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Trip Advisor listed Maya Bistro as the best Placencia, Belize had to offer. Most items in this Central American village were priced fairly, but a taxi ride to Maya Bistro, seven miles from our hotel, would cost us sixty bucks one way. I suspect the speed bumps add up. When a desk clerk at the resort overheard our deep desire to eat at the restaurant, he offered to drive the family. We were determined to eat this food and murder was worth the risk.

From a cacao rubbed pork chop – tended to perfection, to feta whipped potatoes and risotto cakes, Maya Bistro delivered. Blown away by my meal of nut encrusted fish, which was served with spicy black beans, I sought out (begged) the purveyors for the recipe. Ellen and Chef John Lee generously provided the kitchen’s recipes for it all. To my surprise, the nut encrusted fish was ridiculously simple and turned out insanely delicious.

The cool thing about restaurant recipes is that they’re loaded with do-ahead preparations – also perfect for the home cook.Chef Lee sautes all sides of the fish in a pan as the pre-fixing. At that point, we can freeze or refrigerate the fish until we’re ready for our meal. It’s then finished in the oven before serving. Kids will love this fish – slightly sweet and oh so crunchy – it’s a healthy alternative to breadcrumbs.

Thank you to Ellen and John and the fine folks of Belize for making this truly the nicest and tastiest place on Earth.

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