Destination-inspired dishes

Dream about your next vacation over guacamole

We know guacamole tastes best on the beach – but Food Network Canada Celebrity Chef Lynn Crawford’s recipe is a good substitute when you can’t make it down south! Bring a taste of Mexico to your kitchen by mixing up some of this fresh guac as an appetizer or snack.

What you’ll need:

• 2 fresh avocados (pits removed)
• 1 lime, juiced
• Spoonful of chopped onions
• Spoonful of chopped chili peppers (optional if you want to give your guac an extra kick)
• Spoonful of chopped tomatoes
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of cilantro

Recipe:

• Add the fresh lime juice, chopped onions, chili peppers and salt to a bowl and mix together
• Add the chopped tomatoes, cilantro and avocados
• Mash everything together and season to taste

Transport yourself to the tropics with chicken tostadas

These easy-to-make chicken tostadas will transport you to a seaside patio in Mexico! For a vegetarian option, skip the chicken and go heavier on the refried beans and avocado.

What you’ll need:

• Fried corn tortillas (available at most major grocery stores)
• Grilled or roasted chicken breast (optional)
• Canned refried beans
• 2 fresh avocados, sliced
• Cup of your choice of grated cheese
• Dollop of mayonnaise
• Spoonful of chopped green onions
• Spoonful of chopped chipotle peppers
• Spoonful of pickled jalapenos
• Spoonful of adobo sauce
• Dash of Tex Mex seasoning
• Pinch of sugar
• Pinch of salt and pepper
• 1 lime, juiced

Recipe:

• Lay out your fried corn tortillas on a plate
• Finely slice the chicken breast and sprinkle with your favourite Tex Mex seasoning
• In a separate bowl, make your chipotle cream by mixing together the sugar, salt/pepper, fresh lime juice, mayonnaise, green onions, chipotle peppers and adobo sauce
• Top your tortillas with canned refried beans (we recommend warming on the stovetop beforehand), sliced avocado, grated cheese, pickled jalapenos and your chipotle cream – then enjoy!

Reminisce about the beach over margaritas

You may not be able to enjoy Royalton’s signature margaritas by the swim-up bar – but for now, you can make them from the comfort of your own home!

What you’ll need:

• 2 oz. tequila OR 2 oz. limeade (optional)
• 1 oz. orange liqueur/triple sec OR 1 oz. orange juice
• 1 oz. lime juice
• Splash of club soda (for the mocktail)
• Dash of simple syrup
• Margarita salt to line the glass rim
• Ice

Original recipe:

• Combine the tequila, orange liqueur/triple sec, lime juice and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker
• Fill the shaker with ice, cover and shake for about 20 seconds – strain into a salt-rimmed glass with ice and toast to new traditions

Mocktail recipe:

• Combine the limeade, orange juice, lime juice, simple syrup and a club soda in a cocktail shaker
• Fill the shaker with ice, cover and shake for about 20 seconds – strain into a salt-rimmed glass with ice and enjoy!

Soak up the island vibes over curry chicken

Can’t wait to embrace the island way of life? Bring a taste of the tropics to your kitchen with this delicious curry chicken recipe from influencer @bymeaux.

What you’ll need:

• 3 lbs. of boneless skinless cubed chicken thighs or breast
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 cup coconut milk
• ½ cup chicken brother
• 1 lb. potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 tbsp. tomato paste
• 1 tbsp. minced garlic
• 1 tbsp. minced ginger
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 tsp. salt
• ¼ tsp. pepper
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 2 tbsp. and 1 tsp. curry powder
• 2 sprigs of thyme
• 1 bay leaf

Recipe:

• Season the chicken with salt, pepper and 2 tbsp. curry spice, and set aside.
• In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the chicken. Brown the chicken on both sides (approx.. 4-5 minutes) until brown. Once browned, remove and set aside in a bowl.
• Add the onions, minced garlic, thyme, paprika and 1 tsp. curry powder; cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Add the coconut milk, chicken broth, bay leaf, ginger and tomato paste; continue cooking for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Return to the chicken to the pot and add in the cubed potatoes.
• Cover and let simmer for approximately 40 minutes.
• Serve and enjoy!

Get inspired for your next vacation with some of our favourite signature dishes to try in the tropics.