Good Taste is the Worst Vice

Ribs on Sandy Island, Anguilla

Paint a picture in your mind of the perfect deserted island, with white sand and a smattering of palm trees, and maybe even a little beach shack that serves barbecued ribs and cold drinks.  Now look at Sandy Island – is it better than you imagined?  For me, the answer is definitely ‘yes.’


Sandy Island is visible from the north coast of Anguilla as a glimmer of sand in the distance, and as the boat draws closer you can see palm trees and a green peaked roof come into focus.  The water is a perfect Caribbean turquoise and clear as glass.


We’d been by the island a few times and even snorkeled nearby, but this was the first time we came ashore, eager for a snack after a few hours on the water.


I jumped out of the boat and headed into the welcoming shade of the pavilion, which features a half dozen picnic tables and a colorful bar.  We ordered ribs, which are barbecued to order on a grill out back – if we’d planned ahead, we could even have called in an order from the boat (deserted islands apparently get great cell phone coverage!).  

After thirty minutes or so, which I spent watching the local scene (mostly birds and a few other tourists) and drinking Sprite, the ribs arrived – precut for easy beach eating, and delectably smoky and moist.  They arrived with some macaroni salad, rice and beans, and green salad; I added some barbecue sauce and hot sauce.  
I’ve never had ribs in a more beautiful setting, and climbed back onto the boat quite full and content.  As we motored away, I watched Sandy Island recede and thought, “Next time, rum punch.”


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Comments

  1. Edward says

    Another great introductory sentence so much so it's worth repeating:

    "Paint a picture in your mind of the perfect deserted island, with white sand and a smattering of palm trees, and maybe even a little beach shack that serves barbecued ribs and cold drinks. Now look at Sandy Island – is it better than you imagined? For me, the answer is definitely 'yes.'"