Nov
Food and Drinks
They Were not Looking to Uproot but the Business was Irresistible
The annually anticipated Casa Picasso season-opening celebration happened this week. Many of us were already well done from all the Halloween Bar Crawl circuit this year but that did not affect the turnout. When it comes to events where you get “the royal treatment” there is always room for one more.
This year something different happened at the party, new owners Gary Zwierznski and Donna Chamblee were the welcoming committee at the door. Casa has the same great menu made so popular by previous owners Jackie and Adam along with a few additions from new owners. Gary and Donna also kept all the wonderful staff.
About the New Owners
I chatted with Gary to find out a bit more about their backstory beyond knowing they were from Fort Wayne, Indiana. He told me they were not looking to uproot but found Casa Picasso for sale online. After they came to check it out in person, experienced the ambiance, the delicious food and the outstanding staff – they could not resist taking the plunge. Before buying a business here, they had stayed at Coco Plum Island Resort in Dangriga 3 years back and loved the people. Their first San Pedro vacation was to see Casa Picasso restaurant (after finding the listing online) and they bought it lock, stock, and barrel. Previous owners Jacke and Adam assisted them through the process and were very supportive during the transition.
What the Restaurant Offers
In addition to a charming off the beaten path setting with fabulous food and air conditioning, you will find:
- A nice bar and outdoor area
- International tapas and fine dining.
- Gluten-free and vegetarian options.
- Signature cocktails and an extensive wine list.
- Weekly special “Tasting Thursday” a 5-course tasting menu.
- This is also one of the few places on the island you are guaranteed to get a good steak – Filet Mignon.
Casa Picasso is an ideal space for private functions, offering a customized menu to fit your event budget. A capacity for up to 60 people makes it perfect for wedding dinners and receptions, business meetings, as well as anniversary, birthday parties and more.
Casa Picasso Menus
- Browse Casa Picasso food menus and your mouth will be watering before you know it.
- Decide how you will wet your whistle, click through to Casa Picasso drink menu.
Please note:
- Pricing in Belize Dollars (half that for USD) and includes 12.5% GST.
- 20% tip will be added to the bill for parties 6 or more otherwise it is not included.
- Cash is King but they also accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.
(Not all restaurants on Ambergris Caye accept credit cards so always ask before ordering.)
Directions to Casa Picasso
It can be a bit tricky to find this hidden gem but worth the road trip. Their address is 15 Stingray Street, but for most people that will not provide useful since there are few street signs or places with a number on their building here.
So here are the island style directions – Casa Picasso is located just south of San Pedro town. Head west, past the Caribena gas station onto the dirt road, past the Belikin distributor, left around the corner and it is on the right. (They do have a couple of signs when you get close that will guide you the right direction.)
To make it easy, if you are staying south of the bridge, Casa Picasso will pay your taxi to the restaurant. If you are north of the bridge, you can take the water taxi (not included) to Sandy Point dock in town and get your complimentary taxi pick up from there.
Reservations recommended but not required. To make one please call the restaurant at (501)-226-4443 or cell phone at (501) 670-9858.
Featured Foods
Appetizers featured were pork bellies, plantain cups with salsa, banana beignets, crab rangoon, cucumber rounds with Boursin cheese and smoked Wahoo. A couple of the items listed were special party treats and not on the regular menu. The new owners are already creating longing in the island foodies – I could totally go for a tray of crab rangoon right now and I know I am not the only one 😀
