A Trip to the Beach

Rating:
Summary: Island Treasure
Review: In a matter of pages, Melinda and Bob's book took me back to the small island I visited over 10 years ago. They did an excellent job of portraying local characters and the island's charm. One creative twist to their book was the addition of their island recipes. This book will make the reader long to dine at Blanchards, stroll the beach, and meet the locals. A must-read!

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Summary: Read book on the way home from Anguilla
Review: ...I bought the Blancards' book at their restaurant after eating dinner there. I was absolutely mesmerized by the Blancards' hospitality in their restaurant. Melinda's writing equals her culinary experise. We love Anguilla, and their book gives a marvellous portrait of life there. Only one humongous problem...how can we keep this Caribbean paradise from becoming another Aspen? Books like this one, won't help. Already the "glitzeratti" have found the place. Keep this island paradise small, obscure and very difficult to get to...it took us all day and three planes to accomplish this. Love the place; love the book; love the Blanchard's.

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Summary: Please book the 1st flight to Anguilla!
Review: If you have had the good fortune to visit Anguilla this is 'must reading'--you'll want to savor every word, every moment--but alas you'll spoil the pleasure by reading this in a day. For those 'wanabees' do yourself a great favor--buy the book. The Blanchards have written a very entertaining account of their business beginnings--you'll feel the trials and tribulations but with the flavor of a delightful rum punch, warm sun in your face and trade wind breezes always at your back---"when's the next flight???"

Rating:
Summary: Need a vacation?
Review: Whether you're an island lover or a wanna-be traveler, the Blanchards' book is so authentic that you'll feel as if you've been there. Much like my own trip to Anguilla, the book was over much too soon, and I wished there was more! It was the best read I've had since "Don't Stop the Carnival".

Rating:
Summary: I Only Wish The Book Were Longer........
Review: Having been to Anguilla many times, and eating in their first restaurant, "Mangos", in the late 1980's, I decided to buy this book for my husband for Christmas. I picked it up first, and could not put it down. It was two days of utter enjoyment! A great story! Having been in the restaurant business, my husband and I could certainly appreciate the problems they encountered. It sure changed our mind about the same dream they had. Now, I just want to go relax on a boat - off the coast of Anguilla of course. When we went to their restaurant on several occasions, the food was fabulous. Anguilla is certainly our favorite island after visiting many others. Melinda's description of the island and the people were right on the money. This book made me start thinking about a trip in the Spring - can't wait to visit their restaurant again!

Rating:
Summary: Drop everything, buy this book and take a break
Review: After the authors appeared on the Today Show I bought this book hoping to be transported away to the beach and another world. And, yes, that's what happened. Like UNDER A TUSCAN SUN and the PROVENCE books, A TRIP TO THE BEACH gave me a wonderful sense of island time and what it means to change lifestyles. What a good book!

Rating:
Summary: Not just beach reading
Review: Having arrived in Anguilla just a day after the formal launch of the book, there was excitement and conversation generated by "a book written by the Blanchards". This excitement among locals was palpable and piqued my interest. The converations included the book launch party at Blanchard's and the book itself but the special fun seemed centered on recognizing the "characters" mentioned in the book. My curiousity about the book was further enhanced by a wonderful dinner at Blanchard's and it felt right and opportune that I should purchase a copy of the book right there. Copies were prominently, conveniently and enticingly displayed at the bar. Not surprisingly, it held my interest from cover to cover. Best of all, as I turned the pages, I could feel, smell, hear and see Anguilla and loved that it extended another Anguillian sojourn well beyond my too-short stay on the island.

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Summary: I have written Mel & Bob a letter and wanted to post it here
Review: Mel & Bob: >> >> I just finished your book. My wife bought your book for me as a birthday present because eventually we would like to relocate & start a Bed & Breakfast Dive shop in the Carribean. What a great story, I loved reading it and will recommend it to many of my friends. I can't wait to hand this book to my wife when she gets home its now her turn to relax and read it. Krissy and I are also New Englanders. I grew up in West Lebanon, NH and she grew up in Cannan, NH. The amazing color of the Carribean water was first burned onto my brain in 1987 when my parents took us to the Bahamas. Since then I have travelled to Curacao, Jamaica and recently to Grand Cayman for our honeymoon. It is apparent from your book that setting up a business in the Carribean is not an easy task but in time I'm sure we will be up for it. Your book has been a wonderful escape over the past few evenings...We are currently living in Boston and every day I wake up for work wondering what I am doing here in this cold, wet climate, with so many selfish and inconsiderate people in the city. Your book has shown me to follow my dreams and with hard work I'm sure someday they will come true. I just wanted to drop you a line and let you know that your book made a difference. Say "Irie" to the guys at your restaurant for me. >> >> Sincerely, >> >> >> Kevin Houlker >> >> >> >

Rating:
Summary: Paradise
Review: No visit to the Caribbean is complete without a dinner with Melinda and Robert Blanchard on Anguilla. The book tells a wonderful story about two people whose vision is one that everyone who experiences it is changed in some wonderful ways. My introduction was the HP Goldfield wedding which is highlighted in the book. The stories remind all of us just how Melinda did do the impossible. And, yes, the Berlins and the Fullers did show up at the wedding in a 50 ft sail boat....but, read the book to learn more. Thanks, Melinda and Robert!

Rating:
Summary: "Provence" and "Tuscany" in the Caribbean
Review: Along the "Provence" and "Tuscany" genre of books, this anecdotal book takes the reader through a year of dealing with natural and human challenges as the Blanchards try running a restaurant on the upscale island of Anguilla. Having been a visitor to the island many times, I suppose I was somewhat inclined to be predisposed to enjoy the book, but then again I could also have been more critical. It's a pretty quick read, full of local characters, and makes you realize what kinds of things you're up against when you try and do something like this. You'll want to make plane reservations to see the island for yourself when you've finished reading it. It's light reading, perfect for a cold winter day as it transports you to an island paradise that is so idyllic in the midst of today's hectic urban world.