Sunday, November 13, 2011

Rodrigues in restaurants

With its rich volcanic soil and abundant coastline, Rodrigues Island is blessed with a diverse amount of fresh produce. Combined with a healthy dose of French, Indian and Chinese influence, its no wonder that this African island is home to a selection of memorable restaurants. Here are some favourites.


Set on a cliff overlooking the lagoon, Coralie La Difference offers the best view in all of Rodrigues. The menu includes a good selection of local cuisine, served with European flair. Try the octopus curry with coconut cream, its magnificent.


Marie-line’s table d’hôte (a set menu served in a home atmosphere) is created with a fine sense for French cooking and a creative slant on Rodriguan favourites. It is also just the place for foodies to discover home made fruit wines, preserves and garden honey.


With an open plan barbecue set-up right on the beach, this is an idyllic place to dig your feet into the sand, sip on a rum cocktail and wait for the crayfish to come off the fire. The restaurant up at the guesthouse also offers a great view of the Graviers area.


While local favourites are also celebrated at the Morouk Ebony hotel, this is probably the best place on Rodrigues Island to enjoy European style cuisine. The chef’s creations will surprise and delight. Do ask about their picnic options for an island excursion.


The best part of dining at the pink villa in Anse Aux Aglais is the absolute passion for food that radiates from the hostess Marie-Louise. If you ask nicely and spend some time in her homely kitchen she might even share a cooking secret or two.


Perfect for an afternoon apéro while watching the sunset, you might find yourself lingering at this atmospheric restaurant bar much longer than planned. The pizza with ‘secret ingredients’ will see you through and provide a fun conversation topic.


Known for making the best traditional octopus salad on Rodrigues Island, Chez Madame La Rose will quickly win over your heart with a quaint little garden terrace and seasonal meals. The lady herself is a quite a beautiful presence too.

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