This is the true story of a trip to the beach that never ends. It's about a husband and wife who escape civilization to build a small restaurant on...
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reviews
Apr 20, 2008
Suzanne
rated it: 
This explains why meals/accomodations on some Carribean Islands can be so expensive.
The first half of this book is fun and interesting to anyone who has ever visited Anguilla. A middle-aged Norwich Vermont couple relocate to Anguilla and open a restaurant. It is still in business, and is called Blanchards. Import duties, taxes, delays, weather, and the relaxed approach to life by Anguillans contribute to stress equal to that of any restaurant opening in NYC.
The second half d More...
The first half of this book is fun and interesting to anyone who has ever visited Anguilla. A middle-aged Norwich Vermont couple relocate to Anguilla and open a restaurant. It is still in business, and is called Blanchards. Import duties, taxes, delays, weather, and the relaxed approach to life by Anguillans contribute to stress equal to that of any restaurant opening in NYC.
The second half d More...
Feb 05, 2012
Kate
rated it: 
Lately I've been reading non-fiction books about people who drop everything and travel around the world or start new lives. This book is about a couple who decided to sell their home in Vermont and open a restaurant on a tropical island.
Overall, the book was great. Their main goal, however, seemed to be to tell stories about the life of the locals. I appreciated the stories but I wanted to hear more of the logistics of starting a restaurant in a foreign country.
For instan More...
Overall, the book was great. Their main goal, however, seemed to be to tell stories about the life of the locals. I appreciated the stories but I wanted to hear more of the logistics of starting a restaurant in a foreign country.
For instan More...
Oct 17, 2011
Kate
rated it: 
As a quick reading alternative to a romance novel, this book would work. But for a literary experience this book falls short. It is an interesting exsersize to read it and figure out why. First, the book has two authors, but only one voice. Melinda Blanchard's voice dominates the text. During the parts of the story where she is not around, i.e. the parts her husband Bob wrote, her voice becomes omniscient. Second, Melinda tells us what we see instead of showing us the surroundings and eve
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Feb 27, 2011
BJ
rated it:
I found "A Trip to the Beach: Living on Island Time in the Caribbean by Melinda and Robert Blanchard on a list on the Goodreads site. Reviews were mixed, but it sounded good to me, so I checked it out of the library and I'm glad I did. This book tells the story of a couple from Vermont who go to the island of Anguilla on vacation and fall in love with the island and its people. Later, after selling their business, Blanchard and Blanchard, a popular specialty food company, they decide to
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Jan 24, 2010
Torie
rated it:
Read this some number of years ago...very entertaining AND includes a recipe for the best cornbread. EVER.
The Blanchards are a couple who decide to pack up and move themselves to the Caribbean isle of Anguilla. There, they begin a highly successful restaurant and turn the native people into their family-away-from-home.
As in your life, every day isn't pina coladas and sand between your toes - the Blanchards contend with hurricanes, employee headaches and even wildlife More...
The Blanchards are a couple who decide to pack up and move themselves to the Caribbean isle of Anguilla. There, they begin a highly successful restaurant and turn the native people into their family-away-from-home.
As in your life, every day isn't pina coladas and sand between your toes - the Blanchards contend with hurricanes, employee headaches and even wildlife More...
Feb 24, 2011
Shauna
rated it:
Having the desire to move to St. John, USVI, I ordered this book specifically online so I could read a first hand account of the process and feelings associated with moving from the states to a tropical caribbean island. The book chronicles the lives of a married couple from Vermont, who decide they would like to live on the island of Anguilla, and open a restaurant. The book is very detailed, the descriptions of the island, the people, the process were very vivid. I enjoyed reading the book, al
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Dec 26, 2010
Lisa
rated it: 
Ugh. I read a lot of travel books and have a particular interest in island cultures so I was attracted to the subject of this book. It was not enjoyable to read. The author has a condescending attitude towards the locals and their culture. It was also poorly written, but I have a fairly high tolerance for poor writing when it comes to memoirs, the thing that made this book so unpleasant was the authors perspective. She comes across as the kind of person who considers an island that suffers chron
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Jul 06, 2011
Jeannie
rated it: 
I read this one at the beach a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I had to finish it after we returned home and it kept that endless summer feeling alive for a few more days.
If I remember correctly, there is a little rough language at the beginning. Then it just goes away. I remember thinking how unnecessary any of it was. The characters would have been perfectly believable without the language.
But I loved this book! Big decisions, new beginnings, hurricanes, sta More...
If I remember correctly, there is a little rough language at the beginning. Then it just goes away. I remember thinking how unnecessary any of it was. The characters would have been perfectly believable without the language.
But I loved this book! Big decisions, new beginnings, hurricanes, sta More...
Jan 08, 2012
Melissa
rated it:
Ok, so while I was pleasantly surprised by how this turned out to be sort of a foodie/travel book, it still wasn't the best account out there. It had many strengths to it, but in all, just wasn't as interesting as it could have been.
Melinda and Robert Blanchard, after selling their business at far below what they should have, decided they want to live on the island of Anguilla. Not as well known to the tourists, but still with a thriving tourist economy, they decide they will open More...
Melinda and Robert Blanchard, after selling their business at far below what they should have, decided they want to live on the island of Anguilla. Not as well known to the tourists, but still with a thriving tourist economy, they decide they will open More...
Mar 18, 2011
"A Trip to the Beach" by Melinda and Robert Blanchard
(Clarkson Potter)
The book is a trick, in a way. It's light and fun, hardly a critically-acclaimed iconic novel, but its central theme of "island time"—the easy-going way of Island life—is a nice, calm-thyself-instantly reminder. Of course, I was handed a copy of this book while on the island of Anguilla, so it might be that the book reminds me of that wonderful trip. -- Amy Guth
http://www.chicagotribune.com/travel/ct-... More...
(Clarkson Potter)
The book is a trick, in a way. It's light and fun, hardly a critically-acclaimed iconic novel, but its central theme of "island time"—the easy-going way of Island life—is a nice, calm-thyself-instantly reminder. Of course, I was handed a copy of this book while on the island of Anguilla, so it might be that the book reminds me of that wonderful trip. -- Amy Guth
http://www.chicagotribune.com/travel/ct-... More...
Nov 23, 2011
Kristine
rated it:
I'd really give this book 2 1/2 stars if that was an option. This memoir offers some unique insights into the challenges and triumphs of chasing a dream and making it happen, on island time. Conveniences that we take for granted in America are essentially non-existant in Anguilla, and the Blanchards found a way to beat the odds, time and again. Also, Melinda shares some fantastic recipies throughout the text--a foodie's dream.
I just found myself wishing that the memoir was writt More...
I just found myself wishing that the memoir was writt More...
Sep 14, 2007
el_quijote
rated it:
This is definitely a beach read, one of the new generation of adult chick lit type books about life, travel and cooking, with a few interesting recipes strewn here and there.This one is about a man and woman that move from Vermont to the eastern Caribbean island of Anguilla (their favorite vacation spot) to open the beachfront restaurant they have always dreamed about.
It is an easy read that is written as a one year narrative about dreaming, building and running their restaurant unt More...
It is an easy read that is written as a one year narrative about dreaming, building and running their restaurant unt More...
Sep 05, 2008
Carrie
rated it:
Memoir of a Vermont couple who move to the tiny Caribbean island of Anguilla to start a fancy restaurant on the beach. It's a good quick read if you are looking for a tropical fix and/or like true accounts of people who decide to do unusual things (I do). It's not terribly well written (there's no masterful use of the english language, at least), nor does it delve very deeply into the emotional roller-coaster that their endeavor must have been. It also doesn't go into any depth about the dyna
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Mar 23, 2010
Camille
rated it:
I finished this quickly! The writing wasn't too fancy, but descriptive enough to allow me to imagine what starting a restaurant on a small island in the Caribbean would be like. I appreciated how Melinda didn't paint a perfect situation, but included all the difficulties of starting a restaurant. I also liked how they were slowly adopted as "natives" and not tourists after a while, and the transition they went through to get that status. It made me want to do the same thing!
Mar 29, 2008
Yoonmee
rated it:
I seem to be one of a few that didn't give this book high ratings. Why the low rating? A few reasons: the book is poorly written for starters. It's a slow read and, to be brutally honest, not all that engaging once you get past the first chapter or so. It's the memoir of a self absorbed couple who decide to move to Anguilla to open up a restaurant. The adventures of an affluent white couple in a third world country! Oh the stories they could tell about those nutty natives and all the crazy
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Jul 10, 2011
Aspasia
rated it:
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would....
Bob and Melinda Blanchard were Vermonters who vacationed yearly in Anguilla. One year they decided to take the plunge and live in Anguilla. This book documents their first year living on a tiny Caribbean island and all the fun and drama they went through to open and operate a world-class restaurant. I Googled them and their beautiful restaurant is still in business. You can visit their website here:
http://www.blanchardsrestaurant.com/inde... More...
Bob and Melinda Blanchard were Vermonters who vacationed yearly in Anguilla. One year they decided to take the plunge and live in Anguilla. This book documents their first year living on a tiny Caribbean island and all the fun and drama they went through to open and operate a world-class restaurant. I Googled them and their beautiful restaurant is still in business. You can visit their website here:
http://www.blanchardsrestaurant.com/inde... More...
Jul 27, 2010
Travis
rated it:
Interesting book about a couple that falls in love with a tropical island and decide to chuck it all, move their and open their dream eatery.
The descriptions of the island, it's inhabitants and the food is great. Makes you want to start packing.
Some of the wonder of this book gets watered down when you realize that this couple had a serious amount of money to pull off their dream and their image of being 'just regular folks' takes a hit.
The descriptions of the island, it's inhabitants and the food is great. Makes you want to start packing.
Some of the wonder of this book gets watered down when you realize that this couple had a serious amount of money to pull off their dream and their image of being 'just regular folks' takes a hit.
May 25, 2008
Ann
rated it:
Good book...it takes you on a journey to Anguilla and introduces you to the locals and daily life on a paradise island through the eyes of Melinda Blanchard and her husband Robert as they have decided to move their life from Vermont to paradise in hopes of building their very own restaurant. You feel like you are right there building this life with Melinda and Robert in paradise and go through the struggles and hardships right along with them. The charaters (or I should say people since it's a
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May 25, 2010
Steve
rated it:
This was a great book to read to put you in a state of tropical bliss. For most of the book anyway. The building of the restaurant was great the way they started from a ratty shack and built it into a great restaurant with a lot of work. The stories about their interaction with the locals who helped them build their place and run the restaurant are great. It gives you a feeling of their culture and the meaning of "island time". The writing style was not the best, but still a great
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Jun 08, 2011
Jen
rated it:
My dream - to live at the beach!
How one couple can find the courage to give up everything they have to go live at the beach is beyond me. Wish I had the guts to make such a bold move. The island sounded beautiful (already checking it out for a future vacation destination), and I really just wanted some rum punch and fresh seafood as I read the book. A perfect book for starting summer vacation!
One can always dream.....
How one couple can find the courage to give up everything they have to go live at the beach is beyond me. Wish I had the guts to make such a bold move. The island sounded beautiful (already checking it out for a future vacation destination), and I really just wanted some rum punch and fresh seafood as I read the book. A perfect book for starting summer vacation!
One can always dream.....
Sep 02, 2010
Kate
rated it:
I didn't read this at the beach, but it was still fantastic. It's the memoir of a couple who moved to Anguilla (a British protectorate in the Caribbean) to open a restaurant. They talk about how awesome the island is, but more about how they had to adjust to its culture (they were from Vermont). They were self-deprecating, funny, and clearly in love with the island.
Nov 01, 2008
Ellen
rated it:
This book, which I "read" in audio form, grabbed my attention when it crossed my desk at the library because its story, about a couple who decides to move to their favorite vacation spot, is one that is so common where I live. But instead of moving to the mountains of the southwest, Robert and Melinda Blanchard move to the Caribbean island of Anguilla. The narrative, read by Melinda Blanchard, is part autobiography about opening a restaurant and adjusting to a new life in an exotic loc
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Mar 04, 2008
Kristen
rated it:
I found this book by accident -- I was preparing to leave for a summer internship in Anguilla and stopped in a bookstore to escape the rain and get some summer reading. I looked in the travel book section to see if by chance there was anything from the Caribbean. The very first one I picked up was this one -- which happened to be about Anguilla!
The book itself is not spectacular. But it gives a good idea of what Anguilla is like for anyone planning to go there. All of the descrip More...
The book itself is not spectacular. But it gives a good idea of what Anguilla is like for anyone planning to go there. All of the descrip More...
Mar 26, 2010
Jeanine
rated it:
When I read text that is written to reflect a certain accent or method of speaking, I usually find it quite annoying after a while, but not here. I actually found it endearing; probably because the book seems to be written with such love and appreciation. A nice quick read and virtual vacation.
Jan 08, 2009
Kim
rated it:
True story, written by couple who moved from NY and well known company making cooking sauces, to island of their vacations. To live, create and run a restaurant....the importing/customs issues (since I've worked in that industry) were truly impossible, but I do believe it was that way!
Aug 23, 2009
Brenda
rated it:
A vivid book best to read on the beach right before a wonderful meal. If you choose to read this any other time, you will just be insanely jealous of the Blanchards who chronicle the opening of their restaurant in Anguilla. Vivid descriptions of the food, setting, and emotions involved.
Jul 07, 2009
David
rated it:
I did not like the stories about the trip with the amount of detail they included. I was interested in the story of how they transitioned from life in the US to island life, I just stopped caring about every person they met, and every meal they ate. I was frustrated beyond despair.
Aug 08, 2009
Mariah
rated it:
Another inspirational autobiography about a couple that moves from Vermont to the tiny Caribbean island of Anguilla to open a restaurant. It is all about their trials and obstacles while trying to get materials and ingredients, battling hurricanes and learning to live on island time.
Sep 14, 2008
Michelle (labbie)
rated it:
I really enjoyed this book. The cover art alone was enough to make me want to devour it in one sitting during a lazy summer afternoon. Alas, duty called so I had to take several days to read it.
The authors moved from Vermont to Anguilla to follow their dream of opening a seaside bar and grill, which after one look at the rent expense involved, evolved into a more upscale yet casual dining restaurant. The writing was average, but I still immensely enjoyed the authors' description of c More...
The authors moved from Vermont to Anguilla to follow their dream of opening a seaside bar and grill, which after one look at the rent expense involved, evolved into a more upscale yet casual dining restaurant. The writing was average, but I still immensely enjoyed the authors' description of c More...
Aug 05, 2011
Pretty brainless. Would probably be interesting if you were a 50 year old housewife on vacation. I got it thinking, if these old people can write a book about living in the Caribbean, I sure as hell can. I bet I make better halushki than them too.
