Bermuda in July: Simple Food
Hi - I'm surpising my girlfriend with a trip to Bermuda in the end of July. We both love great simple food, as in steaks, chops and seafood. We don't get too crazy with the branching out and trying things like skate and conch (unless we've done a significant amount of day drinking:-), so I was hoping that someone could suggest places for nice dinners (she loves seafood, and I love steak and chops), and simple outdoor lunches where we can get a solid meal and enjoy some local cocktails.
Price doesn't matter as long as it is worht it,
I would appreciate this so much...we don't have much time down there and I want to plan the days.
Thanks in advance!
goody1720
Jul 01, 2008 07:50AM
Where are you staying?
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Hi Athena -
We're staying at the Grotto Bay from Thursday- Sunday. (Any good happy hour locations are welcomed as well!)
-Jason
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You can walk up the road to Swizzle Inn for a very happy happy hour with their delicious and dangerous rum swizzles, I think they still do a Friday barbecue with the kind of food you're looking for. You could try the Black Horse in St David's for lunch - it's on the water, unpretentious, with enormous fish sandwiches and other fish dishes (if you're lucky shark hash) they catch all their own fish too.
You're closer to St George's and St David's than Hamilton but there's not a whole lot to choose from in St G, you can have drinks on the verandah of the White Horse on the Square but the food isn't great.
Plenty of choices for happy hour on Fridays in town - Pickled Onion, Lemon Tree, Splash, Ten, Frescos - you can eat at Port O Call, Bistro J, Little Venice.
If I think of more I'll come back to you.
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Thanks Athena -
Everyone seems to suggest The Swizzle. We've never been to bermuda before...are there any must see attractions or places to dine from your standpoint as you seem very knowledgable?
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Well, I am Bermudian, so yes I'm pretty knowledgeable :-) Grotto Bay is just across the Causeway from the airport and has a beach, you can also kayak and snorkel from there. Haven't eaten there in a long time so can't comment on the food. Tom Moore's Tavern is close for an evening meal. You're also across the road from Walsingham Nature Reserve, so you can explore that - lovely pools with parrot fish - Tom Moore's is on the other side of that. St George's is a World Heritage site, walk around all the twisty little streets and then go for a swim at Tobacco Bay - Bluebeard's restaurant is also around there and is popular. You can also take the ferry from St George's to the other end of the island - Dockyard and have lunch at Freeport Restaurant or Cambridge Beaches if you want something more romantic. Definitely go to the South Shore beaches like Horseshoe and Long Bay - there are little coves there too. Elbow Beach is beautiful too and closer to town, and you can have lunch at Mickey's right on the beach.
You said the end of July - keep in mind that the 31st and 1st are Cup Match - the biggest holiday of the year - stores in town will be closed - you won't be affected at Grotto Bay.
That should keep you busy for a while.
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This will surely keep us busy. Luckily we are arriving the week before the Cup Match. Thanks so much for your help!
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I just got back from dinner at Beau Rivage (Newstead Hotel on Harbour Road). Was very impressed even though they didn't have their full menu yet (coming in next 2 weeks). They had 3 meat courses (veal tenderloin, rack of lamb and beef tenderloin) and 5 fish courses. Wonderful!
The chocolate fondant (a warm chocolate lava cake) was divine. Way better than the one at Fresco's.
Appies were a little on the miss side with only one out of three happy with theirs.
If you want a romantic setting, head out around 8pm and get drinks on the outside terrace and watch the sunset before heading inside for dinner (we asked about eating outside, they're working on it).
Can't say service was stellar as the waiter forgot to bring us bread but hopefully these kinks will work themselves out.
All in all, I think Jean Claude and Lee have done a really good job.
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Athena- is Mickey's too casual for dinner? I am in the same boat as Jason. Bf and I are going down for 3 nights 4 days (before the cup match) and we are looking for places to eat for dinner/lunch, happy hour, etc... we are staying in St. george as well but plan on spending days in Hamilton etc...I would love some assistance!!
Also- if you have any suggested itineraries, let me know!!
Thanks!
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Mickey's is right at beach level so it's very casual, Cafe Lido overlooks the beach and is less casual. What kind of itinerary are you looking for?
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Athena, do you know when Port O Call and Bistro J are opening again from the renovations?
Friday Happy Hour - I'd add the Hamilton Princess as well. Splash has been replaced by LV's which has a high cover charge. There is also Opus where Luis makes a really great cocktail, his espresso martini was fabulous.
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Hey BDAChow -
When you say "high cover charge" how much are you talking about? We'll definitely be going to happy hours thurs, friday and saturday night...so suggestions are very welcomed! We know nothing about the island, but are looking for a fun time in the short time we are out there!
Jason
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Bdachow - I was walking to a meeting on Friday and realised that the boarded up area was Port O'Call and that I had just recommended it here - duh! I think (not 100% sure) that the people who own Lobster Pot also own PoC, so they may know.
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Hi Jason,
LV's Piano/Jazz Lounge has a cover of $20 for women and $30 for men if you're not a member, although sign up for a membership is free. But you have to do it in advance.
Friday Happy Hour for the local set is usually either Lemon Tree or Hamilton Princess, that's where the crowds are, if the weather is nice as both venues are outside.
For really late night, Cafe Cairo (dance/top 40), Pickled Onion (80's with some new stuff by a live singer) or Hog Penny (rock by live singer).
For rain, try the Pickled Onion (try the rum swizzle), Fresco's Wine Bar (packed), Ten (middle aged crowd) or Opus (quiet and great cocktails).
As for Thursday, I've long since given up partying on school nights so not really sure. Am sure the Swizzle Inn is pretty hopping on any given night in the summer.
Hope this helps!
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Great info BDA -
Do you know how I could go about signing up for a membership to the LV Piano Lounge?
I can't wait to get to Bermuda!
Jason
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That's a great question. They have a little form you fill out that you can get from them.
Honestly though my opinion of them is not great. They're going after the business suit set and so their prices tend to reflect the ability to expense their entertainment.
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I totally understand! What's you favorite place on the island??? We're both in our late 20's and still live like college students to a certain extent :-)
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Im heading to Elboe Beach on the 16th thru 20th looking for mom and pop joints?
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Jason - start at the Princess Hotel happy hour then follow the crowd as it moves to the next place :) students are back for the summer and they move from one place to other in packs...
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Agree with Athena's advice. It'll be a bit slow when it starts at 5, most people knock off work starting around 5:30.
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Thanks again to both of you, I'll probably run into you and not even know it!
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Jason- my bf & I are staying atht the Grotto the end of July...when do you go?
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Hi - We're going down there next weekend.
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Jason,
Was just poking around the Chow Board, they've got a great story about one of the signature drinks of the island, the Dark N Stormy. Definitely try one wherever you are!
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Thw Waterlot at Southampton Princess is a steak house and has gorgeous views. A hike from Grotto Bay. Also Blu at The Belmont could be a good choice for you. I am sure they both have websites. I like Micky's at Elbow Beach too but not so much for the food. More for the feet in the sand. Skip Cafe Lido. Too sterile hotel feeling if you only have a short time on the island.
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