Belize and lobster.
If you know me or are familiar with my blog posts and Facebook page ramblings, Belize and lobster are two of my absolute favorite things. Combine them into an annual Lobsterfest celebration, and say hello to my soul mate.
Like many of my favorite foods, lobster has a season in Belize. Ironically, the season ended this year while I was in San Pedro for Carnaval…the day after Valentine’s Day.
February 15 signals the end of lobster season in Belize, but the good news is it kicks off again on June 15 – in grand style. There are three big Lobsterfest celebrations planned for 2012, with the biggest and best taking place on my home away from home, Ambergris Caye.
I was supposed to be covering Lobsterfest this year right after TBEX, but continuing work on the #BlogVille project with the Emilia Romagna Tourism Board is taking me to the Italian Riviera for a few days instead. Either way, rough life, I know.
While lobster may just be something you splurge on from time to time while traveling, Belizeans practically eat and breathe lobster. It’s an integral part of the culture and obviously the cuisine. Belize’s Caribbean Sea facing location provides ample accessibility to a lot of delectable lobsters.
When I am in Belize during lobster season, it’s safe to say I probably consume it nearly every day of my trip. If not breaking into a lobster tail cooked in coconut milk, or devouring tortilla chips piled high with ceviche, I’m likely tangling with the mammoth-sized lobster burrito available at Waraguma’s in San Pedro.
Believe it or not, there is a burrito underneath with even more lobster!
And yes, I’ve even been known to eat lobster for breakfast.
It’s just that good in Belize.
If you happen to be in Belize anytime this month, the other Lobsterfest celebrations are in Placencia (June 22 – 24, 2012) and Caye Caulker (June 29- July 1, 2012), a popular spot with backpackers. The main Lobsterfest party is definitely San Pedro’s, which runs from June 15 through June 24. 10 glorious days of all things lobster.
My good friend Dorian Nunez, owner and editor of the local newspaper, Ambergris Today, has the oh so arduous task of attending these Lobsterfest events and sampling the offerings – even landing himself a spot as a judge previously. Note to Dorian: As a foodie and self-proclaimed Belizean lobster connoisseur, I’ll gladly take your judging place in 2013 if you need a break!
Dorian Nunez, owner & editor of Ambergris Today, prepares to try lobster burger from Elvi’s Kitchen (Photo: Used with permission from Ambergris Today)
This year, events in San Pedro are centered around the theme of “Lobster Crawl 2012”. Passports will be introduced and you can collect stamps at each venue during the celebration. And each stamp you obtain entitles you to enter the grand raffle for San Pedro’s Lobster Festival 2013. This sweet package for two will include hotel stays, tours, golf cart rental, bar tabs, dinner and more surprises. Anyone want to be my proxy??
San Pedro Lobsterfest features theme “Lobster Crawl” for 2012 (Photo: San Pedro Lobsterfest)
San Pedro’s celebration will include a mix of activities, ranging from beach parties, karaoke under the stars, the 5th annual Lobsterfest Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament, Lobster Trivia Challenge, a two day Eco-Pro Kayak Challenge, an international sailing regatta, and of course, more lobster than you can possibly imagine.
So, while I am nibbling on Italian specialties from the Emilia Romagna region next week, I will be regularly checking Facebook and eagerly salivating over all the photos my friends at Ambergris Today post during the weeklong party. Look for me in San Pedro for Lobsterfest 2013 as I plan to be a Lobstar and take on the challenge to get fully lobsterwasted. (I take no responsibility for coining the bad lobster puns!)
