THE SWIZZLE PUB AND RESTAURANT

A classic Bermuda institution is  The Swizzle Pub and Restaurant.  It's Bermuda's oldest and most famous pub.  There are actually two of them on the island (the original which opened in 1932 and the one that popped up a few years ago in 2005).  And if you are in Bermuda, visiting one is a must for ambiance, for some grub, but most importantly, for a rum swizzle!  After all, their motto is "Swizzle In and Swagger Out!"  Unfortunately, I didn't get to see the original one while I was there (which is supposed to be very cool with thousands of business cards tacked on the walls and people's signatures scribbled on the bar), but I did get a chance to have lunch and a Rum Swizzle at the newer restaurant and I have to say I was impressed all around.

 I honestly wasn't expecting the food to be good, but it definitely was!  I tried two different kinds of their fish sandwiches: (1) Back O'Town Fish Sandwich- breaded fish piled high on a bun with shredded lettuce, tomato, spicy slaw and tartar sauce.  I also added the hot peppers!

And (2) Bailey's Bay Fish Sandwich (the original)- huge grilled sandwich on bread with battered fish, tomato, melted cheddar and tartar sauce.  Both were very good, but the Back O'Town rocked!!!  It was crispy delicious goodness, while the Bailey's reminded me of a slightly better version of a McDonald's McFish sandwich (and I mean that sincerely, not in a way to knock the sandwich which I still thought was very good).

Now to the Rum Swizzle.  It was amazing as I certainly washed down a couple of pitchers while I was there. This one was different from the one I had at Hog Penny- it was more orange/peach in color- probably because of the different juices they used in it.  But, this is the original...so this is the way a Rum Swizzle should taste!

So if you jet set to Bermuda, try to make it to one of the Swizzle Pubs on the island for some great grub and swizzle!

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!

WANT MORE OF SUMMER? JET SET TO BERMUDA!

Labor Day weekend has come and gone, and now the weather forecast is already calling for cooler temperatures in New York City by the end of this week...where has summer gone? I do love fall (especially the fashion), but I'm just not ready yet to give up on summer. A lot of my clients have asked me about jet setting to the Caribbean in September and October, and I always caution them about Hurricane Season. But, one island that is almost never affected by hurricanes is Bermuda...and that's why I always recommend it as a great island destination for September and even October! (It's located 1,000 miles north of the Caribbean and 700 miles of the coast of the Carolinas- so usually not in the path of most hurricanes).

Bermuda is a British overseas territory, and is an island that I would say has more of a formal and sophisticated feel it to. It has more churches and golf courses per square mile than anywhere else in the world...and Bermuda is only 21 square miles long!

The last time I was there was in September 2008 (my hubby and I went for just one night!) Crazy, but definitely romantic! ;) This was our itinerary:

SLEEP

Fairmont Southampton- This hotel sits atop Bermuda's highest point. It's a large and luxurious resort that overlooks the ocean and the bay. It has its own beach, an amazing golf course and incredible restaurants! We had a beautiful room that was spacious, clean, and had gorgeous views.

EAT

The Pickled Onion: Noisy, but fun. I would say this place is half tourist trap, half fun bar- but they do serve good food, especially for brunch or lunch. We went for lunch before heading to the airport and grabbed a burger and a fish sandwich- both were yummy. This restaurant overlooks Front Street which is the main boulevard, so there's lots to see!

The Seahorse Grill at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel...having an amazing lobster dinner!

Trying one of Bermuda's National Drinks- a "Rum Swizzle" at the bar at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. A Rum Swizzle is made with rum, fruit juice (often including lime, orange, pineapple juice and grenadine).

Trying the other of Bermuda's National Drinks- a "Dark and Stormy" at the Fairmont Southampton Hotel. A Dark and Stormy is made of dark rum and ginger beer and is served over ice with a slice of lime.

PLAY

It's an order that when you jet set to Bermuda, you must have at least one day of sun bathing, swimming, or doing fun water activities like snorkeling, para sailing, jet skiing, or going on a boat. You must check out the pink sand beaches in Bermuda (especially on the south shore of the island). The beaches are beautiful, the sand is so soft, and the water...unlike anything you've ever seen! We spent our time at the beach of the Fairmont Southampton which was spectacular! I've also heard that Horseshoe Bay is pretty too!

And always make a little time for shopping on Front Street!

I definitely look forward to jet setting to Bermuda again soon!