Marcus Samuelsson's pop-up restaurant slated for June 3

A vibrant menu that celebrates Bermudian culture and history is what we can expect from celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson who will be opening a ‘pop up’ restaurant from June 3 to August 3. 

Samuelsson has been recruited by the Green Family, owners of the Fairmont Hamilton Princess, to launch the hotel’s signature restaurant — Samuelsson at HP — in May 2015. 

His two-month pop-up restaurant aims to give locals and visitors alike a taste of what is to come. The culinary fare will be executed by chef de cuisine Leo Marino and chef de cuisine Justin Levine, both hailing from Samuelsson’s acclaimed Red Rooster Harlem in New York City. 

“I’m excited to create new flavours inspired by the rich, vibrant culture and history of Bermuda,” says chef Marcus Samuelsson. 

“From fresh-caught, local fish to an array of Caribbean and Portuguese ingredients and traditions, there is such a wealth of inspiration to bring to the table.”

The menu promises to borrow from internationally-influenced cooking style. The dishes will highlight fresh seafood and local flavours emphasising the restaurant’s ocean-front location. 

There will be several raw options, like Rockfish Crudo with pickled cherry tomato, radishes and jalapeño oil, and small plate appetizers such as Fish Chowder Croquettes with rum aioli; and Paddlefish Caviar Tacos with wasabi sour cream and red onion.  Large plates will include Grilled Head on Shrimp with ginger-scallion sauce, sweet soy and cilantro; and Mustard-Crusted Lamb Rack with red wine and coffee-caramelized pearl onions.

Desserts take on an island theme, with offerings like Rum Cake with local strawberry and ginger salad; Dark & Stormy Sorbet; and Banana Bread Pudding Parfait with passion fruit gel and chocolate.

The pop-up restaurant’s bar menu will feature bespoke warm weather cocktails, from large, shareable pitchers of Rum Rum Punch with white rum, dark rum, coconut water, pineapple juice, lime and nutmeg; to the M City Grapefruit with tequila, grapefruit, mint and salt.

Parts and Labor Design spearheaded the custom interiors of Samuelsson at HP to reflect Bermuda and its leisurely spirit. The pop-up will feature a 42 indoor as well as an expansive outdoor seating for up to 60 additional guests with a bar, dining area and lounge terrace. 

Expect handcrafted design elements will showcase geometric patterned pillows and flooring, nautical elements, Scandinavian-inspired wood furniture accented with bright “pops” of colour.

The Ethiopian-born, Swedish-raised chef and restaurateur who opened New York City restaurant Red Rooster Harlem and its sister speakeasy and jazz lounge Ginny’s Supper Club is on board at the Bermuda restaurant which is set to open in May 2015.

The award-winning chef and cookbook author, Samuelsson is at the forefront of the international culinary scene. He was the youngest chef to receive two three-star ratings from The New York Times and he served as the guest chef for the first State Dinner of the Obama administration

On behalf of the Green family, Andrew Green said: “To have Chef Samuelsson join us in bringing to life our vision for the signature Gazebo restaurant in truly an honour. We are very excited to introduce the chef and his exceptional and unique cuisine to Bermuda. As plans for the new restaurant unfold, we look forward to sharing those details.”