HOG PENNY

When I visited Bermuda recently, I made sure to try some or all of Rachael Ray's recommendations from her $40-a-Day Bermuda show.  (I posted about it before.  Click here to read.)  And I have to say her Hog Penny recommendation was spot on!!!  In fact it was awesome, and one of my favorite meals that I had while I was in Bermuda.

When Rachael went she had the Chicken Bhuna Masala which is made with garlic, cardamom, green chilies, turmeric, tomato, coriander and chicken and is slow cooked for hours.  We tried it and I'll tell you there wasn't a bite left.  The chicken had just the right amount of spices which was served with a mango chutney...which paired so well with it.

I washed it down with a Rum Swizzle (one of Bermuda's classic cocktails).  I tried a Rum Swizzle at every restaurant I ate at while on the island, and I have to say that Hog Penny had my favorite by far!  It was sweet and refreshing with just enough of an alcoholic kick.

We also ordered their onion ring tower (since when you are in Bermuda, one of the things you must eat is Bermuda onions).  Of course it was good!  But, again what is deep fried and not good, right?!?

I highly recommend a visit to Hog Penny if you are in Bermuda! Rachael Ray got it right for sure!

"HANDS DOWN! THE BEST FISH SANDWICH IN BERMUDA!"

No joke!  Every, single, time that I would ask locals in Bermuda about Art Mel's Spicy Dicy Fish Sandwich, I would hear the same thing... it is "Hands Down The BEST Fish Sandwich on the island!"  They first would ask me "How did you hear about Art Mel's?"  And I would always tell them by doing good Jet Set Smart research because it's the truth.  Art Mel's is not featured in any travel guide out there like Fodors or Frommers, it doesn't even have a website, and to be honest, I like it that way.  I even toyed with whether I should post on JSS about the name of Art Mel's or where it's located for fear that it will become more popular and not as good. But, I feel that loyal JSS readers deserve to know what is the BEST out there.  So here's the story of my AMAZING Art Mel's experience:

Each time I got into a cab during the week I was in Bermuda, I would always ask the driver about Art Mel's and constantly got different answers when I would ask how far away it was.  Maybe because they didn't want to take me there, or maybe because it doesn't look like much on the outside or inside, or maybe because it's located in the "Back-of-Town" (the lesser traveled place by tourists).  Whatever the reason I had to find this place before I left the island.  And on my last day in Bermuda, I got into a cab with Nadanja Bailey, and thank goodness I did!

 He is not only a cab driver who was born and raised on the island, but he's also an Actor, Comedian and DJ, and he's well known in Bermuda.  In fact, you can see one of his Stand Up Routines here on You Tube.  We told him we wanted to go to Art Mel's, and he too was impressed we knew about it.  Our one problem was that they didn't open until 12pm, and our cruise ship was leaving at 12:30pm.  I WAS DETERMINED!  And Nadanja made it happen.  He called up Art Mel's and asked them to cook up two fish sandwiches and to have them ready at 12pm.  Determination pays off!

The sandwich is made with grouper which is deep fried, then it's served on pieces of light colored wheat bread.  They'll ask you what you want on your sandwich, and the true Bermudian way is to order it with cole slaw, hot sauce and tar tar sauce on it...delish!

  Art Mel's is take-out only.  The sandwich costs $11.50.  It is one of the BIGGEST fish sandwiches you will find on the island and "HANDS DOWN THE BEST FISH SANDWICH IN BERMUDA!!!"

JET SET SAIL!

That's right Jet Setters...I just got back from a week long cruise to Bermuda! And It was awesome! The hubby's family and I spent one week aboard Holland America Line's M/S Veendam which cruised right out of New York City (so easy for me) to St. George's and Hamilton, Bermuda.

I spent my time off the ship checking out great places to eat (including where to find the BEST fish sandwich on the island)...gosh, I gained three pounds in a week- so you know I did a ton of eating while I was away!

 I also checked out a bunch of different beaches in my quest to find out which one is the PINKEST...that is one of the top things Bermuda is known for, right?  I have lots to share with all of you, but I have lots of laundry to do too.  But, I promise I will get the info up on JSS very soon...so stay tuned!

JSS MINI GUIDE TO BERMUDA

Bermuda is one of my favorite island destinations. It has spectacular pink beaches and some of the most beautiful golf courses you will ever see. One of the best things about Bermuda is that it's located just 600 miles off the coast of North Carolina in the Atlantic Ocean, so to jet set there by plane from New York takes only about two hours!!! There is so much to see, do and eat, but here's at least a mini guide that I hope is helpful for those of you planning to jet set to Bermuda! When to Go: June, July and August. The summer months, which are high season, are the best time to enjoy those spectacular pink beaches and turquoise waters, with temperatures in the mid-80s. March and April can be rainy.

Where to Stay: 9 Beaches- Opened in May of 2005, this resort aims to be the anti-Bermuda—a young, hip alternative to the stuffy, traditional cottage colony. Cambridge Beaches- This cottage colony in the northwest part of the island is secluded, with a picturesque setting on a 30-acre peninsula overlooking Long Bay Beach, with the Atlantic on one side and Mangrove Bay on the other. Elbow Beach- This is a Mandarin Oriental hotel with a beautiful beach and great restaurant (read more about it below). Fairmont Hamilton Princess- The classic 1885 "Pink Palace" is a favorite with business travelers and visiting celebs—mostly for its marble lobby, but also for its location near downtown Hamilton's restaurants, bars, and shopping. The hotel is not on the beach, but you can hop a ferry for the 20-minute ride to its sister property in Southampton. Fairmont Southampton- Where I stayed when I was in Bermuda, and where I think I would want to stay again! It has a beautiful golf course, beach and pool, plus many good restaurants to chose from. The only downfall is that it's located pretty much on the other side of the island from the airport, so you must cab it everywhere and cabs are expensive. Horizons and Cottages- Essentially, Horizons has all the physical facilities of a large, traditional resort, such as the terrace pool and golf course (use is free of charge), but it no longer provides the white-glove services it once did—room service, bellhops, concierge. There is no beach, so guests have to walk downhill to a neighboring property. Appeared in the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List, a directory of the world's best hotels and resorts, in 2005. Newstead Belmont Hills Resort and Spa- an all-suite boutique hotel. The 45 rooms, including two of the original cottages, look right over Hamilton Harbor, and all have either a full or half kitchen and separate sitting areas (some rooms are laid out loft-style, others have proper rooms). The location at Newstead is unbelievably convenient—you're a short hotel shuttle ride to South Shore and all its beaches and golf courses, and a five-minute public ferry ride to Hamilton itself, making shopping and dining a snap (taxis on the island are expensive and slow). The Reefs- the grounds hang on a cliff overlooking a cove and beach with limited access and a very private feel (most beaches in Bermuda are public).Where to Eat: Seahorse Grill at Mandarin Oriental Hotel- (Elbow Beach, 60 South Shore Road, 441-239-9303) Considered one of the finer dining restaurants on the island. I had a fantastic dinner where I enjoyed some really delicious lobster, but you can't go wrong with anything you order off the menu here! Ascots Restaurant- (Royal Palms Hotel, 441-292-1854) Very Bermudian experience. Tucked away down a long narrow road in a very lush neighborhood. Unfortunately, I didn't make it here, but I have heard that their Bermuda Fish Chowder is to die for (if you like spicy food)! If you go, I would go for lunch. The Newport Room (The Fairmont Southampton)- (101 South Shore Road, 441-238-8000) This is a beautiful and romantic place to go for dinner. The restaurant looks like a racing boat, and the decor accentuates that ambiance. The restaurant was closed when I was there, but I will make it there one day for sure! If you go, order the Rockfish or Dover Sole for dinner and the Crepes Suzette for two for dessert. Pickled Onion- (53 Front Street, 441-295-2263) Noisy, but fun. The restaurant overlooks the main boulevard, so there's lots of action to see. This place is good for brunch or lunch. What to Do: Crystal Caves- (8 Crystal Caves Road, 441-293-0640) Go on this cave expedition and see crystal clear water like you've never seen before. Dolphin Quest (Bermuda Maritime Museum)- (15 Maritime Lane, 441-234-4464) One of the most memorable experiences ever- swimming with dolphins. Port Royal Golf Course- (5 Port Royal Drive, 441-234-0974) Golf course with beautiful views.