Punta Cana, DR ~ The Food

Like most of the resorts in the DR, our resort was all-inclusive.  This hasn't ever really been a deal-breaker for us because we're not huge drinkers or really huge eaters for that matter.  However, we do appreciate a nice meal & quality food on vacation.  Staying at an all-inclusive, our expectations were honestly pretty low--because anytime you're trying to feed a mass of people at one time, the quality is bound to suffer. 

Not to mention that we're not in the USA and we're eating food that is prepared in another country...things are bound to be a little different. 

Having said all of that, we managed to find lots of things we enjoyed and never really left any meal feeling like we were starving.  With staying in the adults-only section, we had the ability to eat at most any ala carte restaurant on the property.  We tried the gourmet restaurant the first night, a Mediterranean restaurant the next night, and an Italian restaurant the next night. 

By the time we had been at our resort for 3 1/2 days, we were ready for a little change of place in the food department so we decided to check out our trust friend Trip Advisor.  My parents had visited the DR a few years ago & mentioned that if possible we should try out Captain Cook's.  So we had our concierge book us a reservation and off we went...

 

My parents could have done a little better job explaining just exactly what we were getting into...because imagine our surprise when we taken over to a huge wooden cooler, the lid was whipped open, and this is what we found inside! 

In broken English, our host asked us to pick out our dinner...and to order from this menu! Which neither one of us could hardly read except to see camorones (shrimp) & langostinos (lobster).  I remember reading on Trip Advisor about a mixed grill platter that a couple shared so I tentatively ordered that along with some fried calamari for an appetizer. 

Thankfully, you couldn't beat the view...it was a great place to sit and wonder just what in the heck we had ordered and whether we were going to need to hit the buffet when we got back to the resort. 

The meal started off great with some homemade chips, some sort of fish sticks, and Coca-Cola in real glass bottles.  And of course, who can complain about being seranaded by an official mariachi band! 

Finally, our meal arrived and we realized there was no reason to be worried...as it was a platter of wonderful Caribbean lobster, red snapper, shrimp, and a ton of other seafood that was delicious! 

After our meal they provided a plate of fresh fruit & a local drink called Mamajauna (Google Mamajauna, it's worth reading the description)...we took a small sip and then asked our waiter to take a photo.  He insisted that we take it on the beach, with Mamajauna in hand. 

Cheers to a very fun & memorable evening!  Oh and did I forget to mention the security guard with a sawed-off shotgun slung over his shoulder...oh my, what an experience! 

 

When we arrived back at the resort we sat down in the lobby bar just in time for a cart of chocolate covered strawberries to be brought around...we enjoyed strawberry daiquiris, chocolate strawberries and then headed off to bed with incredibly full bellies!  

With our last night upon us, we just couldn't waste it by eating at the resort...so this time we used Trip Advisor again and booked a reservation at The Jellyfish. Even though the atmosphere was fun & memorable at Captain Cook's, this was the perfect, romantic spot to finish off our trip...

Our beautiful view..

& my handsome date!

The Jellyfish is a popular place for destination weddings but it was pretty quiet on the night we were there...we were actually the only party in attendance until our main course had been served.  And see that table under the lanterns in the picture below...it was set up all romantic for the entire night and never got sat in--Hubby & I both kept wondering if it had been set for us & we just didn't have the nerve to ask!  ha! 

We went on a walk along the beach while we waited for our food...and even used the Shoe Valet!  ha! 

And then it was time for some fine dining...a 2 lb lobster tail for the lady...(definitely imported but definitely amazing!)

 & a filet & french fries for the Hubby!  The best french fries he had all week! 

I was only a little bit excited about my lobster! 

This capped off what honestly could not have been a better trip...sure there were a few minor glitches, our tram breaking down on the first day when we were being taken to our room, or Hubby knocking over the glass at the buffet which caused a small cut on his foot, or the fact that we NEVER EVER bring enough cash on vacation so we had to find an ATM...but overall it was perfect.  An amazing trip where Hubby & I were able to not forget about Elyse, but at least not be the ones responsible for her, for just a few days. 

And so what would I say about travelling without kids...go, go now before you change your minds, it may just change your marriage in a very, very good way!