There have been many a traveler who have stepped foot onto the beautiful Bahamian beaches in search of the treasures that lie within. Very much like the pirates who came ashore centuries ago, the present day pirate seeks bounty here in the form of rest, relaxation, gin-clear waters and most of all to indulge in culinary experiences as unique as the Islands themselves!
That said I invite you to come with me as I take you to my "top ten" personal favorites in the Bahamas!
Graycliff - Nassau West Hill Street Nassau, Bahamas 242-322-2796
Graycliff sits at the top of my list for a reason because in this gourmand's humble opinion it is the best! Having experienced gourmet dining from Paris, Geneva, New York City to Beverly Hills I feel confident to say that there is something even more special about the Chateau Graycliff than what I have experienced before. A mansion from the 1700's, which I might ad is also my first choice as the best hotel as well, is the setting for this 5-star gem where the food reflects the mood and sensations of the Bahamas. At the helm is Enrico Garzaroli who has blended his Italian upbringing with the cuisine of the Caribbean to create a menu that rivals any gourmet restaurant in the world. I won't even begin to share my favorites with you (like the Bahamian lobster and incredible saffron sauce) my suggestion would be ask one of your many accommodating servers what they might recommend to you and be prepared for a royal treatment! Complimented by a wine list that has earned him recognition at international competitions and awards from Wine Spectator, not even in France will you find anything close to Graycliff's incredible selections. And what truly makes the dining experience at Graycliff stand alone? It is the feeling that you get the minute you walk through the doors, you feel as if you have come, "home." So, the next time you are in Nassau find the Chateau that sits proudly atop the hill next to the Government House and enjoy the "Graycliff" experience! Oh and don't forget to say, Ciao, to your host Enrico and before I forget, save room for the finest chocolate soufflé you have ever tasted, its decadent!
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $55 - $65.
Open for lunch and dinner, reservations suggested, please call for hotel information and tours. Proper dinner attire requested
Humidor - Nassau West Hill Street Nassau, Bahamas 242-302-9150
Just next to Graycliff you will find another piece of treasure called the Humidor. Obviously by the name you know that in addition to the same incomparable cuisine you find at Graycliff it is also the "Mecca" of the finest cigars in the world. As many who have experienced the gourmet lifestyle something synonymous with fine food and spirits is the artistic masterpiece of rolled tobacco. Created by Enrico Garzaroli and his son Paolo a decision was made to extend the Graycliff experience with the creation of their own cigar company. In an atmosphere of an elegant villa in Tuscany you can enjoy a menu featuring the bounty of the pristine Caribbean waters, the Bahamian lobster in the puff pastry is my all time favorite here. And after dinner choose from the Humidor's incomparable selection of fine ports or cognacs. And, if you are so inclined, savor one of the finest cigars in the world hand rolled right before your eyes at the Humidor.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $50 - $60.
Open daily for dinner except Sunday, reservations suggested please call for information and cigar factory tours, proper dinner attire requested
Dune - Ocean Club, Paradise Island Nassau/Paradise Island Drive, Paradise Island, Bahamas 800-321-3000
Come with us now to a place that is only a short drive over the bridge from Nassau but a place unto itself. Paradise Island truly lives up to its name in the gourmet treasures you will unlock here. First stop is at the exquisite, Ocean Club. For years the Ocean Club has been synonymous with catering to those with discriminating tastes and that experience is quite evident when you come to Dune. Created by the culinary wizardry of Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten comes a restaurant that captures the true island experience. Sitting atop a breathtaking view of a sugar sand beach here you will find something a unique blend of French and Asian Cuisine capturing the serenity that surrounds you. The menu features lighter fare, if you wish, along with Seafood and Meat prepared with some of the most unique sauces that I have ever tasted, It's no secret why celebrities and dignitaries alike all make the Dune at the Ocean Club their personal favorite when pampering themselves at this playground of the Rich and Famous!
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $50-$60.
Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, call for reservations and information
Five Twins - Atlantis Nassau/Paradise Island Drive Paradise Island, Bahamas 242-363-3000
Sun International has captured the total island experience and has created Atlantis. More like a city unto itself with incredible architecture and a theme that says surf, sand, sun and fun with a touch of class like no other. The dining experiences are endless here and very unlike restaurants found in most hotel/resort properties. A very personal favorite of mine is the Five Twins. I choose the Five Twins when I want something different from the Caribbean delicacies. I almost always begin with their spring rolls for an appetizer and they serve the popular Bahamian Grouper but with an Asian twist. I can't get enough of the flavorful burst of coconut and red curry that gives a whole new taste to this popular seafood treasure of the islands. Even enjoying a refreshing Bahamian cocktail while waiting for dinner is an escape at this touch of Asia, Paradise Island style, at the Five Twins.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $35-$45.
Open Daily for dinner, reservations suggested
Sun and...-Nassau Lakeview Rd off E. Shirley Street Nassau, Bahamas 242-393-1205 Returning from our trip to Paradise Island we are back in Nassau at a "true find" called Sun and...Sun and what you say? That's it Sun and... Can you say gourmet? Created by Belgium born Chef Ronnie Deryckere, no stranger to Bahamian Cuisine, having lent his talents at the previous mentioned Graycliff and the popular Cafe Martinique back in the Merv Griffin Paradise Island Hotel days. One thing you will find here is that the Chef and his wife Esther put as much emphasis on ambiance as they do the food. It is their belief that unless your surroundings are perfect and your attire is not befitting gourmet cuisine than the experience will not be the same. That is why they request that you dress appropriately for dinner and that means no jeans! A popular favorite and mine here is the Lobster Martinique, created by the chef during his days on Paradise Island, a tasteful blend of mushroom, roasted red peppers in a cream sauce glazed with a crabmeat mornay, now this is dining!
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $50-$60.
Open Tues - Sunday for dinner, reservations requested no casual attire Closed August 1 to October 1
The Poop Deck - Nassau (2 locations) East Bay Street by the Marina - 242-393-8175 West Bay Street at Sandyport Beach - 242-327-3325 Nassau, Bahamas
Ok time to take off he jacket and tie and enjoy fine Bahamian Cuisine in a more relaxed atmosphere, welcome to the Poop Deck. Its name already conjures up days of tall sailing ships and its hungry sailors stepping onto Bahamian shores. In a true setting of Old Nassau overlooking the harbor the Poop Deck has probably some of the freshest fish in the Islands. I mean to order anything but fish here would not be disappointing but when in the Caribbean as when in Rome...well you know the rest! Select your favorite fish and the chef will prepare it in your favorite fashion. The bar here is also a lot of fun as locals and tourists alike will be found at Happy Hour where the Poop Deck offers free hors d'oeuvres as well between 5 and 7. Relax and take in Nassau at the Poop Deck.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $25-$35.
Open daily Noon - 10:30pm Bar 11am - Midnight
Pink Pearl - Nassau East Bay Street Nassau, Bahamas 242-394-6413 Another gem that sparkles on our Caribbean adventure is another one of those places you might call a "find." If you'd like a diver who has just found a one of a kind Pink Pearl in an oyster bed then you have to try this place that is how I felt on my first visit here. Again, ambiance and history are what makes this dining experience the best. The Pink Pearl is located in Jumbey House, which is a refurbished Bahamian Estate from the 1940's. The fresh cut flowers and local art are the perfect setting for this eatery specializing in true Bahamian Cuisine. Probably the best conch salad I have ever eaten has been at the Pink Pearl you will not be disappointed either for lunch or dinner with an extensive menu of local favorites.
Open Mon-Fri for lunch, Dinner 7 days a week, reservations suggested
Cafe Matisse - Nassau Bank Lane (behind Parliament Square) Nassau, Bahamas 242-356-7012
Nestled in the heart of downtown Nassau is another of my favorite spots whenever I am in the Bahamas on business. It is here at Cafe Matisse that you are reminded that although you are in the midst of a vacationer’s paradise there is still a Country here churning the machine in a global economy. A favorite spot for local bankers and lawyers and those in the know, Cafe Matisse is a perfect "networking spot" especially at lunch. Again, here you will find another fine restaurant that is housed in another historic structure from the 1800's. I enjoy sitting in the courtyard so I don't forget that I am in the islands. Quite honestly when sitting inside I could be in a popular Manhattan spot or Los Angeles for that matter. Cafe Matisse offers a great menu with one of the better pizzas that I have ever had in the Bahamas, if you are a fan of homemade pastas then you must try your favorites here you will not be disappointed. Come by and see that Nassau does have a cosmopolitan flair as well as beautiful beaches! Cafe Matisse, you will not be disappointed.
Estimated cost per person for dinner $35-$45.
Open Noon - 11pm daily, closed Sunday and Monday, proper dress required
Traveller's Rest - Nassau Traveller's Rest West Bay Street, Gambier 242-327-7633
Taking a wonderful drive along the turquoise water heading out of town is one of my favorite spots to just relax and unwind "Bahamian Style!" Now while many of my selections require you to dress accordingly for the elegant atmosphere befitting of their ambiance here is a place you can "kick back" and "come as you are." Traveller's Rest is a favorite of tourists and locals alike and with a location not far from the infamous Compass Point recording studios. It's not unusual for you to be sipping the best banana daiquiri while sitting next to one of many top musical stars. Notables from the Beatles, Rod Stewart, AC/DC, Robert Palmer and so many others have made Traveller's Rest a perfect spot to grab a bite or enjoy a cocktail during their long recording sessions. When there I always enjoy the Conch Chowder and that sweet Bahamian Bread, although a staple at many Bahamian restaurants, this is one of the best spots to enjoy it. The proprietors make you feel like a native, even on your first visit, and again not just great "home style" Bahamian cooking but one of the prettiest settings on the Island of New Providence. So whether you are recording your next million selling album or just want to hang out with some locals who make you feel at home check out Traveller's Rest!
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $25 - $30.
Open daily 11am - 11pm , casual (they even offer take out)
Chez Willie - Nassau West Bay Street (near downtown) 242-322-5364
Rounding out our top ten it's time to dress for dinner again but it is worth it as we stop at Chez Willie. Yes, the house of Willie Armstrong! No stranger to fine dining in the Bahamas it was a young Mr. Armstrong who learned his craft from the master, Enrico Garzaroli of the aforementioned Graycliff. Willie went from bussing tables to waiter then to Maitre'D greeting customers with is personable charm and inimitable flair. Young men have dreams and this young man departed from his position to start his own dream and opened Chez Willie. With chef James Grant again formerly of Graycliff and Sun and... the menu is a combination of French and Bahamian cuisine and the setting is private and romantic. I asked this entrepreneurial restaurateur what he strives for and was told that he pays homage to men like Garzaroli that taught him that you must go beyond exquisite food and give equal attention to service and detail. When there try the broiled seafood platter a delectable combination of scampi, grouper, lobster, conch and scallops served with a zesty herb sauce.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $45 - $55.
Open daily for lunch and dinner, Upscale casual, jackets preferred reservations requested
Well, there you have my top ten picks for Nassau/Paradise Island. I invite you when visiting the Bahamas to truly experience the Islands and its people. So often tourists will come off of a cruise ship or get off a plane and head to an old familiar American chain that they're familiar with. Now while there is nothing wrong with that, it is my belief that if you are going to experience another Country and other cultures than nothing lets you round out that experience better than dining and supporting the local businesses. May you find heaven on earth as I did in a place called the Bahamas! Until next time, Salute!
