Food Shopping on Saba

[pconsidine007]

Greetings-

After an incredible diving experience in Bonaire earlier this year, my friends and I will be flying down to Saba this Thursday for what we hope will be 4 days of incredible diving. The one slight dissapointment we experienced in Bonaire was the lack of quality grocery shopping. Can anyone shed some light on the grocery situation in Saba? Are there places to get fresh produce and meats? If so, can you share the names of the places you recommend?

In addition, any tips/suggestions re: Saba in general would also be much appreciated.

Best,
-PC

 

[joystershell]

Greetings-

After an incredible diving experience in Bonaire earlier this year, my friends and I will be flying down to Saba this Thursday for what we hope will be 4 days of incredible diving. The one slight dissapointment we experienced in Bonaire was the lack of quality grocery shopping. Can anyone shed some light on the grocery situation in Saba? Are there places to get fresh produce and meats? If so, can you share the names of the places you recommend?

In addition, any tips/suggestions re: Saba in general would also be much appreciated.

Best,
-PC

You didn't mention where on the island you will be staying. We were there in June, and stayed at Julianna's in Winward Side. There were a couple of grocery stores within walking distance. However, one of the ferries was out of the water for maintenance, thus creating a food shortage on the island, supplies were slow and short in being shipped to the island. As soon as both ferries were both running again, shelves were restocked.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Tim Ingersoll]

There is a grocery store in Windwardside where most accommodations are located. It is small but should have everything you need. The one short area is perishables. The selection rises and falls with the delivery boats.

Do make the hike up Mt. Scenery. Well worth the effort. Make sure to stop at the eco-lodge about half way up for a water break. All of their water is collected from rain and I have never tasted anything so sweet.

Don't leave the doors to your room open to the outside. We had a visit from an iquana that was funny in retrospect only.

All of the restaurants in Windwardside are at least passable and several are truly wonderful.

 

[DiverDonn]

Interesting! Just got back from first trip to Bonaire and was less than overwhelmed. Actually thought it was fairly boring-with a (very) few interesting dive sites.

As to Saba: Have been there about 10 times and going again in January with some friends who haven't been there yet( staying at Julianas). My impression is that the Food store in Windwardside is quite adequate. Many of the places to stay are within walking distance to the village and even when renting a house, we were able to get nearly everything we wanted at the market.
The Brigadoon is a very good restaurant, and if you can get to the Gate House for dinner one night, you will be in for a big treat- one of the best restaurants in the Carib.

Good Luck DD

 

[ChristineH]

Hi DD, I am going to Saba on the 27 of December - any updates as to the diving for the winter? How is the vis and water temp? Any other advice seeing you have been there so much? We are so excited and can't wait to go!!

 

[tadzio]

The food shoping situation on Saba is the same as any other small caribbean island; There is My Store and Glenda (I dont know the real name but Glenda is the owner, My Store is better) in the Bottom and Big Rock and Adies Supermarket (Big Rock is better) in Windwardside. However, when it comes to fresh produce there are numerous people you can go to, just ask around for who has fresh fruits and vegatables. It is a fertile, volcanic island, so people do grow thier own crops. if you are a meat eater you ma be fortunate enough to be on the island when a bull or pig or goat is slaughtered, though each pice of the animal belongs to a certain family so make friends. As for restaurants; Nothing beats the lobster at Queens Gardens or a lobster sandwhich post dive at pops, nice wine and great food at the Gatehouse, a pizza at Saba Treasure, BBQ at Swinging Doors (check for the day cuz I forgot) or anything at the Eco lodge (make reservations). As for hiking Mt. Scenery is like the Louvre, you gotto go cuz its got to be done, but Crispeen Trail is like Musee D'Orsay, it beats Mt. Scenery any day. As for the diving...anywhere.

 

[tadzio]

BTW Saba is in the lesser antilles not the greater antilles

 

[morecowbells]

We did our grocery shopping at Big Rock. It is small but had a suprising amount of groceries. I was able to find Jimmy Dean Sausage patties for breakfast, many cereals and was amazed they even had sun dried tomato pita chips! For a nice dinner out Brigadoon's was wonderful. A definite must is the Rainforest restaurant at the Eco lodge. The veggies in the salads and dishes are picked that morning. The flavor was amazing. For such a small place as Saba, I was amazed by the variety and quality of places to eat.

 

[DiverDonn]

Christine:
Its been a couple of years since I have been there, but the diving should be magnificent. They apparently got through the summer without too much storm damage.
I have always used the Big Rock Market and have been pleasantly surprised by the varietys offered ( particularly after the supply ship comes in).
I agree with the other posters, but have never been in the RainForest Cafe-It wasn't there last time. The BBQ night and Pizza places were also quite good.

Say hi to everyone on island for me and tell them I'll be there the end of January.
DD
ps. if you have never had it, try to get some TING in the Big Rock. Its a Grapefruit drink that is incredibly refreshing ( If it's even still being made)