What’s conch taste like you say? Well not chicken that’s for sure. You can find conch shacks about everywhere you turn in the Bahamas. It’s a bit like shrimp, but much more rubbery. Most likely it’s been tenderized before fixing.
In order to release the meat of a conch you must first drill or hammer a hole into the shell. The animal who lives inside reluctantly gives up his home.
The shack we visited recently is on Volleyball Beach, a cruisers hangout at the Chat ‘N Chill restaurant. Conch salad consists of raw conch, onions, green peppers, tomatoes. Once chopped and mixed, orange, lemon and lime slices are squeezed over the concoction. If you’re daring you can add a hot pepper to the mix. Or there’s some awesome Bahamian hot sauce in certain locales. Be careful you might not breath for a while. We thought hot wings were good and spicy, I don’t think anything compares if you tell the maker to go all out.
It’s not just about the salad here, it’s about the preparation and skill associated with the makers of great conch salads. The Food Network Chef’s hold nothing on these traditional dishes, made in the true Bahamian spirit.
What do you crave from somewhere you’ve visited in the past? What culinary uniqueness do you have to share?
Not so sure I want to try this. Not a brave foodie! But I would feed the Rays in a heartbeat!
Carol, that’s okay, I’ll take pictures of you feeding the rays.
Sounds amazing! I love it.
My Mom grew up in the Dominican so as a family, we used to go often to visit relatives. I got used to some of the “local” dishes – sweet beans, fried cheese, sancocho and my FAV johnnycake! I miss going to the local beach and getting a johnnycake hot out of the deep fried grease with a piece of brown paper towel – YUM! Oh yes, and of course, chewing on sugar cane. Ahhhh…miss that!
ENJOY experiencing the culture to the fullest – sounds ahhmazing!
Natalie, I love your references to DR and have now put new taste opportunities on my wish list to fulfill, soon. Thanks!
I’m loving these posts Nancy and the warmth of the Bahamian sunshine is coming through with each one.
Patricia, I’m glad and thanks! I really do feel the sunshine everyday, even in the rain. Thanks for joining me.
Love the post, not sure I’ll be trying conch anytime soon. I’m afraid the texture would turn me off. Still, that salad looks delicious. Now I want a Johnnycake, whatever that is! And fried cheese? Oh, yes please. Ouch. I think my arteries just clenched.
Tameri, I love culinary experiences. Some are good, and some… I won’t try again.