Where To Stay in Belize For Experiential Dining
By Jesreen Sidhu
Did you know that the Blancaneaux Lodge, by The Family Coppola Hideaways, in Belize now offers a unique, farm to table garden dining experience? Francis and Eleanor Coppola believe that fresh, flavorful ingredients are of utmost importance, “We want to offer our guests the best there is, and by growing it ourselves we can guarantee the quality,” says Francis. “Besides, what’s a good brick oven pizza without fresh basil?”
Occuring three times a week within the property’s organic gardens, guests can partake in a ‘convivial’ style dinner. The experience starts with cocktails offered upon arrival. Sip and savor as you tour the garden and learn about the organic farming practices used to harvest the unique produce that grows here in abundance.
Gathering at a communal table located on the open-air porch of the organic garden’s new thatched roof kitchen, you then dine on a three-course meal, all inspired by ingredients picked fresh that day from the garden. From soups and salads to pastas and shrimp dishes. The only decision to make is what wine to have pre-ordered to enhance the fresh, vibrant meal shared among new friends.
At Blancaneaux Lodge the produce is truly local. The gardening staff grows all the organic vegetables and many of the fruits used at the lodge including a variety of herbs, six different types of lettuce, brussel sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, string beans, tomatoes, cabbage, eggplant, zucchini, radishes, beets, celery, sweet peppers, sweet corn, limes, oranges, grapefruits and tangerines.
The gardener and chef consult daily on what is available for the day’s menu and what will soon be ready to make an appearance. The year-round growing season and careful crop rotation means there are always fresh tomatoes for salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and pastas.
Click here for more information on the Convivial Dinner experience at Blancaneaux Lodge.
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