Meet Chris Popovich, who left the snow-covered ski slopes near Denver, Colorado to manage Coconut Cafe located on a small tropical island next to San Pedro Island, Belize.
In his former life, Chris presided as Executive Chef for Granby Ranch and lived a hectic life managing three food venues at the popular ski resort of Granby Ranch. Here's a picture of Chris, with his sidekick Avalanche enjoying some well-deserved recreation time.
Fast forward that to today's recreation - fun in the sun and on the water. The Coconut Cafe is in the background as he takes the water shuttle over to San Pedro Island. As manager and Chef, Chris is in charge of making sure the cafe is stocked and ready to start preparing those delicious meals he has quickly become famous for in the area.
On this day, my husband and I met Chris's mom, Sue, at the Coconut Cafe for a nice lunch in the open air, enjoying the beautiful tropical scenery and the fresh Caribbean breeze.
Chef Chris has a free hand to use all the local catch to create excellent and original dishes at a moment's notice. While there is a published menu of staple foods, the beauty of coming to Coconut Cafe is finding out what the current night's fresh catch and creation might be. Here are a couple of examples of what could be waiting for your selection:
But Chef Chris is set on making the Coconut Cafe more than a great place to dine. He's all about making it a fun place to hang out. There's always something fun happening between the cafe itself and the accompanying pool and pool bar. Some of the recent events:
* German Nacht by reservation only that featured schnitzel, spaetzle, red cabbage, kraut, and potato pancakes.
* Cribbage Muggins Tourney
* Exclusive Yoga Party - featuring relaxing poolside yoga and a gourmet lunch and refreshments
* Valentine's Dinner - featuring a gourmet surf and turf meal by reservation only.
And you might catch Chef Chris providing some live entertainment at the pool bar. He's both an accomplished drummer and guitar player, having loads of experience playing with several bands over the years.
The resort Brahama Blue is associated with and located directly behind the Coconut Cafe. You can stay there and have all your meals provided by Chef Chris and his crew as part of an all-inclusive deal. This private island is located only minutes from San Pedro Island by their complimentary shuttle and runs on a schedule several times a day. And Chef Chris will also provide private chef duties at your accommodations. Imagine a romantic date night where the chef brings everything and prepares a meal special for you and your loved one!
And if hanging out at the pool during the weekend happy hour sounds like a plan, they have you covered. Or if chilling is in the cards, there is quiet time in the pool to be found as well - come early and enjoy the pool, then head over to see Chris for breakfast! I highly recommend the pineapple french toast.
You can find Coconut Cafe on Facebook for information about the latest happenings. Be sure and have a conversation with Chef Chris, he has some interesting stories to tell and loves getting to know his customers.
All photos were either taken by me with my Samsung S21 or are personal pictures owned by Chris Popovich and used with his permission.
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