January of 2019 marked our fifth trip to Anguilla. Every trip, we try a few new restaurants, but we can’t help but revisit our old favorites. In those previous trips, we somehow never made it to Blanchards, despite the fact that Melinda and Robert Blanchard’s book, A Trip to the Beach, drew us to the island. This trip we had the best of both worlds, revisiting Blanchards Beach Shack, and dining for the first time at the original Blanchards, a divine duo.
Both Blanchards and Blanchards Beach Shack are on the same property on the east end of Meads Bay. The signs on top of the building show you the way. Blanchards to the right, and the Beach Shack to the left.
The Beach Shack was damaged in Hurricane Irma, but is back, better than ever. The Shack offers loads of choices, all presented on the menu posted above the ordering windows.
We ordered a couple bowls, one with jerk pork and one with chicken, and the grilled Mahi street tacos. The Mango Colada was perfect accompaniment.
Take a seat on one of the picnic tables and enjoy the setting. The seating area is shaded by palms and beach umbrellas.
If you want to stay a bit longer, there are beach chairs available on Meads Bay, with beautiful views.
Blanchards Beach Shack is a great place for lunch or to spend the day.
Our last Saturday night, we decided to dine at Blanchards and it was all it was said to be. For those who dined before Hurricane Irma, the menu is a bit different now. Some of the old favorites remain, but added are a number of small plates. We had a great time enjoying a wide variety of dishes, including Crayfish Ceviche, Arancini, Thai Red Curry Mussels, Jerk Shrimp, and Grouper Nicoise. We rounded it out with the Dark Chocolate Terrine with orange creme anglaise. I could go just for that dessert and leave happy. It was a wonderful meal with attentive service, and it left me wondering why we had waited so long.
By day or night, the Blanchards’ restaurants are an excellent choice.
All photographs in this post were shot on film, using the Canon EOS 1v with Canon 50mm f/1.2 lens on Kodak Ektar 100. Processing and scanning by Richard Photo Lab.
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Loved all the pictures!
Thanks, Ellen! No pics from dinner — too busy eating!