When you stay at Royal West Indies Resort, the beauty of Grace Bay Beach isn’t the only thing that makes your trip unforgettable. Just steps from your suite, Pelican Bay Restaurant & Bar takes you on a journey into the heart of Caribbean flavor. One of its most loved traditions is the Jerk Fiesta — a vibrant weekly event that blends local ingredients, island spices, and culinary creativity.
Here’s a look behind the scenes at how Pelican Bay brings the authentic taste of the islands to your table.
A Celebration of Caribbean Tradition
Jerk cooking is one of the Caribbean’s most iconic culinary styles, rooted in Jamaica and embraced throughout the islands. The technique centers on marinating meats with a blend of Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, garlic, and other local herbs before grilling them slowly over open flames. At Pelican Bay, the Jerk Fiesta is more than just a meal — it’s a cultural celebration of spice, smoke, and flavor.
An Interview with the Chef
We caught up with Chef Peter Redstone , the culinary artist behind Pelican Bay’s signature Jerk Fiesta, to learn what makes the experience so special.
“For us, jerk is more than seasoning — it’s a story. The flavors tell the history of the Caribbean, the people, and the land. Every pepper and spice we use is sourced locally whenever possible. That way, guests don’t just taste the food — they taste the island itself.”
Chef explains that preparation begins days in advance, with meats marinated in a carefully guarded spice blend before being cooked low and slow on the grill. The result? Tender, smoky, flavorful dishes that keep guests coming back week after week.
Local Ingredients at the Heart of Every Dish
One of the secrets behind Pelican Bay’s success is its commitment to fresh, local ingredients. From the fiery Scotch bonnet peppers to the fragrant thyme and hand-harvested sea salt, the flavors of Turks & Caicos come alive on the plate. Fresh fish from local waters, locally grown produce, and Caribbean rum cocktails round out the experience, making each Jerk Fiesta a true farm-and-sea-to-table event.
A Taste You Can Bring Home
For guests who fall in love with the island flavors, Chef recommends trying a simplified version of jerk at home:
Easy Island Jerk Marinade Recipe (Serves 4)
- 2 Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers (seeded for less heat)
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tsp allspice
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 green onions, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Blend ingredients into a paste, coat chicken or fish generously, and marinate overnight. Grill slowly over medium heat until cooked through — and serve with rice and peas for a taste of the Caribbean at home.
More Than a Meal, It’s an Experience
The Jerk Fiesta isn’t just about food — it’s about atmosphere. Guests gather under the stars, music drifts through the night, and the scent of jerk spices fills the air. It’s a social experience that captures the essence of Caribbean hospitality: warmth, community, and celebration.
Join the Fiesta at Pelican Bay
Whether you’re staying at Royal West Indies Resort or visiting Grace Bay for the evening, Pelican Bay’s Jerk Fiesta is a must-try. Come hungry, bring friends, and prepare to experience the flavors of the Caribbean in their most authentic form.
Photo Credit to Where When How Magazine
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