BERMUDA IN PICTURES

One of the first things I always do when I am planning to jet set somewhere is to search for pictures on-line. I'll go to Flickr or to Google Images and search for the place I'll be visiting. It's one of my favorite things to do because it gives me a good idea for what I should see when I'm there, and it also clues me in to things that I might not have known about before. For example, this is how I found out about Art Mel's Fish sandwich shop in Bermuda...the best fish sandwich on the island, remember? So as I wrap up my Bermuda posts, here are some pictures that we took, that may make you wanna jet set to this fabulous island one day. Hope you enjoy!

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!

RACHAEL RAY'S $40 A DAY: BERMUDA

I'm always curious to find out which spots celebrity chefs chose to dine at when they jet set.  Most of the time when I check out the places they suggest I am pleasantly surprised, but sometimes I am very disappointed (example: La Casita Blanca in Puerto Rico- Rachael Ray recommendation which I will post about at some point).  Anyhow, the following places are the eateries Rachael Ray says to check out on the island of Bermuda.  When I jet set there again, I might have to see some or all of them for myself...heck, it'll only cost $40 to do so! ;)

 Rachael starts her day with breakfast at Aggie's Garden Waterfront Cafe.  This little piece of heaven was built in 1780, but it's only been a restaurant since 2003.  Aggie's serves up organic produce and homemade pastries.  Rachael tries one of their orange coconut scones fresh out of the oven topped with Bermuda honey and an organic french pressed coffee for a total of $4.  Next, she stops into one of her all time favorite restaurants on the island Fresco's Restaurant and Wine Bar (a place she says she visits each time she is in Bermuda).

 She tries a bowl of their Bermuda Fish Chowder (laced with sherry peppers & Bermuda Black Rum)- a Bermuda favorite!  It is made with onions, diced chili peppers, tomato paste, grouper, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, red peppers, chili pepper flakes, tomato juice, water, worcestershire sauce and hot sauce.  This soup costs $6.25.  Afterwards she heads to the Swizzle In, where the motto is "Swizzle In and Swagger Out."

 This place has been around for more than 70 years, and is THE place to have a Rum Swizzle or a Dark and Stormy.  She orders a Rum Swizzle which is made from a blend of Bermuda and Black Seal rums, Falernum (a unique Caribbean syrup made from sugar and ginger), triple sec, pineapple juice, orange juice, lemon juice, a dash of bitters and is served icy cold.  This drink costs $5.75.  For dinner she goes to the Hog Penny Restaurant & Pub for dinner.

 The Hog Penny is one of Bermuda's oldest and most authentic pubs.  She is craving Indian curry and orders the Chicken Bhuna Masala for $18.95.  It is made with garlic, finer, cardamom, green chilies, turmeric, tomato, coriander and chicken and is slow cooked for hours.  She drinks water with every meal, but she does stay under budget!