Bermuda Restaurants: Part 1

Bo and I weren’t sure what to expect of the Bermuda restaurant scene. Many of our friends who frequent the island warned us that it isn’t a foodie hotspot. It hasn’t been overtaken by expat chefs looking to start a new life on the island like we found in Anguilla. But, lucky for us, we were surprised by the restaurants we enjoyed while in the island.

While in Bermuda, Bo and I had the opportunity to try a number of different restaurants ranging from causal island grub to old, stuffy and fancy. DSC_0051 (640x426)

Barracuda Grill: Located in Hamilton, this is one of the top ranked restaurants on the island, known for their creative cuisine execution and wonderful service. While we hadn’t intended to spend our first evening in a formal restaurant it was conveniently located to the Harbour Nights festivities and their menu looked divine. The atmosphere was a bit dated and stuffy but the service and food made up for it. We started with a few appetizers including the famed Bermuda Fish Chowder and local scallops. The fish chowder, dressed with the island’s famed peppered sherry and a rum drizzle, was absolutely divine!

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The catch of the day was local snapper, but unfortunately the sides didn’t match the fish and ruined the dish. The vegetables were drenched in oil and the risotto was under seasoned. The fish was cooked perfectly but unfortunately the blah sides took away from the experience.

DSC_0048 (640x426) This smiling face would give the restaurant an 7.5 out of 10.  DSC_0049 (640x410)The Whitehorse Tavern & Grill: Located over the water in St. George Harbor, we didn’t expect much of this restaurant but heard it was the only restaurant option in St. George and from the outside we could tell it was packed. On the islands, this is always the sign of a good restaurant or bar. We started with their specialty, the conch fritters. In keeping with moderation, we made sure to try the local favorites at each restaurant and we were happily pleased with this choice. Filled with delicious conch, very little batter, and served warm they were exactly what we were craving; paired with a cold Corona Light. DSC_0215 (640x426)

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We were both craving a fresh, casual fish sandwich free of batter which had been hard to find on the island. When we saw the Cajun wahoo sandwich on the menu we knew we had to try it. We were blown away by this sandwich. The roll was grilled yet still soft and doughy, there was a thin schmear of homemade tartar sauce, and the fish was grilled to perfection. Moist and succulent it wasn’t overdone or tough; which is hard to find.

DSC_0220 (640x426)   This relaxed patron gives The Whitehorse Tavern & Grill a 10 out of 10!

DSC_0223 (640x426)Elbow Beach Room Service: There weren’t many breakfast options on the resort, only room service or the enclosed portion of Sea Breeze, a white table cloth restaurant near the beach. Since room service was of equivalent price, we indulged on room service 3 of the 4 mornings, a mistake we regret in hindsight. Room service always comes with more than a few surcharges and the food is often cold by the time it arrives. Unfortunately, we were disappointed by the room service and price. The porridge was unpalatable and cold, the small box of cereal was $8, and the eggs were overcooked. We both agreed this morning that in hindsight we wish we had brought a few bags of oatmeal or gone to a local grocery store for cereal and fresh fruit.

DSC_0176DSC_0004 Mickey’s Beach Bar & Grill: Located beachside at Elbow Beach Resort, this bar and grill serves lunch and dinner daily to both hotel guests and locals alike. The service was amazing, the food was fresh and exactly what you’d expect at a beachside grill with a twist. The prices were inline with other Bermuda restaurants and on par with most New York restaurants. Due to the sheer convenience, we enjoyed lunch here two times during our trip. Both times, we were able to soak up the sunshine and enjoy the crashing waves.

DSC_0039 (640x426) The views were incredible!

DSC_0044 (640x426) But it was their fresh, grilled seafood salad that stole the show!

We would rate this restaurant a 9 out of 10 due to a few of their prices but otherwise it was fantastic.

DSC_0127DSC_0121DSC_0137 The Waterlot Inn: This restaurant was recommended by the concierge, the locals, and even Melissa’s friend who lived in Bermuda for two years. Unbeknownst to us, this Bermuda institution, is a steak house. While the outside was charming and rich in Bermuda colors, the inside left something to be desired.

DSC_0135In true old fashioned steak house fashion, the menu was a la carte and the restaurant was filled with many business men. While the views from their back deck were wonderful, the service was unfortunately horrible. It took us 30 minutes to order a drink and then another 30 for me to get more soda for the stiff drink. In addition, we weren’t seated for our 7:30 reservation until past 8.

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The service was friendly but a bit confusing as we had three different waiters attend to us during the evening. We never knew who to signal when we were ready to order and they kept confusing our orders. We did however, take the recommendation of our first waiter, and start with some delicious appetizers.

Bo chose the Oysters Rockefeller, a steakhouse staple, which he thoroughly enjoyed. They were rich, garlic filled, and exactly what he wanted.

DSC_0165 I went with a lighter, fresh steakhouse classic shrimp cocktail. The shrimp, or prawns as they should be called, were plump and fresh. The cocktail sauce was homemade and perfectly balanced with horseradish. DSC_0163Unfortunately, after the appetizers the dinner went downhill. Bo embraced the steakhouse atmosphere and ordered a Kansas City Strip while I went the fish route. His strip was filled with so much gristle that by the time he was six bites in he couldn’t stand it any longer. My fish arrived overcooked and freezing cold. The sauce overpowered the fish and it was salty to the taste. I immediately returned it in exchange for what I should have ordered originally, the petite 6oz filet. The filet arrived perfectly cooked and seasoned but by this point I was full and disappointed. Bo enjoyed a few bites of the filet before we both called it quits. However, the restaurant did delight and surprise us when the check arrived, having taken all three entrees off our bill.

We would rate this restaurant 6 out of 10 for wonderful atmosphere, wine list, and a few good appetizers.

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Bermuda in Pictures

 

Right now I’m in the midst of unpacking, doing wash, and trying to get my life back in order before returning to work tomorrow. While on the plane I had a chance to organize our pictures so that I can finally order one of those really cool coffee table books that we talk about but never order. Unfortunately, my husband has realized that I’m not a domestic diva. But, at least I won the battle convincing him to “lug” the DSLR on our trip to Bermuda. It was the best decision ever!

While I spend the rest of the evening unpacking, and putting together the health & beauty giveaway box, we hope you all will enjoy a few pictures from our trip!

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I’ll be back tomorrow with reviews of each of the restaurants we enjoyed and back to basics day of workouts and meals.

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Elbow Beach Resort & Spa

Ashley always bugs me about posting from the guys point of view and, given that I’m feeling very relaxed in Bermuda with no pressure from work, I figured that I would acquiesce and give her a little break from blogging.  Yesterday was wonderful.  After a smooth Jet Blue flight, we arrived in Bermuda at about 11AM and proceeded directly through customs to our resort.

DSC_0011 (640x392)Our room wasn’t ready when we checked in so we took the suggestion of the staff and headed down to the beach for lunch.

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DSC_0053 (640x426)Despite the fact that the Rum Swizzles and Piña Coladas looked amazing, we wanted something light and didn’t want to drink yet so we ordered two seafood salads.  They were simple yet amazing,  The shrimp, calamari and mahi-mahi were abundant and the shaved fennel and mesclun  greens were perfectly complimented by the simple dressing of olive oil and fresh lemon juice.DSC_0045 (640x426)

DSC_0050 (640x426)We had the waiter call the front desk and were informed that our room still wasn’t ready so we decided to explore the grounds. 

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We had already seen the beautiful pink sand beach and thus trekked up the steep hill to the pool / fitness and spa area and did a full circle back to the front desk where they told us that our room was indeed ready.

DSC_0061 (426x640)The bellman graciously escorted us to our room and watched our astonished faces as he opened the door.  Evidently, we were upgraded to an amazing 1 bedroom, 2 bathroom suite which, at  over 1200 square feet, is bigger than our little 700 square foot New York apartment.  In addition, we were greeted with some delicious wine and cheese with a welcome note from the manager.

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DSC_0069 (640x426)After unpacking, we made a split second decision to indulge in an 80 minute couples massage. While Ashley LOVES spas; I haven’t ever been as big a fan which, from my experience, seems to be a fairly common male / female dichotomy.  That aside, I agreed to join Ashley for a couples massage as the Mandarin Spa is known as one of the best in the world.  In addition, I’ve punished my muscles lately through a fairly intense workout routine and I knew that a long deep-tissue massage would probably be good for me.  Guys, let me just say that I HIGHLY recommend this experience.  You and your lady are given a private room in which to relax for thirty minutes before the massage therapist comes in. 

Copy of DSC_0009 (640x426)In our private room, this particular spa (I’m not very experienced but Ashley said that it was the nicest she’d ever seen) had, a sauna, a steam room, a tub that was filled with oils and salts when we arrived, and a day bed just for “hanging out”.  Copy of DSC_0006 (426x640)Those thirty minutes were pretty awesome.  After that, the pain began.  All joking aside, the 80 minutes were filled with “good” pain which worked the knots out of our muscles that we didn’t even know we had. Some of these knots have probably been a part of me for at least five years and by the end we both were in a state of euphoria. It was the perfect way to start our vacation.

Feeling so relaxed, we decided to hop in the pool after the massage to swim a few laps. While my wife thought I was crazy, since we had just finished our massages, I was craving a mile swim.Copy of DSC_0014 (640x426) Copy of DSC_0015 (640x426)Ashley joined me for a 1/2 mile swim before deciding that her place was on the lounge chair.

Copy of DSC_0024 (426x640)Though the clouds were quickly rolling in, we decided to head into Hamilton for their Harbour Nights celebration. Copy of DSC_0032 (640x426) Copy of DSC_0033 (426x640) We have to head off to dinner now, but here is a sneak peak into our night.

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