Mimi Grafton, of Blue Sea Anguilla, the Islands leading Destination Management Company is a true Island Expert. Here are few tips on what to expect when you dine out.
1. RESERVATIONS ARE STRONGLY SUGGESTED
Anguilla is a laid-back destination. You can wear shorts and sandals to even the smartest of restaurants. However, despite the relaxed dress code, there is a level of formality required when making restaurant reservations that will help you have the best experience, and let your host offer you the best service. Most restaurants in Anguilla are small and often family-run businesses. They are well-oiled machines that plan ahead to give guests the best possible experience based on reservations they have on the books, so to avoid dining disappointment:
Expect that groups over 5 will probably be asked to secure a reservation with a credit card
Bamboo at Four Seasons Drinks at Elvis Beach Bar Coctails at Zemi Beach Breakfast on the Beach at Zemi
2. SERVICE CHARGE
is not a tip for your server only, it gets split among the entire staff (waitstaff, kitchen, cleaners) through an equitable service charge committee. If you want to reward YOUR server you can always leave a tip on top.
3. CREDIT CARD
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, AMEX less so. Please check with your restaurant first if you want to use a particular card. Expect to pay cash (Eastern Caribbean (EC) or US dollars) at food vans and roadside BBQ’s and don’t be surprised if you get your change in EC!
4. RESERVE DIRECT WITH THE RESTAURANT
they have the most up to date information, and changes given to hotel/villa staff cannot always be guaranteed.
5. BE CONSIDERATE OF TIME
No one will blame you for lingering on the beach, but if you need to push your reservation time back please let the restaurant know you will be late – otherwise you may lose your table (and your ocean view).
Dinner at Zemi Beach Cocktail’s at Zemi Beach Beach day at Sandy Island Sunset dinner at Ani Villas
6. IF YOU HAVE A SPECIAL SEATING REQUEST BOOK EARLY
If sunset watching or oceanfront dining are among the reasons you come to Anguilla, the “front row” tables are always the first to be snapped up.
7. RELAXATION RECOMMENDATION
If you want to bring a group to Anguilla for a corporate retreat, special event or wedding, contact Mimi for options on logistics and where to dine.
Mimi Gratton of Blue Sea Anguilla Blue Sea Anguilla Team
BLUE SEA ANGUILLA know everything there is to know about getting guests to, from and around Anguilla. They handle groups from 4 to 400 and make every guest feel pampered and special.
