Chef Mary Kay Bader is the chef behind Maya Beach Hotel Bistro, which is a two-time winner of the “Restaurant of the Year”honor from the Belize Tourism Board. We were able to interview Chef Bader about the food, concept, and business philosophy at their restaurant.
FriendsEAT: Tell us a litlte something about your restaurant.
Chef Bader: The open air, beachfront Maya Beach Bistro has twice in recent years been awarded the coveted “Restaurant of the Year”honor from the Belize Tourism Board. Created by Chef Mary Kay Bader and Executive Chef John Lee, the contemporary Caribbean cuisine draws from Belizean and regional influences, and is heavy with indigineous ingredients such as plantains, callaloo, tropical fruits and seafood caught daily by local fisherman.
FE: Are there any Awards you have received? Any you’re particularly proud of?
Chef Bader: Maya Beach Bistro has twice in recent years been awarded the coveted “Restaurant of the Year”honor from the Belize Tourism Board.
Cacao Pork Chop from Maya Beach Hotel Bistro
FE: What is your most popular dish? Why do people love it?
Chef Bader: Signature dishes include Nut Encrusted Fish Filet, with peanut, coconut, curried watermelon reduction, mashed potatoes and spicy black beans; Seafood & Coconut Chowder, the Bistro’s version of Belizean “Hudut,” with coconut base, habanero, fish, shrimp, sweet potato, plantain and tomato pico de gallo; and Cacao Pork, a thick pork chop, with Belizean cacao spice rub, pan-fried risotto cake and chipotle-papaya-coconut butter. Items such as yogurt, bagels, ciabatta and baguettes are house-made daily.
Fish Special
FE: And what is the one cocktail your bartender loves to make?
Chef Bader: Maya Beach Bistro offers one of the area’s most extensive wine lists and cocktails such as the “Panty Ripper,”a local favorite of coconut rum and fresh pineapple juice, and the “Muddled Mind,”featuring local rum, local vodka, pepper sauce and fresh juices.
Maya Beach Hotel Bistro is located at Maya Beach, Mile Marker 15, Placencia, Belize
[mappress mapid=”225″]Nearby Landmarks: Maya Beach Store and Joyce and Frank’s Belize Bed and Breakfast
Phone Number: (501) 533-8040
Hours of Operation: Open daily, 07:00AM – 09:00PM
Dining Style: Casual
Cuisine Type: Caribbean. traditional Belizean influences with a culinary twist
Dress Code: Come as you are
Price Range: $5 – $58 (All prices are in Belize dollars and INCLUDE 12.5% GST (sales tax). Gratuity is not automatically included, and servers do appreciate tips)
Payment Options: Cash or credit card
Also check out Chef Mary Kay Bader’s delicious Seafood and Coconut Chowder Recipe.
Have you visited Maya Beach Hotel Bistro in Belize? Leave a review and check to see if there are Maya Beach Hotel Bistro coupons.