Dining Heritage

Memorable dining happens nightly, with each romantic setting seeming to vie for that special place in our memory. Seaside tables for two set on a cliff overlooking the turquoise sea or a candlelit table set with vintage silver and Waterford crystal in a grand inn painted the most perfect shade of eggshell blue are some of the many settings that these islands offer. Intimate lunches in sun-drenched piazzas in Hamilton, the dining terraces on the sea in St. George's or under a moonlit sky by the Royal Dockyard, whatever your choice – Bermuda has much to select from. Where else in the world could you sip a pink champagne cocktail that perfectly matches the warm pink sand under your feet under a blue velvet Bermuda sky?

Among the many extraordinary gifts that the English contributed to Bermuda, the appreciation of fine wines and port and the tradition of gardens are evident. The island boasts truly exceptional wine cellars with perfectly controlled conditions. A Shafer Hillside Select 1996, Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1961 and Ornellaia Bolgheri 1995 are just some of the exceptional vintages available, and minimal duty is charged. It seems there are more Wine Spectator Awards in Bermuda per square mile than anywhere else in the world except Manhattan. You can enjoy fine European vintages at below stateside prices. Grown-in-Bermuda produce float on the daily special menus with such offerings as cabbage, spinach, potatoes and squash to complement freshly caught lobster, yellowfin tuna, rock fish and sharkfish hash. Local lobster is available from September through March.

Bermudian cuisine takes its influences from the mixing of the English settlers, slaves brought in the from the West Indies whose roots could be traced to Western Africa, immigrants from the Azores and influences from India and Asia that have made dining in Bermuda a world-class experience. A Bermudian breakfast is a standard fare on Sundays and by custom in some families is prepared by the male head of household. It is equivalent to the eggs and rasher of bacon for the Englishman or the croissant and café au lait to the Frenchman. Salted cod fish and bananas is served with boiled potatoes and sliced avocados with a generous side of bacon sauce.

Hopping John or Hop n' John is said to bring good luck if eaten on New Years Day. It is a one-bowl meal of salt pork, vegetables and black-eyed peas and rice. Hot cross buns and fish cakes are on the menu for Easter when the Bermuda Tennis Open in April dominates the scene.

Earl Grey tea and scones with cream are served at the Coral Beach Club where the players are required to wear all white.

During balmy May, generations of Bermudians turn out on Bermuda Day for boat races in honor of Queen Victoria's Birthday. Generous family picnic baskets hold miniature mussel pies in flaky dough crusts, whole fried snapper, fried chicken, fish cakes, the traditional macaroni and cheese, coleslaw and salads and homemade coconut and banana breads.

The Bermuda Cup Match, is a two day cricket event held every August. You can enjoy Dark and Stormy^TM – made with a shot of Goslings Black Seal Rum and Barrett's ginger beer served over ice – while you immerse yourself in the world of pitches, bats, runs and centuries. Peas-'n'-rice and cassava pie find their way on the menu when the Christmas season arrives. Fish chowder, delicately flavored with pepper sherry and dark rum, is a standard item on menus.

Bermuda has many special gifts and one cherished endowment is the gentle art of dining. Dining in Bermuda transports you to a time when life was somehow slower and sweeter and the island follows the age-old adage of ladies and gentleman serving ladies and gentleman. Proper dress is suggested – jackets for gentleman and elegant attire for ladies is gently requested. Reservations are suggested, especially in season. Most restaurants are happy to offer takeout service.

The East End, West End, South Shore, North Shore, Hamilton and throughout all the parishes and seaside coves, unforgettable dining experiences are created in the islands' restaurants, pubs, bars, ristorantes, seaside dining terraces and elegant garden settings. Menus change several times a year to reflect the produce available and the fish offerings. With chefs hailing from Glasgow, Scotland, Katmandu, Boston, Bombay, India, Kuala Lumpur, London, Paris and New York, the food is dynamic and exciting, marrying ingredients in an exotic and unexpected melange that is distinctly Bermudian. Add a choice of spectacular wines by the glass and bottle, an abundance of fresh seafood, secluded trattorias and intimate bistros, and you are in for spectacular dining experiences. For those who appreciate the taste of a fine Cuban cigar, the island has a superb selection.

Make your Bermuda trip even more memorable with dolphins! Dolphin Quest offers fun, interactive dolphin encounter programs for all. Book your adventure today!

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Getting Around Bermuda Relax, enjoy, save and see Bermuda by bus. A blue or pink pole indicates bus stops. If the pole is topped with blue, the bus travels from Hamilton; if the pole is topped pink, the route is toward Hamilton.