Having had a taste of what the local food scene had to offer with our roadside chicken rotis, we were keen for more!
Luckily for us, every Friday in Saint Lucia is “Fish Fry”-day.
A night where locals and travellers come together for a street party and fry up, in the streets.
There are a few different options, but Anse La Raye hosts the most chilled out of them.
So we made our way down the hill, through the banana plantations and into the town.
Despite the sunshine, the rain continued to pour.
Bathing the little coastal town the most incredible, shimmering, golden light.
We arrived early, just before sunset, so we could watch the shindig getting set up.
The black beaches are littered with wooden fishing boats, tangled nets and discarded fishscales, making it shimmer and glitter in the evening light.
Little makeshift bars line the street, their hosts tempting you in as you pass.
It’s not too easy to resist smiles like these…
So we caved and got stuck into the rum punch.
All along the alleyway fires blaze, bbqs fizzle and the smell of grilled seafood wafts along the breeze.
Cast your net and you can pull in all manner of specialities!
All served up with sides of rice ‘n’ peas, and mamma’s mac ‘n’ cheese, of course.
We felt at home very quickly in the little rainbow town.
Having chowed down on buttery lobster and a bowl of macaroni, we met Maria.
Spooning a spicy fragrant broth over freshly caught snapper, and steaming them over coals.
It was love at first sight, and we put our name down for two.
I left Milly chatting to Maria, and become utterly entranced by a nearby game of dominos.
Which is not only furious, but incredibly serious business.
After being given the once over, I was allowed to take photos.
I couldn’t resist snapping away at those expressions.
While the kids carried on with their own games.
The sun finally dipped below the horizon.
The music started up, and the party really got started.
Young DJs pumped out reggae, hip hop and local classics from huge, festival sized speakers.
The street thumped with the beat and we got into the party spirit(s).
We ate our fish supper, at Maria’s table, and mopped up the incredible sauce with flatbreads.
We shared the table with all sorts of people, eating all sorts of sea creatures.
Made a few more local buddies.
And generally misbehaved together!
Late into the night, we couldn’t resist another couple rounds of snapper.
Followed by a little more dancing.
I’m afraid the rest is all a bit of a rum infused blur.
But what I can tell you, is that at some point in your life, you need to experience a Saint Lucian Fish Fry.
And in some point in mine, I need another!
