Merry Christmas
It’s finally here, Christmas 2011! True Blue Bay Resort and Villas extend warm Christmas wishes to all our guests, friends and fellow hoteliers. May this season bring you joy and peace to last a lifetime.
Have a happy Christmas all!!!
Christmas in Grenada
Pull off the gloves, hang up the coats and put away those boots! Christmas in Grenada is pleasantly warmer. Don’t expect snow covered roof tops, trees and sidewalks; the only thing coated in white are the beautiful, sandy shores. In Grenada, carolers don’t sing outside your door… no… expect the parranderos singing parang while strumming a tune on their cuatro, soft drink bottle or any other thing that can make music.
Wondering what is parang? Think of it as a concoction of politics, gossip and history mixed to a tropical beat that makes you want to get up and dance. Rum is always close by and you are sure to hear outbursts of laughter from the audience as the lyrics are sung. Grenada’s sister isle Carriacou, hosts its Annual Parang Festival every year on the weekend before Christmas. If you missed it this year, it’s not too early to start planning for next year.
Grenadians are generally always jovial and Christmas time is no exception. In the days before Christmas, the streets of St. George’s and other towns are usually filled with happy shoppers getting their last minute gifts for loved ones (avoid the crowds in town and visit Truebluetique). Stores stay open past midnight on Christmas Eve, but not everyone stays out shopping. Some find their way to midnight mass, acknowledging the reason for the season.
It is not unusual to catch the smell of black cake (traditional fruit cake soaked in rum) escaping from the homes of the locals, or a salt ham boiling on a coal pot. New curtains are hung in the wee hours, after the house has been dusted to a shine. Drinks of choice this time of year include: sorrel, ginger beer and punch-a-cream (similar to eggnog, but done the Grenadian way). Local restaurants usually have special menus incorporating the traditional Grenadian Christmas indulgences . View Dodgy Dock’s Christmas menus on our Facebook page to see what you can expect this December at True Blue Bay Resort.
It’s the season of joy and happiness and definitely worth experiencing in Grenada, hope to see you soon! We would like to hear about your holiday traditions, so be sure to share them with us!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS from all of us at True Blue Bay Resort and Villas!
Renovations Complete at Truebluetique – Daughter Of Pssst Boutique
Hey everyone, we at True Blue Bay Resort and Villas are excited about our recently completed renovations at Truebluetique (our on site boutique) and we invite you to come and explore. We have expanded and are stocked with some marvellous items that can help you check off some names on your Christmas list. Or maybe you want to treat yourself to something special, you deserve it. For those who were familiar with Pssst… Boutique at Spiceland Mall we have many of the items you may have seen there.
Truebluetique has fun, summer clothing… after all it’s always summer in Grenada, swim suits, bags, locally made soaps, body oils and perfumes, jewellery, clothing, carvings and décor items and of course souvenirs. Hope we’ll be seeing you soon!
Le Conch Spa, Newly Opened at True Blue Bay Resort & Villas
Several Grenadians may already be familiar with the professional services of Le Conch Health and Beauty Spa in Grand Anse. Having been on the island just over two years now, a reputation has been built for providing quality service. We at True Blue Bay Resort are happy to have them open their second branch here, where our guests and locals can be afforded the professionalism that comes with the brand Le Conch.
The modern spa offers a full range of treatments and beauty products including: facials, manicures, pedicures, body treatments, waxing and electrolysis (Le Conch Price List) in an environment that is peaceful and calming. Gift vouchers are available if you would like to treat someone and free filing and polishing of nails are available to all in-house guests.
A visit to the spa is always a delight, we hope yours will be soon and be sure to tell us about your experience. Call (473) 536-6774/ 536-3360 or email info@leconch.com to set up an appointment. You may also visit their website at www.leconch.com.
12th Annual Arts & Crafts Christmas Bazaar
Last Sunday at True Blue Bay Resort, we had our 12th Annual Christmas Bazaar. On display were handmade jewelry, clothing, art, local spa products, ceramics, wood carvings and so much more. The live steel pan music set the tone for the day, peaceful, engaging and tropical. Fresh produce was available from local farmers and the coconuts brought smiles to several faces.
All age groups were present and there was something for everyone in the family. The Christmas spirit was in the air. The products on sale were exceptional and a true display of Grenadian art and culture.
It was a delight having several young artists present. David Roberts was one of them and he showcased Grenadian art in the form of photography. His exhibition featured highlights of nature. Shellon Eleazer was another young artist present, whose display included several abstract paintings. A new painter to the island was also Helen Mussell, with beautifully detailed acrylics of the islands.
‘Best Display’ went to Helena Mason for her beautiful fruit and veg stand, ‘Most Original Craft’ to Three Dots’, Terry for his cinnamon wood and coconut spoons and bowls, ‘New Crafts’ to Andy Henry for his very cleverly designed and detailed metal magnets and finally Michelle Minors won a weekend for two at True Blue Bay for the ‘Best Overall Craft’ designs made with wine bottle corks. Her creations, apart from being made with recycled materials, were very original and were beautifully displayed. Grenada definitely has a lot of artistic talent!
The Christmas Bazaar was wonderful and we thank all for coming out. We looking forward to our Easter Bazaar (date to be announced soon).
Visit our Facebook Page to view more pictures.
Champagne Jewelry Party At Dodgy Dock
There’s the old saying, “diamonds are a girl’s best friend”… well there may not have been any diamonds at our Champagne Jewelry Party but we’re sure the ladies made some new friends. With artisans such as Fran Selinger, Joseph Thomas and True Blue Bay’s Magdalena Fielden (owner) present, it was truly a display of sheer elegance and craftsmanship.
On display were a selection of handcrafted jewelry made with varying materials including, beads, glass and wood. Here’s a glimpse of what you missed if you were unable to make it down. For more pictures click here.
Cooking with Esther & Omega – Turmeric Chicken – Guest Appearance by Dominique Serafini
Ingredients:
- 2-small Onion
- 1-thumb size Ginger
- 3-Clove Garlic
- 1-1/2 tsp Turmeric
- 1-tsp Brown Sugar
- 1-cup Coconut Milk
- 1 -cup Cooking Cream
- 2-6oz -Chicken Breast (Grilled)
- Chive & Thyme
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1-tsp lime juice
First things first, rules for the class: “There’s no homework, but plenty detention.” Guess that means you’re expected to be in the kitchen often.
In this cooking session at True Blue Bay Resort, the item on the menu was Turmeric Chicken. We were happy to have Dominique Serafini in class with us today, a French artist who recently did a piece commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Bianca C’s sinking. In this session he quickly did a sketch of Esther and Omega doing what they do best.
Preparation:
Blend or chop onion, ginger, garlic, and chive and thyme together to make sauce. Sautee in hot oil on low heat, add turmeric until yellow colour appears. In Grenada, tumeric is locally called “saffron”, do not add too much of it as it may turn out bitter. Add the sugar and continue sauteing.
Next, add coconut milk and lime juice and bring to a boil. While sauce is boiling add cooking cream, stir until sauce thickens. In another pot, over low heat, add strips of grilled chicken breasts and pour sauce over the chicken. Simmer until the chicken takes the colour of the sauce.
Quick Tip from Esther and Omega
The chicken can be substituted with fish or vegetables if you’re having vegetarians over for dinner!
True Blue Bay Resort At World Travel Market 2011
Our Owners Russ and magdalena traveled to England last month to attend world travel market 2011. They did a wonderful job promoting true blue bay boutique resort and Grenada. Check out the video by Definitive Caribbean Guide
True Blue Bay Resort receives certificate of compliance from Grenada Bureau of Standard
After months of preparation and hard work, The Grenada Bureau Of Standard awards true blue bay resort the certificate of compliance. This is other achievement we at true blue are proud of.
New Lunch Menu At Dodgy Dock Restaurant & Lounge Bar
So far this new lunch has being a hit!! If never you are in Grenada come to dodgy dock at true blue bay resort. Special thanks Chef Gary Birkett to his brilliant creativty.
