El Divino Steakhouse on Ambergris Caye, Belize

Caribbean Cuisine and Local Belizean Specialities in Central America

Sep 29, 2009

Located at the southern tip of the island's town of San Pedro, El Divino is the onsite restaurant at Banana Beach Resort, offering up some delicious regional dishes.

Visitors to Ambergris Caye are met with a variety of amazing choices for dining. El Divino Caribbean Steakhouse and Martini Lounge is one of those restaurants definitely worthy of a visit. The restaurant is not only known for great steaks and drinks, but is also a popular place to check out some local specialties.

The menu is varied, representing the wide mix of influences found in Belizean food. Elements from Mexican, American, Spanish, Caribbean, and Mayan foods are often seen in local dishes. Here are a few of El Divino's menu offerings that embrace the melting pot of culinary influences found throughout Belize.

Local Belize Foods - Fry Jacks

A local Belize favorite, fry jacks are traditionally served as a breakfast item. They are basically deep-fried pieces of dough, usually accompanied by jam and honey, or eggs and beans. El Divino serves their fry jacks with jam on the side ($3 US).

Fry jacks can also be found in other places, but go by different names. More recognizable variations include sopapillas in Mexico and beignets in New Orleans. One slight difference between beignets and fry jacks are the ingredients. Fry jacks typically use flour, shortening or lard, water, salt, and baking powder. They are fried in hot oil, producing the crispy skin that rises a bit. Beignets may contain egg or use a yeast rising dough, producing a much higher rise than typical fry jacks.

Traditional Breakfast - Cinnamon Apple French Toast

Belize breakfast tends to be simple, with items like fry jacks or dishes with beans being a normal staple. For those looking for something a little sweeter and perhaps with a little Western influence, El Divino provides a nice twist on traditional cinnamon apple french toast ($6 USD). The french toast is sprinkled with cinnamon and each slice is topped with thinly sliced fresh green apples. On the side is a sweet apple compote for dipping.

Caribbean Cuisine - Ceviche

The widely popular citrus-marinated seafood dish is not to be missed at El Divino. El Divino offers different types of ceviche, available in three different sizes. Patrons can order shrimp, conch, or a combination platter, which is shrimp, octopus, and conch. Served with fresh, warm tortilla chips, this ceviche is often consumed as a main dish.

The grande order of mixed ceviche ($25 USD) arrives on a large platter, filled with fresh tomatoes and onions, topped with bits of cilantro, chopped green olives, and slices of lime. For those seeking a little more heat, a side of fresh chopped peppers is included. The grande platter could easily feed two people for a hearty lunch.

Fresh Local Seafood - Grouper

A local seafood speciality is grouper which is caught right off the coast of the Caye. Restaurants typically offer several cooking styles on their menus, and El Divino offers a pan-seared one on their dinner menu. The pan-seared grouper ($20 USD) is served with garlic mashed potatoes and a grapefruit beurre blanc that really enhances the freshly caught seafood.

The copyright of the article El Divino Steakhouse on Ambergris Caye, Belize in Latin American Culinary Travel is owned by Erin De Santiago. Permission to republish El Divino Steakhouse on Ambergris Caye, Belize in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.