648913 Mon Aug 31 11:05:49 -0700 2009 0 54 Caribbean 0 4993049 So I've gotten around to checking out Opus Lounge post renovations. If you haven't made it there yet, they took over the dry cleaning space next door and ordered in new wicker furniture for outside, which is now more comfortable than the low slung wooden stuff they had before. Scott, the manager from Fresco's, has also moved over here so it's nice to know someone is trying really hard to make it a good experience. They now have a tapas menus which I've perused a couple of times. The first outing had the cold veggie crudite (hooray for healthy options!) and the chicken satay. The presentation of the veggies was cute, being cut match stick size and served upright in an espresso cup with the ranch dressing at the bottom of the cup. The satay was decent, not too dry (which is always a problem) and the flavours were nice, nothing spectacular and even my DP enjoyed it (she being of South Asian descent and knowing all too much about satay). The second round, had the cheesy garlic bread, chicken empanada and tapenade. The cheesy garlic bread was tasty but I suspect that they cheat a bit as it really reminded me of Pepperidge Farms' frozen garlic bread but with cheese melted on top. And I do notice that the "kitchen" seems rather small so would not surprise me at all. The chicken empanada was unlike any empanada I've had. I usually associate empanadas as being like a meat turnover. This one came in layers of phyllo (I think) with a layer of chicken in between the layers. I'd say I was disappointed in the dish, the flavours didn't really stand out to me. The tapenade came with 3 different dips (black olive, green olive and sundried tomato) served with panini pressed and warmed up slices of baguette. Again, the baguette reminded me of Pepperidge Farm as the slices were so uniform in size and I have used the product before. I very much enjoy the slow (ha ha ha) movement of the dining scene in Bermuda to adopt the tapas trend. I think it's a good move given how much the after work cocktail scene is so predominant and it's nice to have something to nibble on while you socialize/unwind with a drink. However, I find that the food is better at other places, Ten and Harry's (although not really tapas at Harry's, more like bar food given the larger portions). Mon Aug 31 11:05:49 -0700 2009 190037 bdachow