Noteworthy news from the island’s restaurants
Harbourfront
Food and wine lovers are in for a treat at Harbourfront this spring. A new wine showroom serves as an informal, walk-in wine list for diners who wish to select a special bottle for their meal. With an extensive selection covering the walls and ceiling, aficionados can enjoy the hands-on experience of choosing the perfect bottle. Alternatively, guests may select a single glass from the new, custom-designed wine station, which enables diners to choose from eight of the most expensive wines available at Harbourfront in one-, three- or five-ounce portions.
The restaurant now offers patrons an alfresco seating area on their newly renovated terrace. Up to 30 people can relax and enjoy the breathtaking view that only Harbourfront offers while having a drink or enjoying a cigar. Furnished with Italian-made, all-weather furniture, the comfortable terrace – complete with heating lamps for chilly spring evenings – is sure to be a hit with the wine-loving, happy-hour crowd.
In addition, Harbourfront is now able to host a range of semiprivate party functions. Instead of closing the entire space for a private function, the restaurant will section the room to accommodate any number of guests. Food-and-wine-pairing dinners, wine tastings and even cooking demonstrations are available by special request.
Harbourfront has updated its lunch and dinner menus; they now include several of general manager Pierangelo Lanfranchi’s signature dishes. The happy sushi hour continues, Monday through Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with 30 percent off a la carte prices.
For more information, visit www.harbourfront.bm or call 295-4207.
Rosewood Tucker’s Point
Rosewood Tucker’s Point is thrilled to announce that its new Italian restaurant, Sul Verde, has opened. Executive chef Guido Brambilla brings his authentic Italian flare to Sul Verde, an “eatalian” osteria. Located at the golf clubhouse overlooking picturesque Castle Harbour, Sul Verde’s rustic menu features an antipasti buffet along with traditional primi and secondi courses served family style.
Chef Guido’s new concept is the perfect place to spend a relaxing evening together with family and friends while enjoying his delicious Italian cuisine. The antipasti buffet includes homemade pickles, focaccia, a variety of cold cuts, salads and marinated vegetables. Ideal for sharing, the pasta selections include classics like carbonara and pesto, and main-course options include traditional chicken cacciatore and veal Milanese. Gluten-free and whole-wheat pastas are available. An extensive Italian wine list is offered, and homemade infused grappas are a specialty. Sul Verde welcomes nonresort guests for dinner. Call 298-6983 for reservations.
Victoria Grill
Victoria Grill has just launched a new seasonal menu and the buzz has already begun. It features Southern Coastal cuisine, with a hint of Florida, a dash of South Carolina and a dollop of Georgia (plus a drizzle of Louisiana thrown in for good measure).
Regular clients who hail from the southeastern U.S. have already given it a thumbs up,¬†and so far favoured items are the barbeque platter (pulled pork, beef brisket, smoked sausage, buttermilk whipped potatoes, creamed spinach, house BBQ sauces), hogfish po’ boy and gourmet chicken and waffles. Not to be missed are fried green tomatoes and andouille hush puppies.
Also of note is the new wine pricing strategy, which simplifies a confusing part of wine service; Victoria Grill will only charge $20 above retail on every bottle on the list. This is an amazing value and a great reason to try a wine that has tempted you in the past. In addition, the restaurant welcomes guests who bring their own bottle, which it will happily serve for a $20 per bottle corkage fee.
Food and wine are such a magical mix, and there are now more reasons than ever to have a night out in the heart of Hamilton and rediscover Victoria Grill. See all menus online, HERE.
Miles Market
Gelato is coming to Miles. Gelato is Italian ice cream that has all the rich flavour and creamy texture of premium brands but generally contains less fat. Miles is also introducing gluten-free, dairy-free and fat-free sorbets. Stop in and enjoy the new offerings without the guilt. They are hand-packed for your pleasure.
If you’re a cupcake fan, Miles offers new flavours like Blue Velvet, but don’t worry, they still have Oprah’s favourite, Red Velvet! They also offer gluten-free cupcakes. If you depend on Miles for a broad range of freshly breads, you’ll be pleased to know that the line has been expanded.
With the arrival of spring, customers can expect spring lamb and many other specialty products from New England Family Farms, supplier of sustainably farmed, grass-fed and free-range meats.
Cafe Cairo
Cafe Cairo, 93 Front Street, will delight food lovers with the exotic flavours of the Middle East and Mediterranean regions. By far the most popular dish is a tajine, a signature Moroccan dish containing chicken, lamb or fish with seasonal vegetables, baked and served in clay pots with Moroccan herbs and spices.
Other favourites include Moroccan almond-crusted fish, tiger-shrimp kebabs and the famous harira soup, a traditional Middle Eastern recipe featuring chickpeas, mixed vegetables and lentils simmered with Moroccan spices. For customers who can’t decide, the hot appetizer sampler and the magnificent Middle Eastern feast serve as a delightful introduction to this delicious healthy cuisine.
Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available, and – best of all – Cafe Cairo offers a complete dinner menu until 2:30 a.m. Of course, hookahs using fruit-based tobacco are always available.
Customers can enjoy their meal on the veranda overlooking Hamilton Harbour or in the sophisticated Sultan’s Tent (available for private parties).
Cafe Cairo is open seven days a week until 3 a.m. serving lunch and dinner. Call 295-5155 for reservations.
Harry’s at The Waterfront
Harry’s extensive selection of craft beers continues to expand. Now customers can enjoy a Trappist ale or additional Belgian specialties. Also, Harry’s announces the arrival of small plates, so guests can enjoy many small courses and try more of the great food that Harry’s offers.
In addition, Harry’s continues to offer gluten-free menu options, and Chef Clease and his team are happy to supply gluten-free breads and pasta to meet special dietary needs.
As we head into sunnier months, enjoy a quiet evening, sipping a cocktail and watching reflections shimmer across the harbour at Harry’s.
Cafe Amici
Located in the West End, Cafe Amici is an Italian, family-style restaurant in the heart of historic Dockyard. It is a place for friends and family to gather and enjoy the spirit of Italian culture and cuisine. Executive chef and owner Livio Ferigo has created a menu with many of his favourite dishes from his childhood in Italy.
Cafe Amici offers a friendly, intimate atmosphere where guests can dress casually and enjoy simple, uncomplicated and affordable Italian cuisine. Don’t forget about Cafe Amici’s Bermuda codfish and potato breakfast every Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Cafe Amici is located on the corner of the Clocktower Mall. It is open seven days a week, serving breakfast from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., lunch until 5:30 p.m. and dinner from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Call 234-5009 for reservations.
Lemon Tree
Located in the heart of Hamilton, in a unique park setting, The Lemon Tree Cafe boasts an impressive menu of cafe classics and hot daily specials inspired by dishes from around the world. Managed by Brendan Huttick and Craig Smith, Lemon Tree satisfies the most discerning palates. Take-out is available, but Lemon Tree encourages its guests to relax in the park with a glass of wine.
The Lemon Tree Cafe won the Best of Bermuda “Best Deli Take-Out” 2010 and 2011. Perhaps that has something to do with the freshest available meat, roasted and carved on-site, or their popular “healthy plate of the day.”
Lemon Tree caters breakfast, lunch or dinner for corporate functions and private events, including cocktail parties. It also hosts private functions such as cocktail parties, meet and greets and bachelor and bachelorette parties. The Lemon Tree delivers far and wide, and it can prepare last-minute orders should the need arise.
Every Friday evening Lemon Tree becomes one of Bermuda’s premier evening hot spots. The Tiki Bar at Lemon Tree hosts the party, which includes happy-hour drinks and dancing the night away to the sounds of DJ Uncle.
Bone Fish Bar & Grill
Dockyard’s newest dining experience is Bone Fish Bar & Grill. With an exquisite view of Bermuda’s breezy Great Sound, an award-winning, top-rated chef at the helm, plenty of fresh fish and top-grade meats, how can you go wrong? Bone Fish offers locals and tourists alike a reasonably priced menu with seafood, homemade pastas, a great wine list, draft beer and desserts to die for. Come to enjoy daily entertainment and a magical cocktail. Open seven days a week.
Homer’s Cafe
Homer’s Cafe is located just inside the entrance to The Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art. It is run by The Flying Chef and serves a wide selection of lunch items, baked goods and a traditional afternoon tea on Sundays. Homer’s is now offering beer and a selection of fine wines. The cafe has added items to their daily specials, including quiches, paninis, freshly made salads and soup of the day.
There is outdoor seating in the courtyard or in their lounge below; fitted with couches and chairs, it makes a comfortable setting for reading a newspaper with a coffee. It is also wheelchair accessible. If you are visiting the museum or the Botanical Gardens, Homer’s offers a quiet escape from the busy city.
