Provisioning in Tortola

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C

C'est La Vie

Having chartered in BVI three times, we have used three different sources to provision the boat-first time with the Moorings, second time with a local store near the Moorings base, and last time with an off-site store that was recommended by one of our "friendly taxi drivers." I have seen the web site for Bobby's Market, but have not used them. The prices at Bobby's certainly appear considerably better than we experienced last time. I am looking for any input this group may have regarding Bobby's Market, and any other recommendations that one may have for provisioning.
 
Jun 30, 2004
446
Hunter 340 St Andrews Bay
We used Bobby's on our first trip. Little bit of "island time" but they deliver to the dock. Paid with credit card before we left-just another thing you don't want to worry about on the charter. We over provisioned and had left overs. Should have left some space for impromptu dinner ashore and a shopping trip in Spanish Town and Ample Hamper in Frenchman's Cay. If we go back (think positive WHEN we go back), probably do Bobby's to start.
 

Tim R.

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May 27, 2004
3,626
Caliber 40 Long Range Cruiser Portland, Maine
I used Bobby's this year and I agree with all that is mentioned above except we actually went on site to do our shopping. The deli/meat counter was disgusting and we refused to buy anything "fresh" from them. The smell coming from the cases reminded us of raw sewage.

The best/cleanest market we visited was The Harbor Market in Sopers Hole.
 
Aug 31, 2007
296
Catalina 30 Petoskey, Mich.
Both times we went we took most stuff with us. We took frozen meats (steak, pork loin, chicken) and some canned goods. It was no problem with the airport and bringing food from home keeps the stomach in better shape too (forign meats :( yuk ). Then just get some local fresh breads and veggies. CHEAPER TOO
Enjoy it WHEN you go, Dean
 

Gail R

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Apr 22, 2009
261
Pearson 34 Freeport, ME
We used Bobby's, had it delivered to the boat, and it worked out great. We provisioned mainly for breakfasts and lunches, and splurged for dinner ashore most of the time. Maybe two dinners on board and they were things like pasta, so no fresh meats, except pre-cooked deli meat for lunches.

Tim's remark about the aroma at Bobby's is interesting.
 
Mar 7, 2005
53
HR 40 Chesapeake Bay
I've used Bobby's more times than I can count, both delivered orders and buying in the store. I've been very happy with the results. In my experience the cleanliness is darn close to First World standards. Service is much better than most ilons' companies.

RiteWay is also a good source for food in Tortola.
 

higgs

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Aug 24, 2005
3,704
Nassau 34 Olcott, NY
I don't think it matters much where you go. the real point is if you want to really experience "the island life" you need to shop where the locals shop. Letting the Moorings provision for you deprives you of that experience. You don't really visit any place until you shop with the locals.
 
Jan 22, 2008
14
Pearson 323 Kent Island, MD
Try Ms. Penguin

Having chartered in BVI three times, we have used three different sources to provision the boat-first time with the Moorings, second time with a local store near the Moorings base, and last time with an off-site store that was recommended by one of our "friendly taxi drivers." I have seen the web site for Bobby's Market, but have not used them. The prices at Bobby's certainly appear considerably better than we experienced last time. I am looking for any input this group may have regarding Bobby's Market, and any other recommendations that one may have for provisioning.
I have not chartered in the BVI for several years, but last time we had the Moorings do a split provisioning. I recall many of the main courses came from a company called Ms. Penguin (goodness knows how I just pulled that out of thin air, when I can't remember what I ate for breakfast this morning). Just found them on the web... They had some nice dishes - - http://mspenguin.com/ .
 
Jan 22, 2008
250
Cherubini 37c HULL#37 Alameda
If you are looking to save money, try the Road Town Farmers Market at Wickham's Cay. It operates on Saturday mornings. That's where the locals really shop for the bulk of their food and that's where you will get the island flava. For a good,inexpensive. easy drink on board try making some Iced tea, Malibu Mango Rum and a local gold rum, mix it in a milk jug. We keep it in the ice chest an pass it around.
 

Salty

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Dec 2, 2008
144
Catalina 390 14 Perth Amboy, NJ
We, used Bobbys and had no problems. We didn't pre-provision. We did the provision ourselves. We find its a good way of meeting the locals and getting into island mode. no problem man.
 
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