My favorite lunch spot is the COMEDOR CAFE located on the main road across from the Police Station. A heaping plate full of rice and beans, salad, and either creolle prepared fish or chicken will set you back RD30. You can dine at the counter or have meals in take-out boxes to enjoy elsewhere.

For evening snacks, head for the village center and the CHIMI CART set-up under the street lamp. Jose can fix up a variety of sandwiches on his griddle for RD25 including hamburgers, hotdogs, egg and my favorite - roasted pork with sauteed onions, peppers and sauces. And don't let sight of all the unrefrigerated meats, sauces, etc. scare you off! I've never gotten sick from eating foods at ANY of these places recommended. During the low-season when other places close early or don't even open, Jose's your best bet for eating afterhours.

BAYAHIBE RESTAURANTE has reopened across from the hotel serving an upscale menu of fresh seafoods and pastas...just as PUNTA CANA does further right along the coastal road. Entree prices start around $8.00 - something locals would never consider paying...nor allowing me to either. Another popular eatery is located on the main road between Francisca cabanas and the village center's Lottery office. I can't recall the name...likely because I know their large Presidentes cost RD35 which is the least expensive once the colmado closes. It's a covered, open-air space with a colorful mural along the back wall. They specialize in Italian, Seafood, and Creolle dishes and keep the most consistant hours.

95% of my meals this last time were taken around the family dinner table and my only food-related illness was from eating leftover, twice-thawed pork after it had already been roasted. Food storage/preparation is vastly different. Based on your gastronomical sensitivities, use precaution and read my In Case of Emergency entry for health-related information.<<p>> If you'd like a fresh, authentic home-cooked meal, send me a message to make arrangements.