Dining Excellence at Secrets Wild Orchid, Jamaica
Bordeaux at Wild Orchid
Among the numerous dining experiences available, Bordeaux at Wild Orchid stands out as a remarkable French restaurant offering delightful cuisine. The restaurant maintains a strict dress code, so gentlemen are advised to avoid shorts. However, if you arrive in shorts and a collared shirt, they may graciously accommodate you by allowing outdoor dining. Initially seated on the patio, our group was later treated to a beautifully arranged larger table on the Promenade, enhancing our al fresco dining experience with exceptional French cuisine.
The restaurant features a set menu with commendable choices, including:
- First Course – We began with Feuillette de Moules et pommes au Calvados, which consists of sautéed mussels and apples prepared in a creamy white wine sauce with Calvados apple brandy. All of this is elegantly served in a flaky puff pastry shell, packed with exquisite flavors.
- Second Course – For the second course, bouillabaisse was a crowd favorite—a traditional seafood soup filled with fish, shellfish, parsley, tomatoes, and cognac, which tasted absolutely delightful. Other options included goat cheese baked in crispy filo paired with salad and onion confit, and a classic Normandie onion soup. Each choice was superb.
- Entree – Our entree featured filet de sautes en legumes roti, showcasing sautéed tenderloin accompanied by fondant potatoes, roasted root vegetables, and Madeira sauce. This dish was one of the most delectable beef preparations we’ve ever encountered.
- Dessert – We felt compelled to indulge in dessert, having made a pact to try everything available. The sour sop cheesecake, utilizing a local fruit, stood out as an incredible cheesecake variation and one of the most unique desserts we’ve ever tasted.
The service at Bordeaux is extraordinary, characterized by friendliness, efficiency, and knowledgeable staff. This, coupled with a continuous flow of premium French wine, contributes significantly to the overall elegance and luxury of the evening.
World Cafe
However, the dining options don’t end here. For breakfast, we frequented the World Cafe, known for its expansive buffet featuring an extraordinary variety. Guests can enjoy traditional Jamaican dishes like saltfish and ackee, boiled green bananas, calaloo, and an abundance of fresh Jamaican fruits. Typically, we enjoyed our meals with robust Jamaican coffee and mouthwatering smoothies—the nut smoothie was particularly outstanding. Additionally, the Jamaican porridge is a smooth and delicious way to start the day, especially when topped with fresh fruit.
Breakfast Options
If you find yourself awake early and in need of a caffeine boost, Coco Cafe is an excellent option. Located close to the recreational room and shops, it opens at 6 a.m. and offers a delightful selection of fresh pastries.
Other dining options at Secrets Wild Orchid include:
- Oceana – An oceanside venue serving Tex-Mex lunches.
- Blue Mountain – Offers Jamaican-Caribbean cuisine for dinner only.
- El Patio – Features Mexican dishes, available at dinner.
- Himitsu – A dinner-only Pan-Asian fusion restaurant, the only one requiring reservations due to high demand for its Teppanyaki tables.
- Portofino – Specializes in Italian fare and is open for dinner only.
Guests will never run dry here, with a plethora of beverage options. We particularly enjoyed the Barracuda bar, situated right on the beach with comfortable swing seats and sofas; however, it closes at 6 p.m., which was unfortunate. Nevertheless, we could easily stroll over to the Piano Bar, a visually stunning circular bar offering live music and a lively atmosphere—one night, we were treated to a local reggae performance that continued late into the night. Both resorts also feature inviting swim-up bars.
Ultimately, every dining experience at Secrets Wild Orchid in Jamaica is sure to satisfy. Just try to overlook the scale waiting for you in your room after indulging in such fantastic cuisine.