Caribbean Escape...

As icy winter winds gust in from the North, our thoughts turn southward to our Caribbean vacation earlier this year. St. Thomas with it's balmy breeze, pristine beaches and lush green canvas was every bit the tropical paradise we were looking for. The only drawback is dining is expensive and filled with tourist traps. With a little bit of luck and talking to locals we found a creative few serving up a unique island fare.

Have you ever met someone that said they dreamed of buying a boat and moving to the Caribbean? Well, Captain Bobby of New England did just that. Once you step aboard his charter boat the 'Rumbaba,' Captain Bobby dazzles you with his Master Captain skills by out tacking competitor charters to finding the best snorkeling bays.

After the mid-day snorkel in a secluded cove, we return on deck to the Rumbaba greeted by the delicious smells of grilled spicy shrimp, tender fillet, and seared Ahi tuna. In order to provide guests with fresh grilled entrees, Captain Bobby cooks over a makeshift grill that is strapped to the back of the boat suspended over the water below. Complementing his made to order entrees with simple and tasty pasta salad, grilled asparagus and garlic bread, we quickly learn that Captain Bobby earns the title of 'Ships Best Damn Cook' as evidenced by his the Surf n' Turf of all Surf 'n Turfs.

By the end of our day trip, we will also have had the original Rumbaba Bloody Mary, mango cheddar dip with vegetables, fresh baked sweet bread and homemade bagel chips. Boarding the Rumbaba in the morning we expected to play like pirates and swim like Jacques Cousteau, however we never expected to have the cuisine experience fit for an Admiral. www.rumbabacharters.com