As I gazed out at the water, I tried to figure out if the west side or the east side of the beach was prettier. I was sitting on the deck at Smokey’s on the Cove sipping on a rum less daiquiri and just relishing in the beauty of one of Anguilla’s 33 beaches. It was a beach that I had visited annually during my primary school days for picnics, selected because the water was so shallow. The landscape of the beach had changed somewhat since those days but adult Shellecia acknowledged gratefully that the beach was still spectacular.

The beach - The Cove

The beach – The Cove

The beach was quiet and I observed two persons paddling in the water. A large boat was also close to shore and I could make out a few persons on board. The sea was calm and glistened and almost seemed to beckon me for a swim. I was comfortable though under the shade of the umbrella simply taking in the beauty of my surroundings.

A boat at the Cove

A boat at the Cove

My Sunday started out with church where Nash who usually has the camera on ready snapped a few pictures of smiling faces at church.

Smiling faces at church

Smiling faces at church

Smiling faces at church

Smiling faces at church

After Church, the conversation between Nash and I turned to what would we do for lunch. We had not cooked prior to church and the idea of going home to cook was not appealing. Then Nash had a brilliant idea that we could use the voucher I won at the Tourism Gala. These were the events which eventually led to me sitting and staring at the water at Smokey’s on the Cove deep in thought about days gone by and days yet to come, sipping on a rum less daiquiri.

Daiquiri at the Cove

Daiquiri at the Cove

The staff at Smokey’s was fabulous. Nash and I both ordered Snapper but I got mines grilled while his was pan-seared. I am the one more prone to eat junk food so of course I ordered French fries with my veggies while Nash had the rice and peas. The fish was tender and I added a touch of the herb and garlic sauce. I savoured each mouthful while on the other hand Nash devoured his meal within minutes. He has a big appetite!

Lunch at Smokey's on the Cove

Lunch at Smokey’s on the Cove

Lunch at Smokey's on the Cove

Lunch at Smokey’s on the Cove

The melodious voices and rhythm of True Intentions had both of us singing along. I glanced over at another local family dining close by and they were also enjoying the music, as were the visitors. Singing, swaying and tapping of feet were contagious and natural when a band plays as well as True Intentions. You can catch them at Smokey’s on the Cove every Sunday from 1pm-4pm. There is tremendous local talent in Anguilla and you can bet that most places that you may choose to dine at during the week will have live entertainment. Local acts include British Dependency, True Intentions, Vanessa and Asher, Omari Banks and the list goes on. Below is a clip of True Intentions.

After lunch, I was stuffed but I could not turn down the offer of dessert although Nash did. I selected the coconut tart with ice cream. The tart was different from what I expected but it was warm, soft and delish. After dessert, I was done. I could not eat a single bite more.

Coconut tart and ice cream at Smokey's

Coconut tart and ice cream at Smokey’s

Big mouthful

Big mouthful

The last time I was at Smokey’s on the Cove was during my staymoon and Omari Banks was the entertainment that night. This outing did not disappoint. It was a great afternoon out and Nash and I will definitely plan to make it back to Smokey’s at the Cove soon.

Nash at Smokey's on the Cove

Nash at Smokey’s on the Cove

Shelly at Smokey's

Shelly at Smokey’s