Elvi's Kitchen - San Pedro, Belize

San Ignacio was an incredible culinary immersion, but I was getting pretty bored of San Pedro's tourist-traps. Lonely Planet has always been my gustatory guru for going off the beaten path, but the last few recommended restaurants were more beaten than a dead horse. 

Apparently, opposite day is the only way with Lonely Planet Belize. Elvi's Kitchen was criticized for tourist-trap prices despite being a good place to try local favorites, but the menu would suggest otherwise.

What's up with Elvi's? The Wasaceviche is what's up. Fresh-off-the-boat ceviche for fresh-off-the-water-taxi Asians. The sweet soy marinade brings out the flavor of the shrimp, squid, and conch with wasabi on the side to give those sinuses a memorable kick in the nose.

I don't know what herbal remedy Lonely Planet was using, but there's no tourist-tampering in Elvi's Basil Pasta. The pasta itself is made of basil, angel hair lightly tossed in slightly sharp tomato. Tossed with a tender, full-flavored garlic chicken, this confident combination is a stroke of pure genius.

It has been said that in order to win, one must go back to basics. Coconut rice and beans is as basic as it gets, but this one had just the right amount of sweet coconut to mix with a slightly-bitter Garlic Butter Conch. Conch is yet another San Pedro staple, but this thick, pungent, unforgettable garlic butter literally stayed on my breath for days...This was also the first time I wanted to eat my own breath. 

It seems San Pedro's seafood gets better as you inch your way inland, and you'll eat just fine if you completely ignore your guidebook. In Elvi's Kitchen, the price stays fair, the quality doesn't suffer, and Lonely Planet stands corrected.