Need food advice on Man-of-war

[Anabella]

I will be traveling to man-of-war soon with my family- we're a large group of 12! I've never been, and I've gotten instructions that we need to bring food as "there isn't much available on the island." Each couple will be responsible for dinner one night, (our house has a kitchen) and I'd like to plan it so that I can just get everything locally; but I'd like some idea of what's available.

Hmmm... what/where do the locals eat? Are there some foods available... just not the over processed, American things we're used to? What types of things can be bought?


Can anyone offer some suggestions on what to make? I'd WAY rather have a dinner of local seafood, fruit, and veggies than frozen lasagna!

What types of foods are available in the markets/stores?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[JJ]

Many people bring food over to supplement what is available locally, but like you said, the people who live there have to eat too, so, yes you will be able to find everything you need there to feed your group. I am not sure of the grocery situation on ManO'War, but everyone talks about Lola and her fresh baked goods. I actually stayed on ManO'War (now stay on a different cay) about 20 years ago and ate the most fantastic coconut pie that I remember to this day that must have come from her, so be sure to get some great baked goods from her. Also, in general, the stores in Marsh Harbor have a greater variety than those on the cays, so most people make a stop at the grocers there to stock up before catching the ferry over. Good luck and hopefully someone with more recent experience on ManO'War can help you out.

[Tolerance]

I have never carried food anywhere in the world (and I've been everywhere)...
If you need anything on MOW, just ask at the grocery store, and they will probably get it for you on the next ferry. MH groceries have pretty much everything you need, so do stop in and lug onto the ferry if you are feeling unsure.
In addition, there is a super restaurant on MOW called "Dock and Dine" at the Marina...you won't go hungry.
Long ago there was a limit of available grocery items...those days are past.
Pattie

[peerpod]

Been here for a while. Unless you have special dietary requirements, you can find everything you need between the two grocery stores, not necessarily everything you want. Available, but not limited to: bread, milk, cheese, small selection of lunch meats, beef, pork, chicken, lamb, fish, misc. canned goods, potatoes, onions, carrots, lettuce, tomatoes (haven't sickened me yet), cookies, crackers, soft drinks, etc. Finer cuts of steaks are available by special order but are more easily obtained by yourself in MH. Alcoholic beverages are NOT available on the island, however, you may purchase them in MH and bring them along. Both restaurants allow BYOB (there may be a corking fee). Should you have any additional questions, PM me. Enjoy your trip.

[Between Storms]

Besides the Hibiscus Cafe and the Dock-N-Dine, watch for posts about special meals on the telephone poles, particularly on the upper road. You can get excellent home cooked meals as takeaway on some evenings and you won't be disappointed.
Both the upper grocery and Jeff's have an amazing selection of food considering their size. They will be glad to work with you if you need something not in stock. Watch also for Lola making the rounds on her golf cart for fresh bread, cinnamon rolls, etc. Other local baked goods, soups, etc. available at upper store on occasion (usually late mornings).

[floridaskater]

Hibiscus is awesome. Burgers are great. The taco salad is a mountain. There's a little grocery there, and big groceries in Marsh Harbour. We have not brought food over in ages. I do bring some caffiene free coke for rum & cokes, but that's even hard to find here in FL groceries sometimes, (I can't do caffeine unfortunately).

[Sam]

The grocery store down by the harbour is awesome. I have never in my life seen a store's shelves and bins laid out in such precision. Every label is out, every can is lined up, just like how I learned --- soldiers in a row. I had a career in major league retail management (Saks, Estee) and their lay-out in MOW would rivel any display we ever had. We lived on Lubbers and would take our boat to MOW just to go to that grocery store. You have nothing to worry about there except booze, as others have told you. Bring some from Marsh Harbour, maybe some fresh meats also, and do your shopping in MOW. Don't lug groceries; this is your vacation for pete's sake. Have fun. Believe me, I live to eat and we are foodies and we survived on Lubbers for 10 years without ever leaving the islands for food and you can too for a vacation.

Enjoy. Live is short; eat dessert first.

[Pappysland]

We have a place on Dickie's Cay, Man-O-War, and the grocery stores have a very good selection. I've never bothered to bring food with me. I'm sure if you have a special request that Jeff at Albury's Harbour Store, or Martha at Man-O-War Grocery can get it for you if it's available. If you get the chance to order take-out from Margie Eldon (check the signs on the telephone poles like someone mentioned) have her spare ribs. They are the best I've ever had anywhere. Very good sides as well, but I love their potato salad. Ena's coconut pie is the best and don't ask how many calories. Lola's cinnamon rolls (don't ask about those calories either!) are also to die for and I always get my bread from her. Enjoy your trip!

[JJ]

So is it Ena who makes the coconut pies? I was there 20 years ago and still remember that pie! Would that have been Ena way back then?

[Pappysland]

I'm pretty sure Ena had her little restaurant back in the late 80's. I think I got a couple of her mini coconut pies, cupcake sized, when we first took our kids down for a visit. Yum.