WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6: The word ‘breathtaking’ does not even begin to do justice to the new Beach House at Blackbeards in St George’s.
The old Blackbeards always boasted incredible sea views and was arguably the best place to watch the sun set on the island.
But with the Beach House comes a delicious new menu and a beautifully refurbished interior that is both comfortable and elegant.
The restaurant’s new managing director Piero Casalicchio has conjured up an exciting and healthy menu packed with fresh fish, sumptuous salads and mouthwatering meats.
He says the emphasis is on ‘simplicity and freshness’.
Mr Casalicchio added: “We have tried to create an atmosphere where elegance is comfortable.
“We have changed the menu and the look of the restaurant.
“The menu now consists of cuisine from around the world but with a focus on Bermudian produce.
“It has proved very popular so far with the customers especially the fresh fish, the bean soup and the salads.”
The new boss’s determination to only use fresh food means customers can even choose the fish they want from a vast seafood platter and ask it to be cooked to their liking.
Mr Casalicchio added: “This means we can cater for people who are gluten free or have any other dietary needs.
“And it shows our commitment to use fresh local produce.”
The Beach House opened just a couple of weeks ago but tourists and locals alike are already beginning to flock there in great numbers.
And it’s not just the new menu that is proving a hit, the fresh new interior and bar area has also made a big impression.
Mr Casalicchio said: “It has been a fantastic first few weeks for us.
“We have already had a couple of groups book big function nights with us and a couple who were visiting from the US liked it here so much they are planning on doing their wedding here next week.
“We are incredibly lucky with the sea views we have. It is just a beautiful place to sit and look out across the ocean.
“We also have a big lawn at the side where we can put tents up for functions too.
“In the future I would also like to see if we can put a little Tiki bar down on the beach and maybe a couple of tables where people can eat, but that is something to look forward to.
“At the moment we are very pleased with how it has gone.”
Mr Casalicchio has vast experience in the hospitality industry having started out as a chef himself and then gone on to open a string of more than 20 successful restaurants in the US.
He was coaxed out of retirement after meeting a group of prominent St George’s figures when he sailed to the island last year.
He said: “I feel very lucky to be given this opportunity in such a beautiful country and I have really enjoyed working here.
“Everyone has been so good to me since I got here at the beginning of May and we have a great team of Bermudian staff
“I fell in love with Bermuda when I visited the island and the success of the Beach House can only be good for the community.”
The Beach House at Blackbeards is open every day except Monday.
It opens for lunch between 11am and 4pm and then serves dinner between 6pm and 10:30pm.
The bar however is open to the public all day.
To make a reservation or to book a function call 297-1400.