The Aquarium Water Top Restaurant

Upon your arrival at Tranquility Bay Resort the first structure you see is The Aquarium Water Top Restaurant which is located over the water on the pier. For island residents or long-time visitors the site brings back wonderful memories of the past. These memories are of the Tackle Box Bar of yesteryear when Mr. Alan Forman used to run the place in downtown San Pedro.

The structure was built as a replica of the Tackle Box, keeping the same style, colors and décor of the original; even the bar which was half of a wooden speedboat has been replicated inside the restaurant. The bar has been aptly named the Tackle Box Sea Bar. The look and feel of the place is strikingly similar to the old Tackle Box Bar.

A highlight of the Tackle Box Bar was the fish pen where sharks, rays and other marine creatures were kept for display. The beauty of The Aquarium Water Top Restaurant is that it does not need a pen to enclose these magnificent sea creatures. Remember that Tranquility Bay Resort is near the Rocky Point area (where the reef meets the island). All these wonderful underwater sea creatures roam free all around the Aquarium Restaurant, especially during the night when they are most active.

And this was the time that we arrived at the Aquarium. Just outside the restaurants verandah, we could spot large spotted eagle rays and enormous tarpons swimming by. You even have the opportunity to see sea turtles, manatee and sharks. It’s really an amazing feature of the restaurant, as you can dine outside on the verandah while admiring all fish as they swim by.

Stepping into the restaurant you admire the underwater mural that covers the interior walls of The Aquarium. It’s a beautiful rendition of the underwater life of Belize’s Great Barrier Reef that has been created by local artist Chris Emmanuel.

The Menu
The menu at the Aquarium Water Top Restaurant features the freshest locally caught fish in addition to beef, chicken, vegetarian dishes and seasonal lobster and conch. We had the pleasure of sampling an array of dishes that are prepared with much local flare. Take for example the Chef’s Signature Lobster Salad as an appetizer. The menu lists it as “Awesome – To describe it doesn’t do it justice”. We agree 100%. It’s much like the Belizean coleslaw infused with lobster; very rich in flavor.

Other appetizers that stood out amongst the rest were the Tai Chicken Satay Skewers – Sumptuously marinated grilled chicken strips coated with sweeten coconut and served with a peanut satay sauce. Never have I had chicken coated with coconut; it’s very good! And there is also the Ultimate Hummus – Traditional style hummus with grilled flat bread; simply the best hummus I have tasted on the island.

While waiting for our entrée dishes, we gazed at the underwater mural. Chris Emmanuel has painted five seahorses that are hidden amongst the corals and fishes. It’s was a fun challenge to see who found them all first.

Back to the food, I have to say that dinner was amazing! Topping my picks was the Stuffed Pork Tenderloin: totally juicy tenderloin filled with flavors and slowly roasted. The robust flavor of the filling gives your taste buds some tickling. I highly recommend the stuffed pork.

Equally delicious is the Pirate’s Coco Chili Shrimp which entails hand-dipped shrimp in coconut batter which is then fried golden brown and serves with a spicy coco chili sauce. Shrimp is so tasty with coconut and with their spicy coco chili sauce; you can’t go wrong with this choice.

Here are the other amazing entrées we had:
* Belizean Chicken: Tender pieces of chicken seasoned with local spices and stewed to perfection; says so much of our signature stewed chicken. But it’s not like the regular chicken from the traditional rice and beans. It’s better!

* Pollo Tropical: Tender boneless breast of chicken smothered in a cilantro cream sauce.
* Pescador’s Catch: Blackened fish fillet served with a delicious pineapple papaya and jalapeno salsa.

For dessert there was the traditional Key Lime Pie which is a staple in every restaurant on the islands; at The Aquarium its frozen and served on a plate drizzled with chocolate. Yum! But it’s the Coconut Pie that had my eyes wide open. Definitely one of the best I have had; it was rich in flavor, not too sweet and had a lot of texture with a coarsely grated coconut filling.

While at Tranquility Bay Resort Ambergris Today also enjoyed a great breakfast filled with eggs (any style), omelets, breakfast burritos, pancakes, French toast and fruit plates. And after a morning in the sea, snorkeling, diving, fishing or kayaking, lunch at The Aquarium is divine and fulfilling. Make sure you try these great dishes:

* Island Shrimp Wrap: Shredded Lettuce, diced tomato, onions, cheese
* Baja Fish Tacos: A traditional meal from the west coast of Mexico, served with creamy dressing spiked with lime juice, zesty chipotle and garnishes with tomatoes, cilantro and shredded cabbage
* Quesadillas and Nachos

The well-stocked Tackle Box Sea Bar offers mixed drinks, wine, and of course, ice-cold Belikin beer. Beach cookouts and barbeques are regular events and the full service bar is frequented by local characters.

The tranquility of the resort, the roar of the reef nearby, the visits from underwater sea creatures and the beautiful mural make for an excellent dining experience at The Aquarium Water Top Restaurant. Of course the food is what you enjoy the most and completes your experience Tranquility Bay Resort.

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