Provisioning in Antigua

It’s almost boat show time in Antigua. A lot of boats will end up in English Harbour, the main town in the south of the island, which is the island's yachting hub.

In Antigua, you don’t have to leave the dock to start provisioning. There are a few local vendors who walk the dock and sell everything from fresh seafood to produce to freshly cut palm fronds. Basil Joe sells great quality baby arugula and other greens as well as herbs like basil, mint and rosemary. Just tell him what day you need it and he will let you know what he has available at the time.

Dockside Liquors and Supermarket is just down the dock in the Antigua Yacht Club Marina. It has some basic grocery items, a few gourmet items and fresh produce, but you have to get there early. It also has a small deli with great cheeses, deli meats and fresh bread. There’s a good selection of wines, Champagnes and liquors as well. They take credit cards and their baggage guys are always happy to help you get your things down the dock.

Bailey’s Supermarket is across the bay from the AYC Marina in Falmouth. It’s just a tender ride away and you can get local produce and some basic dry goods and grocery items.

You can find almost everything you need at The Epicurean gourmet supermarket. There’s one in Woods Mall shopping centre on the way to St. John’s. There’s also one in St. John’s by the Jolly Harbour Marina. It has a wide range of U.S. and European brands along with local items including produce, a wide variety of deli cheeses and meats, beer, wines and spirits.

If you want to get great local produce, the Heritage Market in St. John’s opens at 5:30 a.m. on Saturdays. You can get local produce like breadfruit, mangoes, soursap, sugar apples, dasheen and tamarind as well as great local food that’s prepared while you shop.

Another place for wine is Best Cellars Wines and Spirits. They’re located in St. John’s a few minutes from the airport. They’re open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m., take orders online at www.island-provision.com and offer free delivery.

Another option for specialty items is Gourmet Basket. It offers everything from fresh fruit to fresh and frozen seafood and Black Angus beef. It’s located in the Island Provision complex on Sir George H Walter Highway and is open every day at 8 a.m. Island Provisions can order just about anything you want to get from off Island.

Louis Shopping Centre is good for small appliances, few galley items or linens and is located on Old Parham Road next to Price Waterhouse Copper.
Don’t forget Antigua deals in EC so if you need cash, you may have to get it in St. John’s. Keep in mind, the ATM in Nelson’s Shipyard tends to run out during the boat show.

Before you leave Antigua, make sure you get some Susie’s hot sauce. It is the one of the best local hot sauces – and will give your food some hot, island spice. You can find it in most shops.