Beautiful Miss Elvi.

An AMAZING 40th Anniversary Party for Elvi’s Kitchen & The Best Meal I’ve Ever Eaten in San Pedro

Last night was REALLY an honor. I was invited to an amazing party – large but very very intimate. The 40th Anniversary of Elvi’s Kitchen, one of the most popular restaurants in San Pedro and one I ALWAYS recommend to visitors.

There was a childrens’ and special invited guest table where Miss Elvi presided.

A cousins’ table and a huge, super fun grandkids table. And then the media – where I sat next to the only great grand child at the event – Madi from Ambergris Today. Elvi’s Kitchen was packed.

40 years is no joke. Remember that the first hotel for visitors was opened 50 years ago – the beachfront Holiday Hotel. Tourism was a tiny but budding industry.

Miss Elvi and her husband opened Burger Isle take-out – a small burger stand under a beautiful flamboyant tree. Burgers, fries, tostadas. San Pedranos would stop by on their way home from work. (Also super interesting is this list of firsts – Mr. Enrique Staines owned the first telephone on the island.)

The show stopper of the night should have been the food – it was the very best meal that I have ever eaten in San Pedro. Jennie Staines, Miss Elvi’s youngest daughter outdid herself. She is a world renowned chef who travels the world sharing classic and updated Belizean cuisine. She also works HARD in the kitchen AND is opening another restaurant in San Pedro.

Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the San Pedro Scoop

Elvi’s Kitchen celebrates 40 years of great food and service!

Forty years of service is a momentous achievement for any business, and on Saturday, December 10th Elvi’s Kitchen celebrated just such an occasion. Among family and friends, the iconic San Pedro restaurant commemorated four decades of providing excellent food and genuine Belizean hospitality to the community. The event also served as a celebration of the accomplishments of Mrs. Elvia Staines, the pioneer of Elvi’s Kitchen.

Assuming the role of Mistress of Ceremonies was Mrs. Elvia’s granddaughter, Amber Edwards. The event included several speeches from family members, as well as a special meal inspired by the restaurant’s years of service. Officially welcoming those in attendance was another granddaughter, Cindy Staines. Executive Chef of Elvi’s Kitchen, Jennie Staines then took to the podium to share a few words on the importance of this anniversary.

“My mom has been the pillar of this business. We are what we are today because of the hard work of our family,” said Staines. “Mom, you can’t imagine, every time I am in the kitchen, you are with me. You are the best.”

The floor was opened to guest, who all shared their personal congratulations, including members of the staff who took the opportunity to thank the family for a wonderful work experience at Elvi’s Kitchen. Mrs. Elvia shared a few words of wisdom to those gathered. “When I became widowed, with six children to take care of, I didn’t know what to do, but I tell you all, that you must never give up. With hard work, and belief in yourself, you can accomplish much. Thank you all for celebrating with us.”

Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the San Pedro Sun

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40 Years of Amazing Flavors on Ambergris Caye, Elvi's Kitchen Celebrates

The family of Elvi’s Kitchen celebrated the restaurant’s 40th Anniversary the best way it knows how to, with lots of love and exquisite food. The intimate gathering with family and friends was highlighted with amazing dishes that ranged from old favorites to new and exciting appetizers and a surf and turf Lobster & Steak combo that cannot be beat.

From a small hole in the wall burger isle to the large, warm and inviting restaurant of today, Elvi’s Kitchen has thrived under the stronghold of Mrs. Elvia Staines who to this day prepares food for the kitchen. It is under the leadership of her daughter and head chef Jennie Staines that Elvi’s cuisine blossomed into a superb gastronomical experience. They have managed fuse local Mayan, Mestizo and Caribbean dishes with modern flavors to perfection.

The evening was also dedicated to the recollection of all the hard work that has brought Elvi’s Kitchen from humble beginnings to outstanding achievements. Guest speakers that included San Pedro Mayor Daniel Guerrero, Minister of Tourism Hon. Manuel Heredia, Chairman of the Belize Tourism Board Einer Gomez gave accolade to a strong and united family under the leadership of Mr. and Mrs. Elvia Staines.

Click here to read the rest of the article and see LOTS more photos in The Ambergris Today