Zagat Survey, a leading provider of consumer survey-based leisure content, recently released the results of its 2010 Best of Barbados guide, the only Zagat guide to a Caribbean destination. This guide, in its fourth consecutive year, covers 169 restaurants, nightspots, attractions and golf courses, including 10 newcomers, on the island. The ratings and reviews are based on the collective opinions of over 1,500 surveyors. In addition, the guide supplies vital facts about Barbados and a two-page island map. The 2010 Best of Barbados guide also comes with "An Insider's Guide to Rum Shops of Barbados," written by Peter Laurie, author of "The Barbadian Rum Shop -- The Other Watering Hole." With over 1,000 rum shops in Barbados (there's one rum shop for every church on the island), the Barbadian rum shop is an iconic part of its culture and heritage. Just a few on Laurie's extensive list include Braddie's Bar in Christ Church, known for its lively atmosphere, pork chops and Friday night karaoke; Village Bar in St. John, famous for its Saturday pudding; and John Moore Bar in St. James, the most famous rum shop on the west coast.
This year, top food honors go to Zen in St. Philip, which surveyors say is "worth the drive" for its "brilliant" Japanese-Thai cuisine. The Cliff and The Tides follow as two and three for food. The Cliff also takes No.1 for Décor thanks to its "ultra-romantic" seaside setting, while the "stunning" Wispers on the Bay comes in second place. The Tides is No.1 in the "Top Service" category, and this year's most popular restaurant is the "unforgettable" Champers -- in summation it's "all you could want in a restaurant." The guide also includes a list of Best Buys -- restaurants that have high food scores and inexpensive price tags. Topping the list of Best Buys are The Ackee Tree, Shakers Bar & Grill and Bean & Bagel Café.
Topping the Most Popular Nightlife list (and third for Appeal) is Oistins Fish Fry, where surveyors go to "hang out and people-watch, or dance to sweet island music." Other standouts include Bajan Roots & Rhythms, and Harbour Lights Nightclub and Dinner Shows, the open air, Bridgetown beach front, "dance in the sand" spot.
Seizing the top spot for popular attraction is Harrison's Cave where informed tour guides whisk you away into enchanting deep caves. Taking second place for popularity is Barbados Wildlife Reserve, the well-maintained animal park that is home to the island's famous green monkeys. Rounding out the top three Most Popular category is Atlantis Submarines, taking surveyors 150 feet down to see the beautiful coral reefs and huge schools of fish. No. 1 for Top Appeal goes to the restored treasure, Bridgetown Synagogue, and the "crème de la crème of catamaran cruises," Cool Runnings.
The 2010 Best of Barbados guide also includes the island's most well-kept and dramatic golf courses, from the spectacularly manicured Sandy Lane Country Club, to the Royal Westmoreland. Golf courses are rated not just for the quality of the course itself, but also for their facilities, service and value. For more information, call the Barbados Tourism Authority at 800-221-9831 or visit www.visitbarbados.org or www.zagat.com.
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