Endless culinary experiences await you in Bermuda, reflecting not only the gastronomic heritage of the island but also their joie de vivre. The essence of good Bermudan cooking is a devotion to fresh vegetables, fruits, and seafood. Some of the excellent seafood dishes found throughout the island are tangy mussel pie, Bermuda fish chowder (liberally laced with sherry pepper sauce and black rum), sweet Bermuda lobster (crawfish) called "Guinea chick", and large tiger shrimp. Rockfish, which is similar to the Bahamian grouper, shows up on most menus. Many traditional dishes are made from dried shark. If you go to a Sunday brunch, expect to eat fish cakes made of salt codfish, bananas and potatoes. The Bermuda onion, which was once so common that the people of Bermuda were called "onions" is used in many Bermudan recipes, including onion pie and Bermuda onion soup.
Bermuda has shared in the interest in fine cuisine that has swept across America. In recent years French, German, and Italian chefs have been imported to the island, and local chefs are better trained than ever, many graduating from the Bermuda College's Hospitality and Culinary Institute. There are superlative restaurants to be found in every parish. Talented British-born executive chef Stephan Juliusburger, at the Sonesta Beach Resort, deftly balances traditional fare with personal innovations. Following the lead of American chefs, he changes his menus every season, "Healthy seasonal products are the foundation for a successful restaurant. I began contracting with local gardeners to grow herbs, lettuces, vegetables and fruits for me as soon as I arrived on the island," he says. In his quest for the best possible ingredients to use in his "world bistro" style of cooking, Juliusburger flies in meat, produce and seafood from Miami, Boston, New York and London several times a week.
You can't leave Bermuda without trying their national drink, rum swizzle, a potent combination of light and dark rum, a dash of bitters, sugar and lime juice, and in some versions orange or pineapple juice as well. After more than two glasses, it's not suggested that you hop on your motor bike.
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