Great Exuma is home to many wonderful restaurants. But sometimes, it is even more of a treat to pack a sumptuous picnic basket and go exploring.

Picnicking is a fantastic way to experience the island and try a variety of Bahamian foods, all while enjoying the unblemished beauty. So stuff your basket with some tropical fruits, juices, seafood-inspired salads and sandwiches and perhaps a bottle of wine as well.

There are heaps of great spots a short distance from Grand Isle Resort & Spa to explore. You might even want to kayak to a secluded spot with your picnic basket.

TRY SOME OF THESE TREATS FOR YOUR PICNIC BASKET
Here are some local and imported treats to include in your picnic basket. Most of them can be ordered from the Grand Isle Resort & Spa, from local purveyors nearby or from the main supermarket in George Town.

CEVICHE
You might think the local Bahamians are sitting on the beach eating ice cream, but take another look – it’s ceviche. Ceviche is a raw seafood salad that is popular throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. It is often sold in little seaside shacks. There are numerous varieties that can be spicy or completely mild. They can be simple shrimp cocktails or sliced up varieties of fish plus exotic vegetables and lemon.

Probably the most common form of ceviche on Exuma is conch salad. It is refreshing, healthy and fantastic if you want to get your taste buds firing.

SANDWICHES
You may want to drizzle your ceviche inside some crusty bread, and then add some mayonnaise and lettuce leaves.

Another island specialty is the corn beef sandwich, which is perfect for picnics because you don’t need to keep it cool. This is particularly tasty with the local pawpaw chutney and a slice of imported gruyere cheese.

Grand Isle Resort & Spa has a number of other sandwiches on the menu, all of which you can order, “to go” before you head off on your picnic.

JOHNNY CAKES
These cakes are a traditional corn bread that dates back to colonial times. But these days, they make a sweet version that is incredibly tasty.

FRUIT SALADS
The Bahamas abound in all kinds of tropical fruit but the favorite is the papaya or as the locals call it pawpaw. Melons, pineapples, passion fruit and mangoes are common all year around.

FRUIT JUICES
Guava juice is a local favorite, on its own or blended with other tropical fruits. Ask at the Grand Isle Resort & Spa to whizz you up a concoction-to-go.

WINE & CHEESE
Ask at the Grand Isle Resort & Spa for a bottle of merlot and an international cheese platter for your picnic basket. Some nice French cheese works well with the local corn beef. Dried pawpaw and nuts also go well with cheeses.

CONDIMENTS
Try some local pawpaw chutney with your Johnny Cakes or with a nice piece of crusty bread and a slice of cheese.

CHECKLIST – DON’T FORGET:
– Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses – never underestimate the power of the sun reflecting off the white sands and turquoise waters.
– Bottled water.
– Some towels or sarongs to sit on.
– A beach umbrella to sit under in case your beach is not edged by a natural jungle canopy.
– Your basket of goodies.
– An ice pack to keep the ceviche and drinks cold.
– A waterproof bag if you are canoeing or kayaking.
– Napkins, forks, plates and glasses – avoid using plastic and don’t leave any rubbish behind on the pristine beaches.

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