The Holiday Season is here and you know what that means – amazing food!I look forward to enjoying Christmas dinner all year whether I am cooking, having dinner at someone’s home or going out to eat. And the latter seems to be what a lot of families have decided to do in recent times. 

If you’re considering not cooking this Christmas, I’ve prepared an extensive guide with options abound if cooking is the last thing you’d like to do this Christmas. Whether you want a brunch, a buffet, a plated dinner or a chef-cooked meal in the comfort of your own home, it’s all here. 

DINE IN OPTIONS 

Aurora 

Aurora will be hosting a lavish plated dinner for $135 pp on Christmas Day. The menu options include Christmas Cappuccino Soup, Short Rib Ravioli, Oysters Rockefeller, Turkey Roulade, Charred Black Angus Beef Wellington, Lobster, Eggnog Cheesecake, Black Forest Buche de Noel and more. To book, call 232-8686. 

The Reefs 

The Reefs is offering a Christmas Day brunch for $75pp in their normal Sunday brunch space, Aqua Terra. The expansive buffet includes Roasted Pumpkin Soup, Fish Chowders, Salads, Sushi, Roast Turkey, Honey Ham, Lamb, Salmon en Croute, a variety of breakfast items, hot sides, a pasta station and festive desserts. 

There is also a Christmas dinner on offer with items including Broccoli + Spinach Soup, Lobster + Beetroot Salad, Roasted Turkey + Maple Glazed Ham, Dijon Garlic Rack, Christmas Bread + Butter Pudding and more. Items are a la carte and start at $15.  To book, call 238-0222 or email [email protected] 

Hamilton Princess 

There are a wide variety of options if you want to enjoy Christmas Day at Hamilton Princess. There is a Christmas Day buffet brunch, a buffet dinner on offer at 1609, a three-course dinner available at Crown and Anchor and an a la carte dinner at Intrepid on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

Intrepid

A special a la carte dinner with three courses is on offer for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for with options including Gingerbread Spiced Gravalax, Beetroot Salad, Bone-In Short Rib, Turkey Roulade, Prosciutto Opah, Roasted Pumpkin Pappardelle and Eggnog Creme Brulee. Each dish is priced separately starting at $24 and there is an option to add a wine pairing for $98. 

Crown + Anchor

An a la carte menu with three courses for dinner is on offer on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with dishes starting at $18. Options include Roasted Apple + Parsnip Soup, Prosciutto Burrata, Herb Roasted Turkey Roulade, Creamy Pumpkin + Mushroom Risotto and Cinnamon Cake. You can upgrade with wine pairings for $65. 

Christmas Day Brunch: 

A fabulous brunch is being held between Crown + Anchor and Intrepid from 11am to 4pm for $96 pp, $62 for kids, $125 for pure brunch, $145 for prosecco brunch and $175 for Veuve Clicquot champagne. 

The vast menu includes a large variety of salads, a Cheese Board, Shrimp Cocktail, Breakfast Items, Cassava Pie, Paw Paw Casserole, Mac + Cheese, an Eggs Benedict Station, Sushi, Carvery with Turkey, Ham, Christmas Porchetta and Prime Rib and finally, a Chocolate Fountain and dessert buffet. 

1609

A dinner buffet is on offer in 1609 with two seatings at 5:30pm and 8pm. The cost is $90 pp, $58 for kids, $140 including prosecco and $170 for Veuve Clicquot champagne. 

The menu includes Butternut Squash Soup, Festive Salad, Grilled Peach + Arugula Salad, Seafood/Ceviche Bar, Roasted Salmon, Carvery with Turkey and Ribeye, Cassava Pie, Potato Gratin, Roasted Brussel Sprouts and a dessert spread including Coconut Tres Leches, Spiced Chocolate Tarts, Lemon Pudding, Mini Rum Cakes and more.  To make reservations at any of the Hamilton Princess options for Christmas, call 298-2028 or email [email protected]. 

The Loren 

Christmas Brunch: 

A three-course Christmas Brunch is available from 10am to 4pm for $75 pp. 

The menu includes a pastry basket for the table, Avocado Toast, Certified Angus Beef Croquettes, Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, Lobster Salad, Roasted Turkey Breast, Honey + Orange Glazed Country Ham, Tuna or Tofu Poke, Pan-Seared Rockfish, Pumpkin Pie, Spiced Eggnog Creme Brulee, Christmas Pudding Cheesecake and more. 

Christmas Dinner: 

Three-course dinner for $95pp from 5pm to 10pm. 

The menu includes Local Pumpkin Soup, Seared Foie Gras, Local Spiny Lobster Salad, Pumpkin + Wild Mushroom Risotto, Roasted Turkey Breast, Honey Bourbon Glazed Ham, Loren Steak Oscar, Christmas Pudding Cheesecake, Mascarpone Panna Cotta, Warm Chocolate Lava Cake and more.  For reservations, please call 293-1666 or email [email protected]. 

St. Regis 

St. Regis will host a Christma Eve Dinner and a Christmas Brunch for the festive season. 

Christmas Eve Dinner: 

A five-course menu featuring signature dishes at BLT Steak NY for $120 pp and $50 for children 12 and under from 6pm to 10pm. The menu includes Coconut Roasted Tomato Soup, Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, Chopped Vegetable Salad, Macadamia Nut Crusted Lamb Rack, Turkey, Grilled Branzino and Raspberry Panna Cotta. 

Christmas Brunch: 

A Brunch Buffet is available at Lina from 12 noon to 3pm for $99 pp and $50 per for children aged 12 and under 

The menu includes a continental-style breakfast station, waffles + pancakes station, pasta station, international cheese display, Eggs Benedict, Smoked Salmon, salad station, live grill station, live sushi station, carving station, taco station, soup station, hot buffet and a dessert station with a large selection of decadent treats including Chocolate Fudge Cake, Rum Raisin Bread Pudding, Cherry Meringue Pie, Profiteroles Tower and more.  To make a reservation for either seating, please email [email protected]. 

CATERING OPTIONS 

Hamilton Princess 

Enjoy Christmas dinner in the comfort of your own home with your meal catered by Hamilton Princess. The menu includes roast turkey, honey glazed ham, cassava pie, garlic mashed potatoes, sage stuffing, honey glazed carrots, brown butter green beans, kale salad, cranberry sauce and gravy and your choice of bread and pumpkin pie or cheesecake. This meal is for six to eight people for $385. Email [email protected] or call 441-298-2028 to order dinner. 

Miles Market 

If you don’t need a whole feast and just want to order a few items, or if you have a smaller guest list for Christmas lunch or dinner, Miles Market is a great bet. Their Christmas menu includes Whole Roasted Turkey with Stuffing + Gravy, Honey-Mustard Ham, Cassava Pie, Scalloped Potatoes, Stuffing, Mince Pie, Roasted Butternut Squash, Mashed Potatoes, English Custard, Apple Pie, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Yule Log and more. 

There are also a variety of platters and Christmas morning breakfast options available. Visit www.miles.bm for all the details. 

The Reefs 

The Reefs is offering an a la carte menu for catering for the big day along with a vegan menu. Options include ham, turkey, pumpkin soup, fish chowder, a large variety of sides, cassava pie, all the accompaniments and Christmas Pudding, Yule Log or Caramel Apple Pie for dessert. To place an order, call 238-0222 or email [email protected]. 

The post Don’t want to cook for Christmas? appeared first on RG Magazines.

As summer embraces the picturesque island of Bermuda, its vibrant music scene comes alive, enticing locals and visitors alike with the enchanting melodies and infectious beats. From pulsating reggae rhythms to soul-stirring jazz and everything in between, Bermuda offers an eclectic range of live music experiences that are sure to leave you spellbound. So grab your hat and dancing shoes as we share five fantastic venues where you can immerse yourself in the rhythmic pulse of Bermuda this summer!

SEA BREEZE LOUNGE

Friday nights at Sea Breeze Lounge at the Lido Complex are legendary with amazing cocktails, great tapas and fantastic entertainment. This summer is no exception with Friday night entertainment provided by Silver City, a band featuring Jesse Seymour, Ben Payne, DJ Felix and Kassie Caines. Catch the band from 8pm to 1am every Friday night.

CROWN + ANCHOR

Hamilton Princess is always a hub of activity right in the heart of the City of Hamilton. There is always entertainment and this summer is no exception. On Thursday’s, you’ll find Working Title performing reggae, soca and afrobeats covers from 7pm to 10pm.

BIRD CAGE

Bermuda’s most quirky and edgy cocktail bar is the place to be on Thursday nights for live entertainment. From 5:30pm to 8:30pm, various Bermudian artists will perform a large variety of music overlooking Hamilton Harbour. Enjoy the music while sipping a fabulous craft cocktail from the extensive menu.

THE REEFS

There is a variety of entertainment on offer at The Reefs during the summer whether you like classic piano, acoustic guitar or ukulele. On Monday’s, be entertained by pianist Tony Bari at the Clubhouse Bar and Lounge from 7pm to 10pm. Thursday’s feature Tony B with solo guitar at Coconuts from 6:30pm to 10pm and then Rewind featuring Sarah and TonyB on Friday’s at the Clubhouse from 7:30pm to 10:30pm. Round out the weekend with Mike “Uncle Elvis” Hind on the ukulele at the Clubhouse from 7pm to 10pm.

MAREE LOUNGE AT THE LOREN

If you’re a jazz lover, head to Maree Lounge at The Loren for Tino Martinez and his quarter. A talented saxophonist, Martinez brings the grown and sexy vibes every other Thursday to the boutique hotel. Remaining dates for the summer are July 20, August 10, August 24, September 7, September 24, October 5 and October 19.

So, whether you prefer the lively atmosphere of a bar, the soothing sounds of a beachside retreat, or the elegance of a luxury resort, Bermuda has an incredible selection of live music venues to suit your taste. Immerse yourself in the island’s vibrant music scene this summer and let the rhythms of Bermuda ignite your soul

The post Live Music | Where to get it this summer appeared first on RG Magazines.

For a foodie like me, summer time means lots of alfresco dining! There’s just something magical about sitting outdoors to eat a delicious meal and sip a cool drink. But just because a restaurant has outdoor dining doesn’t mean it’s a good vibe. In this roundup, I’m sharing my ten favorite places to grab a meal outside. My criteria includes views, shade from the sun and of course, the food. Without further ado, here are my top ten restaurants for alfresco dining this summer.

1609 AT HAMILTON PRINCESS

So technically this isn’t alfresco as the restaurant is enclosed in glass but it might as well be! 1609 gets my vote as one of my top restaurants for alfresco dining simply because you are basically sitting above the water in a serene atmosphere.

The cocktail list is tequila and mezcal focused while the food is fresh Mexican with guacamole, ceviches, a variety of tacos and freshly grilled meats available. 1609 is pretty perfect for summer alfresco dining. Hot tip: book a table 30 mins before sunset to experience the magic.

RUSTICO

Delicious Italian on a covered patio? Yes please! Rustico is one of those classic Bermuda restaurants with great service and great food to match. The patio is fabulous, especially now that it’s completely covered with a weather-proof tent.

Rustico is famous for its incredible thin crust pizzas, fresh seafood and many other Italian classics. The wine list is extensive and their house made desserts are to die for. Hot tip: It can get a bit warm on the patio during the day, so book a table in the evening.

WAHOO’S BISTRO

If you want amazing, fresh seafood in a truly Bermudian environment, Wahoo’s is the place to go. The majority of the restaurant is open air and there’s a deck with a retractable roof in case the weather isn’t that great.

Some of my faovurite days have been spent enjoying lunch or dinner here. Whatever you do, order the fresh catch of the day, which will be listed on the blackboard. You can’t go wrong with any of the options, but if you see Red Hind or Rockfish Ribs, either one of those for a sublime meal. Hot tip: If you aren’t super hungry, order a single Wahoo Taco with a glass of their incredible Rum Swizzle.

AURORA AT NEWSTEAD

An extensive seafood menu and gorgeous view of Hamilton? That’s exactly what you get when you dine at Aurora. The menu is fantastic and the execution is even better. Plus, the patio is large so whether you come with a large or small group, you’ll have a great view. And because it’s right above the water, the breeze is nice and there are umbrellas to help with the sun. Hot tip: Go for a lazy lunch, order a bottle of rose and enjoy the afternoon!

SEA BREEZE AT THE LIDO COMPLEX

With gorgeous views of the South Shore, Sea Breeze is a must do for this list. Whether you go for a long lunch or on the weekend for live entertainment, this dining spot is exactly what comes to mind when I hear the words alfresco dining.

Sea Breeze is known for its extensive sushi and tapas menu, but there’s also a large pizza menu, bar snacks, impressive cocktail list and wine menu. It’s a great spot for weekend dining or whenever you have a lot of time. Hot tip: Book a table on a Friday night to enjoy some of Bermuda’s best live music.

HUCKLEBERRY AT ROSEDON

If you’re looking for classic alfresco garden vibes, Huckleberry is the place for you. With excellent menus for brunch, lunch, dinner and happy hour, you can quite literally dine alfresco here any time of the day.

As Bermuda’s only Relais + Chateau property, you will experience exemplary dining and service to match. The little touches here make a big difference and the urban oasis setting adds to the wonderful experience. Hot tip: Book a table on the covered porch for the best experience.

PINK BEACH CLUB AT THE LOREN

If you want to dine with the sound of the ocean crashing, Pink Beach Club is for you. The restaurant is covered but is open air so you don’t have to worry about the sun beaming in your face and you still get the alfresco experience.

The food here is always good (tacos are a fave) as are the drinks. I highly recommend coming on a day when you aren’t in a rush as Pink Beach Club is definitely a place for a relaxed meal. Hot tip: Ask for a table on the outer edge to truly experience the waves crashing.

SUL VERDE AT ROSEWOOD BERMUDA

As I mentioned above, great Italian food and alfresco dining go hand in hand. And while Sul Verde is Italian food, the experience here is very different from the alfresco experience at Rustico. Sul Verde overlooks Tucker’s Point Golf Course and you get ocean views from the elevated restaurant.

The wraparound porch is large which means you usually get a seat. It’s completely covered and there are ceiling fans to keep you cool. The menu has pizza, pasta, sandwiches, fresh seafood and much more. There’s also a great cocktail and wine list. Hot tip: Order from the pizz menu and get a bottle of rosé. Sit for hours enjoying your fabulous life.

BREEZE’S AT CAMBRIDGE BEACHES

Breeze’s is one of the restaurants that makes you feel like you are on vacation. It’s steps away from the beach and truly has that beach bar vibe. It’s chic but still very casual and like many others on the list, is a great place to sit and laze while eating and drinking.

The menu has sandwiches, salads, burgers, pastas, catch of the day and much more depending on if you come for lunch or dinner. There’s also a large vegetarian offering for those who don’t eat meat. Hot tip: You can arrive by boat, anchor and walk right up.

THE WHARF

If you haven’t caught on by now, my favourite alfresco dining tends to be waterside. The Wharf offers one of the best waterside dining options in Bermuda right next to St. George’s Harbour. There are two main outdoor dining spaces – on the porch attached to the restaurant and then the entire wharf next to the harbour with umbrellas for covering.

The Wharf offers a very large menu with a separate sushi and pizza menu. I typically will order sushi and pizza to share with whoever I’m dining with along with a glass of rosé. The Wharf is great for people watching as the area is bustling when cruise ships are on island. Hot tip: Ask for a table right next to the water and feed the fish your leftovers.

There you have it, my fellow food enthusiasts – the top ten restaurants in Bermuda for alfresco dining. No matter which one you choose, you’re in for a great culinary experience that will leave you craving more. Happy dining!

The post 10 Best Places for Alfresco Dining appeared first on RG Magazines.

Summer in Bermuda is truly like no other and as we are in full swing, it’s time to prepare yourself for an extraordinary summer filled with an array of captivating events. From electrifying entertainment to dazzling cultural celebrations, Bermuda has something for everyone. Allow us to present the best of the best for Bermuda’s summer events, promising unforgettable experiences that will leave you enchanted and longing for more. Here are the top ten events happening in Bermuda this summer in no particular order that you absolutely shouldn’t miss.

CUP MATCH CLASSIC

Cup Match is truly Bermuda at its best and easily the most entertaining weekend on the calendar. Cup Match – a celebration of emancipation – is a two-day cricket match held on the last Thursday and Friday of July or the first Thursday and Friday in August. This beloved Bermudian tradition brings the island to life with passionate fans, live music, plenty libations and delicious food. This year, the game will be held at St. George’ Cricket Club on August 3rd and 4th and entry is $20 per day. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and cheer for your favourite team.

BERMUDA TRIPLE CROWN BILLFISH CHAMPIONSHIP

Fishing enthusiasts, this one’s for you! The Bermuda Triple Crown Billfish Championship is a thrilling tournament held from July to August, attracting anglers from around the world. Watch as skilled fishermen compete to catch the biggest billfish and experience the excitement firsthand. Here are the key dates:

• Bermuda Billfish Blast July 3 – 7
• Bermuda Billfish Release Cup July 9-11
• Bermuda Big Game Classic July 13-17
• Sea Horse Anglers Club Billfish Tournament July 20-24
• For more information, visit www.bermudatriplecrown.com

NON-MARINERS RACE

While this event does happen during the Cup Match weekend, it’s completely separate. The Non-Mariners race features unique, homemade boats participating in a fun race on the water. The “boats” rarely float, which adds to the humour of the non-race. There will be colourful costumes, creative boat designs and lots of fun. Non-Mariners is held the Sunday of Cup Match weekend (August 6 this year) at Mangrove Bay. The best way to attend is by boat.

BERMUDA SANDCASTLE COMPETITION

Held at one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the Bermuda Sandcastle Competition features gorgeous creations by masterful sculptors. The event will be held on September 2 this year at Horseshoe Bay Beach. You can either get in on the action and enter or enjoy the beautiful intricate designs. The Bermuda Sandcastle Competition is great fun for the whole family.

HARBOUR NIGHTS

Family fun is on offer every single Wednesday in the City of Hamilton thanks to Harbour Nights. The popular street festival is held from 7pm to 10pm weekly throughout the summer and showcases local dancers, musicians, artisans, food vendors, a kids zone and much more. Harbour NIghts gives residents and visitors the opportunity to sample local delicacies, purchase Bermudian crafts, enjoy traditional dancing and much more.

DESTINATION DOCKYARD

Head west this summer for Destination Dockyard with four monthly events happening during the season on the North Lawn. Destination Dockyard is a fun-filled event for the whole family featuring an array of local vendors, artists, and talented entertainers. The perfect way to spend a mid-week, family evening. The children can enjoy fun castles and a bite to eat, while the adults bask in the local entertainment and shopping. The remaining dates for Destination Dockyard are July 20 and August 24 for the “big bang” finale.

EASTERN COUNTY CRICKET GAMES

Eastern County Cricket is similar to Cup Match but at the same time, very different. The Eastern County Cricket Association (ECCA) comprises four county cricket clubs – Flatts Victoria (FVCC), Cleveland (CCCC), Bailey’s Bay (BBCC) and St. David’s (SDCCC). There are three games – the first held two weeks before Cup Match, the second game two weeks after Cup Match and the last game is two weeks after the second. Eastern County has been played since 1904 and is played at Lords at SDCCC or Sea Breeze Oval at BBCC on a year’s schedule. The atmosphere is vibrant and fun with great local food, Crown and Anchor and endless entertainment.

ST. GEORGE’S SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

This event was launched last summer and it was insanely successful! Popular vendors quickly ran out of fresh seafood and the entertainment was top notch. The event is held on Ordnance Island in St. George’s and celebrates Bermuda’s rich seafood culture. From fresh fried fish to shrimp to mussel pies to conch fritters, you’ll find it all here at this fantastic event. There will also be top notch Bermudian singers and DJs, bars serving up great cocktails and so much more. St. George’s Seafood Festival will be held on September 16 from 12 noon to 7pm.

BACCHANAL RUN

If you missed Carnival in Bermuda in June, Bacchanal Run delivers the J’ouvert vibes for a fraction of the cost. Bacchanal Run is organized by Party People and is one of the best parties over the Cup Match weekend. Hundreds of revellers head to Bernard Park for a warm up and then follow the big music truck around Pembroke for a lively, colourful party on the road with paint, powder and sprays of water. The party loops back to Bernard Park for more enjoyment with Bermuda;s top DJs and entertainers. Bacchanal Run will be held on August 5.

BERMUDA PRIDE HOMECOMING

Bermuda celebrates Pride in August and Bermuda Pride will host a number of events this year including a takeover of Harbour Nights, Open Mic Night, Pride Prom, Pride Parade and Drag Brunch. This year’s events are focused on “homecoming” and the committee invites those in the LGBTQ+ community who have left the island to return home to celebrate how far Bermuda has come and to recognize how much more work there is to do. The events will be held from August 23 to 27 in the City of Hamilton. For more info, visit www.pride.bm.

And there you have it, ten fantastic events happening in Bermuda this summer. From cultural celebrations to sporting events and food festivals, there’s something for everyone. Add these events to your calendar and enjoy the rest of the summer.

The post Bermuda Bliss appeared first on RG Magazines.

You want to go out and have a good time but you don’t want to drink your calories. Beer can make you full quickly and mixed drinks can be 250 calories each. Wine tends to be a better choice but it can be high in sugar. This time of year, nothing is worse than too many sugary drinks in the hot sun.

Not sure what to drink? I’ve been there and have practically mastered healthyish cocktails because I truly do not want to drink my calories. I’ve got you covered with three healthyish, hydrating cocktails to sip at a bar, on a boat and everything in between. They are all easy to prepare and only require a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably have at home.

VODKA SPRITZ – Serves 2

• 4oz flavoured vodka (Grey Goose Essence is a great option)
• 2oz fruit juice of choice
• 10 oz sparkling water (you can also add a splash of sprite or ginger beer if you prefer sweeter cocktails)
• Garnish of choice (fresh mint, lime slices, strawberry slices, etc)

1. Fill a wine glass with ice.
2. Top with vodka and fruit juice
3. Top with sparkling water and mix.
4. Add your garnish and enjoy

This is my go-to cocktail for the summer because it’s very low in calories and I can pretty much drink them for hours (Cup Match anyone?). I always have the ingredients on hand to quickly whip one up.

SPARKLING ROSÉ SANGRIA – Serves 4

• 1 bottle dry rosé (or sweet if you prefer)
• 2 peaches sliced
• 1 cup sliced strawberries
• 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
• 1 bottle sparkling water or sparkling wine

1. Mix the fruit, rosé and sugar together in a pitcher and let chill in the fridge for one hour

2. Filla wine glass with ice and add wine and fruit mixture.

3. Top with sparkling wine or sparkling water and enjoy.

Sangria is a fave of mine and this recipe is easy to whip together and lighter than normal sangria, especially if you cut it with sparkling water.

*Inspired by Damn Delicious

WATERMELON MIMOSAS – Serves 4

• 4 cups of watermelon, cubed and chilled
• Juice of one lime
• 2 tablespoons of sugar (if your watermelon isn’t super sweet)
• One bottle prosecco or champagne

1. Blend together the watermelon, lime juice and sugar

2. Strain mixture through fine sieve

3. Add watermelon juice to champagne flutes (halfway or one third), top with bubbly and enjoy.

This is a fun take on mimosa! And because they come together quickly, you’ll be sipping these in no time with your friends.

*Inspired by Delish.com

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I reached out to Gosling’s to get a few recommendations to elevate your barbecues this summer. No matter what you like to grill, we’ve got an awesome wine to go with it. Mikaela Denbrook, Marketing Manager, recommended four wines that will take your summer barbecues to the next level.

IF YOU LIKE STEAKS AND CHOPS:

Zuccardi Q Malbec 2020, Mendoza, Argentina

Ms Denbrook said: “The Q is marked for the word Quality because of the required special attention of this selection. The 100% Malbec grapes were harvested at different times from select vineyards in the best regions of Mendoza achieving a high quality varietal expression. The nose invites intense red fruits with rose and violet floral aromas. The supple tannins provide good structure opening up from a silky entry. Light dried herbal notes add complexity to blueberries and hinted oak.”

“With Q in the name, we can already tell this will be a fitting addition to your barbecues this season! Enjoy the long finish with all your chops and juicy steaks and experience the complex texture come alive.”

IF YOU LIKE SALADS OR VEGGIES ON THE GRILL:

Daou Paso Robles Sauvignon Blanc 2021, California Sauvignon Blanc

Ms Denbook considers this Sauvignon Blanc approachable luxury.

“The nose brings forth aromas of wet grass, gooseberry and lemon chiffon accented by citrus and kiwi. The mouthfeel is full and round presenting a crisp and zesty palette of vibrant tropical flavors of pineapple and dragon fruit with layers of melon and a lemon-lime core. The finish is clean, concise and exuberant.

“Daou Paso Robles Sauvignon Blanc will deliver a fresh and fruity addition to the table all summer long. Chill this one all the way down and take pleasure in the long lasting vibrant flavors next to any dish from the garden or straight from the grill.”

IF YOU LIKE POULTRY AND SEAFOOD:

Chateau Sainte Marguerite Les Fantastiques Rose 2022, French Rosé

“The nose is seducing with red apple, juicy peach and raspberry sloe with a sensory background aligning with the exotic packaging highlighting guava, papaya and pomelo peel notes. Fantastique has a tactile approach with a smooth and sustained freshness on the palette. Present is a harmony of zesty citrus and a long finish reminiscent of Jonathan apple.

“Promising to be a hit this summer by pairing perfectly with your grilled maine lobster tails, crab spring rolls and all the fresh summer salads ever present at any barbeque. Pro tip – throw an apple & papaya chutney together to top your poultry and seafood options and watch this rosé dance!”

IF YOU WANT A BIT OF EVERYTHING:

Mommessin Fleurie Domaine de la Presle 2020,  French Beaujolais

“The grape varietal of this complex wine is 100% Gamay that was handpicked in September 2020 and bottled in May 2021.

“The nose shows fine and elegant mineral notes and intense floral aromas. Mommessin Fleurie Domaine de la Presle offers a well-structured palette giving prominence to violet, cherry, wild strawberry and spice flavours. The velvety tannins bring a pleasant sweetness. Enjoy this wine slightly below room temperature after decanting to discover all of its richness!

“Be daring when pairing this wine with your summer barbeque this year as it’s the perfect accompaniment for a wide variety of flavor expressions.”

Head over to Gosling’s on Dundonald Street to grab a bottle or four for your next barbecue.

The post Sip and Smoke: The best wines for your summer barbecue appeared first on RG Magazines.

Summer time is synonymous with fun and sometimes fun includes a cocktail or glass of wine. And this summer will be no exception. But instead of that same old cocktail or glass of wine, let’s step out the box and have a bit more fun.

Bermudians love to be trendy and libations are no exception! In order to guide you in the right direction for trendy cocktails and wine this summer, we spoke to Bermudian experts to find out their thoughts on drink trends for the summer. Whether you prefer a perfectly chilled glass of wine or a cocktail, we’ve got something fun for you to try.

Meet our experts: Dae Paynter, Best of Bermuda Award winning Bartender of the Year 2022 and John Lake, veteran mixologist and sommelier. They both agree that spritz-style cocktails will be popular this summer.

Mr Payner said: “I was recently in Amsterdam, they’ve started a spritz vibe already. When you present it early, people get used to it and they say ‘you know what? This would be nice by the pool or relaxing by the water’. And who doesn’t love a little bubbles?

“A spritz gives you a chance to make two cocktails in one glass, really three if you mix it. The bottom would be more flavourful and sweet than the top and the top would be dry adding prosecco or champagne. If you mix it together, it becomes a unified cocktail that becomes balanced.”

Mr Lake agreed and said: “Things like aperol spritz or a Hugo spritz have been popular for a while. But a lot of bartenders and beverage directors are using the spritz style of cocktail in lots of cool and creative ways. The whole point is that you as a customer can have a couple over the course of the afternoon and be able to wake up the next morning and get on with your day.”

He also said he’s seeing customers switching to cocktails that are low or no ABV (alcohol by volume).

“People are conscious about what they are drinking on a daily or weekly basis. They want to go somewhere with friends and have a few drinks but still be a little buzzed, but not feel drunk.

He continued: “The problem a lot of cocktails have is customers want to drink a drink that tastes like the real thing. A lot of these non-alcoholic spirits out there claim it’s a non-alcoholic gin or tequila and you taste it and that’s not really what it is. In my experience making mocktails, the key is to use fresh ingredients to give someone who’s not drinking something enjoyable to drink that’s not water or soda because they still want to enjoy drinks and have fun without drinking.”

Mr Lake said one trick is to make the drinks longer by adding coconut water, tonic water or soda water to a straight up cocktail.

Mr Paynter said he thinks cocktails will be more popular than wine and beer this summer.

“It’s more of a new experience to drink craft cocktails from each bar in the summer rather than just drinking a glass of wine. I’ve noticed when people come to my bar people will say ‘I was just gonna have a glass of wine but what do you think?’.

It gives me the opportunity to ask them what they like – sweet, dry, spicy? You could drink wine but I could make you a cocktail that suits your personality. You don’t just drink one. You drink iit for the rest of the night. If I don’t hit the mark, they are gonna drink the wine. It’s a personal challenge. This is why I see people coming to me for cocktails more. People want to try something new.”

But Mr Lake said he thinks wine will be more popular.

“For me, different drinks suit different occasions, seasons and moods. Whilst a perfectly stirred Manhattan works wonders in a dimly lit bar with wood fixtures in the winter, it would be completely out of place at Warwick Long Bay in July. The same can be said for a beautifully chilled glass of Albarinho in the reverse.

“I think that for most people wine is what you drink at mealtimes, whilst cocktails are more for a happy hour or as an Aperitif/Digestif. This has been changing over the past few years with cocktail paired dinners becoming far more popular, but I still think that wine is and will be a more popular option for the average drinker for the next five to 10 years.”

And his pick for the summer is rosé.

Asked to name a spirit that’s making a comeback this summer, both experts agreed: rum.

Mr. Paynter said rum has become the new whiskey and tequila has become the new rum.

“You can do so many things with rum, it’s unreal. Rum for the longest was just rum but now for example Gosling’s has the Spirit of the Seas, which travelled back and forth from Bermuda to the US 80 odd times. It’s 88 proof but smoother than other overproof.

“One thing I’ve noticed is people are refining rum more. They are using oak barrels and barrels that come from tequila. As far as cocktails, Rum Old Fashions have become a big hit. I feel like in Bermuda that benefits us. Being from the islands, it benefits us. We will be playing around with a lot of rum.”

My Lake agreed but said rum has always been popular.

“The spirit I see having an explosion is rum. There is no spirit category which has the global diversity in production and taste as rum. From the grassy, funky column rums of Jamaica to the toasted coconut and ginger pot rums of Fiji, there are more amazing rums available to the average consumer than ever before.

“A lot of this surge in ‘new’ rums is the lack of barriers to entry versus spirits like Tequila or Bourbon. Rum can be made anywhere in the world and has very few if any rules on raw ingredients (sugar cane juice, molasses or both) or production methods. Even rums from the same country can vastly differ in taste and structure based on the decisions made by the producers. I wouldn’t say it’s a comeback because it’s been around forever.”

We asked both our experts what they plan to sip on this summer.

Mr Lake will enjoy rose, low ABV cocktails, spritzs and sipping rums, while Mr Payner plans to sip rum-based tea cocktails to keep things light and refreshing.

“I want something I can drink all afternoon. In Bermuda, most of us are day drinkers, so we need something we can start off with in the afternoon.”

The post 2023 Summer Drink Trends From The Experts appeared first on RG Magazines.