Rehearsal Dinner in T&C.....suggestions

[JanineA]

Can anyone suggest a good restaurant for rehearsal dinner in T&C. My WC suggests Anacaona, Magnolia, Coyaba, and Coco Bistro. I went back a few posts and saw that some of the ladies had theirs at Bay Bistro using Kissing Fish catering. Krys since you live on the island can you break them all down and compare.

So far this is all I know:

Bay Bistro looks nice but I will admit it is kind of pricey.

Coyaba is rated #16 on Trip Advisor, not very good ratings, but I tend to not always go according to those reviews.

Anacaona I simply love the way the venue looks and would have put it at the top of my list except they don't allow children under the age of 12 and my fiance's niece will be 16 months.

Magnolia had wonderful ratings online but from the looks of the pictures I saw there didn't seem to be much of a view/ambiance.

Coco Bistro was rated #1 on Trip Advisor but again I couldn't find any contact info to find out about pricing.

 

Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

[Bronze8584]

Hi Janine!

 

We are having our rehearsal dinner at Horse Eyed Jacks in the Blue Hills to get a little change of atmosphere! The venue looks amazing, and there should be live music.

 

I would also highly recommend Kissing Fish Catering Co. and Bay Bistro. They are catering and putting together our wedding dinner on the beach in front of Bay Bistro. Planning the menu, dinner, and details with Joan (owner of Kissing Fish) has been really great and easy. She is very organized and responds quickly. They also have a lot of options to choose from.

 

Good luck!

[JanineA]

Thanks Bronze! I will check into Horse Eyed Jacks, it may be a good change of scenery if there is a live band. I kind of really want something that is somewhat subdued, scenic and has good food. I don't really want anything too crazy cause we won't be staying out late or anything, and I plan on setting up a sunset cruise for everyone to go on just before the rehearsal dinner. I looked into Bay Bistro but thought their prices were a bit pricey...but also I didn't have much to compare them to as all the other places I couldn't even find contact info for. I will take a second look at their menu. Thanks again and good luck with everything! I did have one question in using Kissing Fish are they catering and decorating things. I am wondering because if I use them for my RD I was wondering if I then have to use separate vendors to decorate (linens, flowers, etc).

[Tropical Imaging]

I was actually at an event at Bay Bistro last night. Joan and Clive do a great job (their food is fabulous). Joan has been a friend for years and she is a type A personality in terms of detail and organization (and just a great gal). They will handle everything getting set up, linens, tiki torches for the beach, permits and bonfire if you want a beach bonfire etc. The hotel where they are located is one of the first on island, very rustic (in a good way). The restaurant is right on the beach, all wood painted white (floors ceiling) with white wood chairs and is open air and quite lovely. They have tiki torches for the beach and really do cover lots of details. It's not going to be as glamorous as Anacaona but it does have a great Caribbean feel. I have never heard a bad thing said about Joan and Clive, people were loving the food and atmosphere last night.

 

Anacaona is more "upmarket" as the hotel is more grand. It's a bit back from the beach but also a nice setting as well. You could check with Grace Bay club about having the rehearsal at their Grill Rouge...Children are allowed there. It's a bit further back from the beach but nice as well (everything at GBC is beautiful).

 

Coco Bistro is owned by dear friends of ours and is a favorite of mine in terms of food and location. The owner Stuart, and Clive (of Bay Bistro) actually worked together in the UK and owned and ran a great restaurant on island together for a long time and then each took on their own restaurant. The setting of Coco Bistro is in a garden of Palm Trees each lit up with white "fairy" or Christmas lights. Food is fabulous and generous. (This is where hubby and I go for any and all special occasions). It is also a favorite of everyone else. Even during our slow season, Coco Bistro is packed (right now you need to make reservations 2-3 days in advance which is unheard of here). Because they are popular, Stuart does not do any special pricing for groups, you have people order from the menu so my guess it will be the most expensive of the bunch.

 

The location and layout of Coyaba doesn't have anything special in my opinion that would make a great rehearsal dinner. It's nice, just not "magical" or beachy. I find it feels a bit closed in. Food is nice but they use a lot of heavier sauces and such that aren't to my tastes, (Others absolutely love them, I am just not a fancy/saucy food kind of gal)

 

Horse eyed Jacks is in Blue Hills (another part of the island). A big thatched roof open air pavillion on the beach. They do grilling and local food as well as great casual dining. Arlene has really done a great job with it. It's right on the beach and more of a casual food atmosphere with dancing etc.

 

Of the ones you mentioned, I think you're on the right track...Bay Bistro or Grace Bay Club will be great. Horse eyed Jacks is also a fun option. Once you check around you will probably find that Bay Bistro is good value for money. The other thing is that Joan will be prompt and attentive through the whole process in getting back to you and planning. I find sometimes in other places they may be on island time (worry about now vs something months from now) and the lack of communication can be frustrating. I can send you Coco Bisto's (Stuart's) email if you want menu/pricing from them.

 

Hope that helps

 

Krys

[JanineA]

Thank you so much Krys!!! I think from the choices I am going to focus on Bay Bistro and Coco Bistro. If you could send me the email contact so I can figure out pricing and narrow it down that would be great! Did you also see my thread aboutthe schooner? Lol! Yes I have been waiting for your input on a few things :-)

[Tropical Imaging]

website is Coco Bistro - Fine dining restaurant located in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: 649-946-5369 The owner, head chef is Stuart Gray and email is cocobistro@tciway.tc

 

I'll head over to the schooner thread, busy morning carting around kids to swimming lessons, hip hop lessons and sewing lessons....back now

 

Krys

[JanineA]

Krys I must tell you, you are wonder women and behalf of all the T&C brides before me, now and after me.....thank you for always taking the time to answer our questions. By the way your two girls in your avatar are super, super cute!

[AutismPrincipal]

Janine and Krys: I have just started reading your threads as FI and I are now considering TC as our wedding and honeymoon location. I have already contaced Tropical Imaging, Ileana, and I am so impressed by her work and charisma. We are also working with a TA who is going to price The Somerset (which I LOVE!!!) and nearby hotels for our guests. Thank you both for such great information.

[JanineA]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AutismPrincipal Janine and Krys: I have just started reading your threads as FI and I are now considering TC as our wedding and honeymoon location. I have already contaced Tropical Imaging, Ileana, and I am so impressed by her work and charisma. We are also working with a TA who is going to price The Somerset (which I LOVE!!!) and nearby hotels for our guests. Thank you both for such great information.

You're more than welcome. Ileana is awesome! She is very personable which makes her a joy to work with. Krys is basically the life line to all T&C. We all look to her for advice. If you need any more info or have any questions at all don't hesitate to ask. You may have read my wedding is at the Somerset. Monique the WC is a pleasure to work with, very easy going. Good luck and happy planning!

[AutismPrincipal]

Yes JanineA- I'm following in your footsteps in working with Monique as well as the hair/make-up artists that you're working with. Honestly, this forum is such a jewel. I'm so excited, I could barely sleep!