A new column that is embarking in discovering the exciting dining experiences that Ambergris Caye has to offer.

Discover Hidden Treasure

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T he staff of Ambergris Today had a wonderful and refreshing dining experience at San Pedro's newest restaurant, Hidden Treasure. Proprietor Ruben Muñoz invited us to discover what he says is “Great food in an enchanting setting.” And enchanting it was, as the restaurant stands out for having such a unique environment that is very warm and inviting.

We give the Hidden Treasure two thumbs up for Ruben and his staff provided us with excellent service and even better food. Why hidden, you might ask? Well, the restaurant is tucked away amongst the residential area of the Escalante Subdivision about one mile south of San Pedro Town.

The restaurant looks like an oasis in the middle of the desert, with a bamboo fence and gated entrance enclosing the courtyard and restaurant. Waiters are present to open the gate that lead to a courtyard where you can enjoy some cocktails and appetizers while you ready for your meal. A walkway lined with kerosene torches leads up to the dining area were dim lighting and drapery set the mood amongst more bamboo, dark stained furniture and large bark pillars. Enchanting indeed!

To open our taste buds, we were served three amazing appetizers – a seafood cevice, Jalapeño Poppers and Coconut Shrimp. Our favorite was the jalapeño that was not too hot, but spicy enough to wake up our mouths; this was served with a sweet pineapple sauce. Other appetizers include Pollo Enchilado and Conch Chowder and salads like Spinach & Fetta Salad and Lobster Salad.

While we waited for our main course, the Martini Brothers Duane & Steven Spalding served up some great drinks which were to our liking. Their Coco Loco and Rum Punch have a special kick of their own but we also advise you to try their Chocolate Martini, Banana Creamsicle, Mudslide and Toasted Almond which are also part of their Liquid Dessert selections. Hmmm, delicious!

We went for three totally different dishes this time as Sofie indulged in the Pasta Primavera which is pasta with tomatoes, olives, eggplant, fresh herbs and roasted garlic; a must try. Debbie, being the meat lover that she is, had to go for the T-bone Steak - a12oz aged beef char grilled and served with a tropical steak sauce topped with bell peppers and onions. She totally enjoyed that dish. I opted for the Blackened Fish with was marinated with caye lime juice, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and Italian seasoning.

Besides these three amazing platters, there are ten more dishes to choose from. And with names like Majarra a La Lamani, Belizean Seafood Sere, Filete a la Costaña, Spare Buhurie, Pollo Brujo and Achiote rubbed Chicken, we won’t describe them to you but have you go to Hidden Treasure for you to experience them on your own. Let me just say that one involves a snapper fillet seasoned with Mayan spices with another seasoned and grilled, poached in wine, lemon, capers and another involving ribs marinated with traditional Garifuna secret spices. Sounds exotic, right? Well Hidden Treasures menu is described as a mixture of Latin American and Caribbean Cuisine that you just have to try.

Very little space was left for dessert after all that delicious food, but we just had to try the Hot Chocolate Cake, Blueberry Cheesecake and Coconut Pie. We were not disappointed at all!

After some time perfecting and fine tuning all the décor and environment at Hidden Treasure Restaurant, Ruben has definitely created a wonderful hot spot with cuisine that rivals the best tasting dishes on the island. Hidden Treasure is another great addition to our culinary line up of top restaurants on the island. So you better make sure that you visit the Hidden Treasure Restaurant and make sure to tell Ruben and his staff that Ambergris Today sent you.