Restaurant Review

Buzz Seafood Restaurant and Grill

Buzz was named after the English social term “What’s buzzing” meaning; “What’s causing a stir?; Where’s the place to be?” And, within the hedges that surround Buzz there’s a lot to talk about. The food is creative and delicious, the ambience refreshing, the hostesses are charming and the service delightful. Guests are welcomed by its owner the charismatic Pat Bowden and is continued by her well-trained staff. Pat prides herself in producing a menu that has largely remained unchanged and prepared by loyal staff, executive chef Marie (32 years with Pat), Annett, Cathy and Heide who between them have 70 years of cooking experience put into two years of Buzz existence. Round tables with spacious leg and back room, dressed in cool white tablecloth and sea blue settings accompany an impressive menu of seafood and grills. The decor is cool and neutral with pictures doting its walls.

Follow your urge to sample dishes and avoid ordering the same dish as your dining companion as you’ll enjoy sampling. Starter seafood au gratin with red snapper, shrimp, lobster and crab baked in a white wine cream sauce with cheese is a seafood lover’s paradise and is impeccable. Main course spiced Moroccan lamb shanks, fall-off-the-bone, seasoned with harissa and other Moroccan spices is exquisite. The dessert menu too spoils for choice: chocolate brandy cheesecake with ginger; banana pecan bread pudding with a warm rum sauce; frozen coconut moose with raspberry sauce. All dishes are served in marvellous looking plates which make the food look more inviting.

Outdoor dining is enjoyable at Buzz amid the fairy lights that adorn the massive tree. There is a bar and seating area where you can have drinks before or after you dine. Try Buzzing Bee Stinger, a concoction of Campari, vodka, orange and lime; and Buzz Cobbler, Baileys, banana, vodka and coconut cream. A huge selection of juices, wines and champagnes feature and Cuban cigars are available. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this truly buzzing dining experience. (458-0451)

Spinnakers Beach Bar
The new generation of fine dining

Step off the pearly white sands of the Reduit Beach; let the warm afternoon sun kiss your perfect tan and the breeze sooth your sea-salted skin. Then walk straight into Spinnakers Beach Bar and grab an ice-cold Piton Beer, suited with a lime wedge. Lets face it, the popular sea, sun and sand just gets better with great food, ambience, pleasant staff and a skilled chef sure to break all the rules. Satisfying your pallet in pleasant surrounds seems to be Spinnakers’ specialty. The lunchtime atmosphere at Spinnakers Beach Bar is indigenous to the restaurant where anything goes as long as youíre having fun! Spinnakers seems a magical sea-inspired restaurant that makes you feel right at home among the many other diners. That feeling is derived from the excellent service staff, efficient despite their laid-back facade. No need to worry about the feeling too stuffed to get back into the water. A host of quick snacks is available, in addition to the full menu, so you can head back to the sands.

Owned by Alison and Michael Ritchings and opened in 1993, Spinnakers is known the world over for its unique blend of a relaxing informal atmosphere with a five-star dining experience. The lunchtime menu changes with each passing day, as to accommodate the latest assortment of fresh local produce and seafood. Ah, but one can’t visit Spinnakers without trying a lobster (when in season) platter with a thermidore sauce, served in the shell and sided with either rice or fries and salad. Talk about playing the African drums on your pallet. Being a no-holds-barred beach restaurant, there is no need to be embarrassed when licking the smoked barbecue sauce off your fingers from the most succulent and oversized portions of ribs. Another must have is surely the seafood bouillabaisse, a mixture of fresh fish, lobster, shrimp, mussels and scallops served in a delicious broth.

At Spinnakers it seems like the waitress is serving only you and the bartender always knows when you need a refill. Ah, but to the surprise of many, Spinnakers’ truly magical attributes come to the fore when the sun falls into the Caribbean Sea and the full moon lights the evening sky and spreads a shimmer across the deep blue. The once bustling sandy beach bar transforms into a romantic atmosphere, caressed by the incessant washing of waves ashore, and the soft glow of dancing candles. Then, a very extensive dinner menu awaits including homemade smoked salmon and chive cakes; jumbo shrimp in Creole sauce; pasta Prima Vera, pan fried pork lion flambéed with rum; or prime US filet steak au poivre fried with brandy and cream. Of course, save some room for the hot melt-in-your-mouth fudge cake or selection of coconut or strawberry cheesecakes served with ice cream.