engage in battle using only the lines from Shakespeare’s plays. If the competitor is slow to respond, a quick stroke of his whip will suffice as punishment. So in Carriacou, whether it’s the crack of the whip of the Shakespeare masqueraders, the sound of the conch shell or just the way one got there in the first place, this Carnival experience is definitely one with a difference.

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What Better Way to Enjoy the New Year

Tornia Charles — 2011-12-20T17:48+00:00

Do you have any family or friends who are longing to visit the Caribbean? Perhaps you would like to take a trip yourself. Whichever it is, the year 2012 brings with it a host of options in air travel for persons to visit Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Most recently launched is the twice weekly nonstop service from Canada to Grenada via Caribbean Airlines. The flight begins in Trinidad, connecting to Grenada and continuing on to Toronto every Thursday and Sunday. The airfare includes 2 checked bags at 50lbs each, inflight entertainment and complimentary meals and snacks. If you’re in New York, Caribbean Airlines also provides a twice weekly nonstop service from New York to Grenada on Wednesdays and Saturdays via JFK’s International Airport. If you’re coming from Miami or Orlando, there is no need to worry. Caribbean Airlines provides flights from the Miami International Airport and the Orlando International Airport. If you’ve already planned a trip to another Caribbean island, then why not enhance your vacation by adding Grenada to your itinerary. Caribbean Airlines makes connections to Grenada from many other neighbouring islands. What better way to enjoy the New Year than to hop onboard a flight to the Caribbean and indulge in the warmth and authenticity of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Feel free to visit the website at www.caribbean-airlines.com or the closest ticket office. You can also contact your travel agent today.

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Add Some Spice to Your Christmas Holidays

Tornia Charles — 2011-12-15T20:28+00:00

One of the best parts of the Christmas holidays is spending time with family and other loved ones. This year, you can add a little Grenadian flavor to the season, by coming together to create this delectable desert. With its mouth watering aroma and luscious appeal, this Grenadian nutmeg cake recipe is perfect for the Christmas holidays. Chocolate Frosted Nutmeg Cake Ingredients 2 cups brown sugar 2 cups sifted flour ½ cup shortening 1 egg 1 teaspoon nutmeg 1 cup sour milk 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ cup chopped ground nuts or cashew nuts Method Step 1: In a bowl, blend sugar and flour. Step 2: Add shortening and mix with fingers until crumbs form. Step 3: Place half the crumbs in a greased square pan. Step 4: Add the egg, nutmeg and sour milk mixed with the soda to the remaining crumbs. Step 5: Pour batter into the crumbs and sprinkle with nuts. Step 6: Bake 35 to 40 minutes in a preheated moderate oven. Note: To make 1 cup sour milk, add 2 tablespoons vinegar or 1 tablespoon lime juice to ordinary milk. Chocolate Frosting Ingredients 2 cups softened butter 9 cups confectioner’s sugar 2 ½ cups baking cocoa 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup milk Method Cream butter into a mixing bowl and gradually beat in cocoa, vanilla and sugar. Add milk and mix until desired consistency is reached. This recipe can be served hot or cold and yields 10 to 12 servings. Feel free to let us know how you enjoyed it.

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