The holiday season can be a stressful time for families, particularly for those whose turn it is to host the Christmas Day meal.
That’s why increasing numbers of people in Bermuda are deciding to avoid Christmas cooking stress by letting professionals in the island’s hospitality sector take care of preparation, cooking and clean-up.
No more checking the turkey every 15 minutes to determine if it’s time to put the potatoes in the oven. No more weighing the politics of who among your guests should be given the honour of carving the bird.
Dining Bermuda’s Fourways and Aurora restaurants, and The Reefs Resort and Club, all welcome patrons for a Christmas Day meal.
The Reefs
At The Reefs, perched atop a cliff on South Road in Southampton, the Solaris restaurant has undergone a complete renovation since last Christmas and is proving popular with both hotel guests and island residents for its top-class food and spectacular ocean views.
Solaris offers in-person dining on Christmas Day as well as individual take out meals/plates and family style and full turkey options for larger family parties.
Jennifer Cappadona, resort manager at The Reefs, said the venue attracts an array of families, couples and children over the holidays.
She added: “Join us for a festive atmosphere, impeccable service, and a holiday menu that blends holiday tradition with refined, seasonal island flair.
“Enjoy gourmet holiday takeaway meals made to impress — ready to serve, beautifully packaged and designed to travel flawlessly from our kitchen to your celebration.
“Our beautifully renovated spaces, combined with our elevated menu offerings in Solaris that are new this year, bring an exciting new place for all to enjoy the festive season.”
Reservations can be made via Open Table.
Fourways Inn
At Fourways Inn in Paget, cedar beams and original stone walls create an atmospheric venue for patrons to enjoy the regular a la carte menu on Christmas Eve and a Christmas Day buffet brunch that has proven popular with families.
On Christmas Day, the restaurant expects to serve upwards of 550 people in-house and also offers a popular Christmas take-out menu.
During December, Fourways is serving a Christmas-themed brunch every Sunday.
Fourways is also in demand for company parties of all sizes during December.
The restaurant attracts locals as well as visitors, particularly those staying at Fourways’ cottage colony.
Andy Detzer, general manager, spoke about the appeal of the restaurant.
“It’s the festive atmosphere combined with the decadent brunch with so many choices and of course always having live music with our piano player.
“For Christmas decor, we have three Christmas trees and beautiful decorations throughout.”
He added: “Private rooms are in high demand leading up to Christmas and New Year’s for events and sell out quickly and Peg Leg is the most requested room. The charm is unbeatable with two lit fireplaces and a private cedar bar.”
Aurora
The award-winning seafood restaurant, Aurora, at Newstead Belmont Hills Golf Resort & Spa offers Christmas brunch, a special Christmas dinner menu and its regular a la carte breakfast menu on Christmas Day.
The venue attracts local residents and visitors, including families, couples and individuals.
Aurora’s Sarah Almeda said Christmas Eve for dinner, and Christmas Day for brunch, are the busiest days of the year.
She added: “During the holiday season, Aurora transforms into a warm and festive destination where diners can celebrate and enjoy stunning views of the Hamilton Harbour.
“Guests are welcomed with beautifully decorated spaces, a joyful atmosphere and menus designed to highlight the flavours of the season.
“With Aurora winning Best Seafood restaurant [in the Best of Bermuda competition] for three years, menus feature fresh seafood along with classic holiday favourites. Groups can receive special rates at Newstead hotel.”
Reservations are required at Christmas for Fourways and Aurora.
IRG restaurants
Island Restaurant Group Ltd venues are closed on Christmas Day.
Company president Philip Barnett said: “Christmas Day is the only day that I will be closed at every single restaurant. I kind of keep that day inviolate because I’m a huge believer in my staff being able to celebrate that one day all together with their friends and family.”
The staff day off follows a busy Christmas period for the group.
Mr Barnett said Christmas period menus are first discussed at IRG management meetings in July.
He said the most popular restaurants for whole companies, or small company departments, are Bolero and Barracuda Grill.
Pickled Onion is more moderately priced, and companies can book a disc jockey for later in the evening.
Frog & Onion can handle groups of up to 1,000 if a client wishes to book the Victualling Yard and have it tented while retaining IRG Catering.
Hog Penny is popular for smaller gatherings.
Mr Barnett said restaurants feature a three-course Christmas menu, but IRG is flexible, particularly for larger groups.
Jonny Roberts, formerly the owner at Bolero, is the executive chef for all IRG restaurants.
Mr Barnett said: “We cook a lot of turkeys, and every single menu has turkey on it, but a lot of people may have different dietary needs.
“Fish is still a very popular item on our Christmas menus. A lot of people like to have a nice, beautiful, certified Angus beefsteak or something like that.
“So, it just depends. But that’s the perfect part, that literally our executive chef, Jonny, can match exactly what you need to your budget and to what everybody’s tastes may be.”
Mr Barnett said the nature of company group celebrations has evolved.
“Twenty-five years ago, it would have been everybody wanting to book a dinner. Now, a lot of people book at lunch, and they’ll come all afternoon long, close the office early, come on out and enjoy themselves from 12.30 onwards.”
Mr Barnett said it’s important that people remember why they are out celebrating with their colleagues.
“It is about a time to break bread and be one with their work family prior to going off and being with their personal family. So, we always enjoy that aspect of things.”
