With themes from little Italy, to Scandinavia — these quirky coffee shops will provide you with your caffeine fix.

Victoire

This cosy and minimalist coffee shop is a refreshing escape from Bermuda in a way. From the decor to the projector on the wall, to the tray that your cup of coffee is presented in, has been selected to complement the minimal-Scandinavian vibe of this space.

Freshness is the number one priority at Victoire “We import coffee every 10 days from small craft rosters that prioritise freshness and tasting profile” Says Owner Tyler Simmons, “We also serve vegan and gluten-free pastries that are brought daily from Sweet & Kind Bakery” he adds. The community and neighbourhood feel of St Georges surely find their way into this space, and lend to inviting and relaxing environment to hang out.

Milan Milan

Milan Milan is truly a little taste of Italy in the middle of Hamilton. Offering a variety of wines, pantry bits and of course, good coffee. The inspiration behind this one-stop shop offering a look into the healthy Mediterranean lifestyle was to create an environment customers can enjoy whether they’re making a quick stop on their way to work, or sitting down enjoying a cup of coffee and an authentic pastry. The Italian influence is notable as you walk in, from the tile that welcomes you down to the product selection, and it carries throughout the cafe, giving you, as the owner hopes, the feeling that you’re in a coffee shop in Italy. This a relaxed environment, right in the middle of the city, perfect to spend the afternoon at.

Café 4

After a recent revamp, freshness is the new motto at cafe four. Featuring a salad bar, a sandwich station and a buffet-style pasta bar, with pasta made in-house from organic flour.

A selection of coffee is also available for your caffeine fix, again featuring fresh ingredients and coffee grounds from Italy. Though the atmosphere is often vibrant and fast-paced, as most visitors are looking for a grab-and-go type of lunch, their terrace offers a nice escape from the buzz and fuss of the city. It has become a favourite for folks looking to unwind and have some fresh air during breaks. Whether you’re looking for a quick 10-minute lunch, or a space to spend your afternoon at, freshness and variety make Cafe Four a staple.

Brew

Although Brew, is “the new kid on the block” on front street, they are by no means new to the business, they are backed up by over 10 years of experience. Brew, is the next step up from their previous location Java Jive on Victoria street. As Philip Barnett, president of the Island Restaurant Group, the goal was to have an environment that is welcoming to everybody “Whether it’s parents meeting their children, or office folks getting a drink after work, we wanted to create a space for everybody can hang out” he says. Alongside the coffee, there is a large selection of grab-and-go items, including their signature sandwiches. With comfortable furniture, outlets through the store and complimentary WIFI, Brew is quickly becoming a space to hang out or get work done, stop by and you’ll find at least one person on their laptop, probably on their second cup of the day.

City Cafe

 Conveniently located across the bus Terminal, City Cafe offers a menu full of ever-changing options, even incorporating Italian, Indian and Pilipino specials, paired with a coffee selection made with imported coffee beans. For owner Vincenzo Della Valle, freshness and quality are his number one priority. His team of talented chefs ensure that the food on offer is made fresh daily, and after 13 years in business, Vincenzo is certain that the key for their longevity is to “never compromise on quality, even during hard times”, and although seating is limited due to size, customers are always welcomed to sit down and enjoy their food.

Over the years, City Cafe has grown a strong, loyal customer base for a reason; a convenient meal, with the love and care behind a home-cooked meal.

This article was originally published in the 2019 edition of the rg Food Magazine.

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Maya Palacio

Maya is a journalism student in Nova Scotia, who has found her voice in the midst of our island’s political space. She often breaks down and speaks about current issues, starting conversations that often wouldn’t happen, especially within the younger crowd.

She recently launched her podcast “Bermudity”, which is set to touch on the struggles and experiences Bermudians go through, emphasizing on the younger generation. It is a very interesting conversation on topics and issues that often go unaddressed.

Follow her at @mayapalacio

Rael Iman

The makeup artist behind Iman Artistry has been around for a while now, and her craft just keeps getting better. Alongside her makeup services, she has also ventured into classes and even her own eyelash line. Her growing success comes as no surprise — talent, a great work ethic and innovation are behind her brand. She’s a great example of a Bermudian pursuing her passion, regardless of how limited opportunities can sometimes be on the island.

Follow her at @iman.atistry 

Jayde Gibbons

Jayde is the photographer behind Queendom Heights. She is switching things up from the typical pink sand and white roof shots we’re used to, capturing Bermuda in a more authentic light through her lens. It is truly refreshing to see a change in what many think art is “supposed to look like”, and rather seeing artists explore their craft following their own rules. Authentic is definitely the word to describe Queendom Heights.

Follow her at @queendom_heights

Harry Scupham

Harry is another photographer to keep an eye out. His Instagram page @dirty_angels_, with over 40 thousand followers, is filled with unique photography and a taste of his undeniable talent, it makes it hard to believe he’s so young. We can’t wait to see Harry’s craft evolve over time.

Follow him at @dirty_angels_

Nkosi Hollis

This Bermudian singer has been showcasing his craft online for a few years now. What started as covers on YouTube has evolved into releasing his own fully produced original work. Music not only requires talent but also resources, which are limited in Bermuda, which is why it is so encouraging to see young artists push through barriers and seeing their ideas come to life. He is set to lease an EP soon, so keep an eye out for Nkosi.

Follow him at @nkosimusic

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In recent years, we’ve seen the avocado frenzy, edible gold, activated charcoal, and even unicorn food take the culinary world by storm. For 2019, experts are predicting even more of a melting-pot of cuisine, as the fusion of different cultures becomes more popular.

Bermuda has turned into a melting pot. As of 2016, a reported 7,360 immigrants reside in Bermuda, coming mainly from the US, Canada, Asia, Europe, and other Caribbean countries. The diversity of cultures has inevitably permeated into the island’s cuisine, creating a varied gastronomy that surprises most when considering our size and population.

Chef Danai Hongwanishkul, head chef at Marcus’, was pleasantly surprised to see such diverse cuisine coming from Toronto. “There is a lot of Filipino food, as well as Jamaican, Indian and sushi.” He says. His Thai cooking classes are heavily influenced by his mother’s cooking and family tradition. Along with skills, he teaches what a culture’s food means to it’s people. “The food that I teach is something my mom would cook for me, I grew up eating this, and I want to keep that going.” Cooking ethnic food, for him, is about preserving culture.

Established restaurants like Little Venice are a testament to how successful and appealing cuisine from other cultures can be to locals.

There is a variety of food in Bermuda. Our daily specials are always really popular, people like to try new things.” – Chef Federico Basso.

They offer main courses such as Cartoccio di Frutti di Mare alla Mediterranea, Tortellone al Cotechino, and Ravioli Caprese.

By focusing on authentic Italian food while incorporating local and fresh ingredients, they have built long-lasting relationships with customers. Executive Chef Danny Lim mentions, “We have people come in multiple times a week, or even a day, who are always excited to try new dishes.”

Utopia on Front Street has committed to offering a nutritional experience throughout their Asian fusion menu. Chef Karsten, has worked alongside a nutritionist to offer dishes like Korean Wings, Yakitori, Thai Curry, Vietnamese Pho and Tom Kha Gai. “We’re all kind of melting together,” says Chef Karsten. “I like to pull from different cultures, while also understanding that food is personal, and has meaning behind it”.

Devil’s Isle Head Chef Josue Lemus offers Italian Flatbread With Tuna Tartare, Homemade Tofu Dumplings, and Arabic Spiced Cinnamon Lamb Lollies. Yum! “We are trying to get people to try new things every day, while also eating healthy and clean”. From owner, Holger Eiselt: “We introduce trends that we are passionate about ourselves.”

As the world keeps “getting smaller” with the help of social media, trends now move faster than ever. A trendy dish that is booming in Japan can spread to the rest of the world in a matter of weeks or even days. And although Bermuda might come late because of its isolated geographical proximity, population size, and logistics, people in Bermuda are thirsty for newness. Food is a gateway to understanding different cultures. Bring it on!

This article was originally published in the Spring 2019 edition of RG Magazine. 

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Whether your spends hours on end mindlessly scrolling every day, or barely keep up with your socials, a clear out is needed from time to time, especially in a time were our digital presence often interwinds with our “real life”. Here’s why you might want to spring clean your digital space this year:

Potential jobs and opportunities

Many of us created our first social media accounts before any rational and thoughtful decisions could be made. And while it can feel like all funs and games, is not an uncommon practice for academic institutions,  recruiters and employers to have a look at your social media platforms and overall digital presence. Go through all your accounts and untag yourself/delete questionable posts (like those blurry pictures of you holding red cups back in high school), and be mindful of what you post and how that represents you.

Digital clutter

If your devices are running low on storage or if it takes you more than a couple of seconds to find what you’re looking for, you’re probably due for a digital clear out. That paper you wrote freshman year or those 200 reject selfies that never made it to Instagram can probably be deleted for good. After years of being online and a handful of devices that automatically backup, it can be surprising how much junk we never get rid of, and it can turn overwhelming fast. Take care of your digital real state. Delete and unsubscribe from what no longer serves a purpose or is no longer useful.

Self-care

Sometimes it is as easy as unfollowing and deleting. While we might not be in control of how certain posts make us feel, we can control what we see. Sure, social media can be a place to start debate and conversation, but there is no rule that forbids you from unfollowing that family member who is constantly going on offensive rants. Watch the content you consume, how it makes you feel, and get rid/unfollow what no longer serves you.

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Sleeping is not only enjoyable but also necessary in order for our bodies and minds to function properly. Restless nights can not only lead to some crappy mornings, but also a number of physical and psychological issues over time. If your bedtime often results in hours of tossing and turning, unable to “shut off”, here are some things you can consider:

Put your phone away

There’s a reason why most of us prefer to sleep in complete darkness or at the very least, dim lights. Studies suggest that the bright blue light coming from your smartphone and other devices like laptops, TVs, etc. interfere with the brain’s production of melatonin, the hormone that signals your body when it’s time to sleep. By staring into a screen, you might be confusing your brain into thinking it’s still daytime and thus, staying up longer than you might intend to, so shut off your phone, and give your brain the time to do its work.

Watch your light exposure

Your body has an internal clock, also known as your circadian rhythm, which can be affected by your light exposure. Studies suggest that daytime bright light exposure can improve the quality and duration of sleep, as well as the time that takes to actually fall asleep. And as we previously mentioned, overstimulation by artificial nights can interfere with the brain’s production of melatonin and thus affecting your natural clock. Make sure you are getting adequate sunlight, ideally as soon as you wake up, and ensure that the environment you are sleeping in is as dark as possible, and free of blue light exposure.

Keep your room cool

Although sleeping with a heather on can be comforting, especially this time of the year, it’s best to keep your space cool in order to have a better night’s sleep. The Harvard Medical School, suggests keeping the temperature “comfortably cool” somewhere between 60 and 70 degrees.

Avoid stimulants in the afternoon

That cup of coffee after lunch might feel necessary to get you through the day, but it might backfire later on. As you probably know, caffeine is a stimulant and can keep you up tossing around at night. It is recommended to avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate, sodas, etc.) four to six hours before time, in order to allow your brain to shut off.

Exercise, but not right before bed

Although exercise has been proven to improve your health and sleep, doing it right before might be interfering with your sleep schedule, due to the increase of hormones like adrenaline and epinephrine during exercise. Like caffeine, it can be a stimulant, so try to get your workout in earlier in the day.

Set a schedule

Waking up and going to sleep around the same time aide your internal clock and will likely increase your chances of a good night’s rest. Stick to this routine even on the weekends as much as possible, to avoid that “hangover” feeling when waking up on Monday mornings.

If all else fails, consult with your doctor. While a sleepless night can be normal here and there, long-term sleep deprivation can have some serious effects on your mental and physical health. There are many supplements and treatments that can aid and correct particular issues you might be experiencing.

The post How to sleep better, according to science appeared first on RG Magazines.

Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations

This soul searching and tough provoking podcast delivers insight and inspiration from special guests like Jordan Peele, Stephen Colbert and Salma Hayek, just to name a few. The fact that Oprah hosts this podcast is reason enough to listen to it, but beyond that, this is something to listen to when you’re in need of recharging.

Second Life

If you’re looking for some career inspiration, look no further. Hillary Kerr, goes through the career journey her guests have gone through. From advice, struggles, unique anecdotes and even total career changes, this is a look into how many different roads there is to success. Bermuda’s very own Shiona Turini was recently a guest on the podcast, what better episode to start with? 

Small Doses with Amanda Seales

Self-described as “smart, funny and black”, Amanda Seales tells it like it is every week on her podcast. It feels like having a (very opinionated) conversation with a friend, discussing the side effects of everything from trivial to very serious issues. This is the type of podcast you want to listen to while cleaning your house, or during your morning commute.

Completely Obsessed

Comedian Brent Sullivan takes on a hilarious and light-hearted approach to anything and everything you can think of, from serious topics, to pop culture, to trivial issues and even cults. Much like having a conversation with a friend over drinks, and perfect for when you’re not feeling the same playlist you’ve been listening to for the past 3 years.

Dear Franklin Jones

Storytelling seems to be on the rise in the podcast world, and “Dear Franklin Jones” is one you’ll want to listen to in one sitting, much like a book that you can’t seem to put down. It details the story of Jonathan Hirsch and his peculiar upbringing. While growing up, his family followed and worshiped a controversial spiritual leader, Franklin Jones, whom many considered a cult leader. This is a very interesting story, and a very different type of podcast to get into if you’re not reading feeling the “radio-show” style of podcasting.

Are you into podcasts? Let us know!

The post 5 Binge-worthy podcasts to listen to appeared first on RG Magazines.

The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

Natasha, an undocumented immigrant set to be deported back to Jamaica alongside her family, randomly meets Daniel. Whiting the course of a day, two teenagers who don’t have much in common fall in love. Though it sounds clique, it’s a surprisingly touching story about love, fate, and struggles.

Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly

This is an incredible, true story about black female mathematicians who participated in some of NASA’s greatest successes, and overcame gender and racial biases to succeed in their challenging field. This is not only an inspiring story but also a part of history that often goes untold.

American Spy by Lauren Wilkinson

Marie Mitchell, an African American intelligence officer with the FBI, feels her career has stalled and is often overlooked an under-appreciated at her male-dominated field, sounds familiar?

That is until she’s given an opportunity to join a task force aimed to undermine a communist president, in the name of American intervention. Inspired by true events, this spy thriller tells a compelling story worth reading.

American Street by Ibi Zoboi

Fabiola Toussaint, a young girl from Haiti, was convinced she would finally live a good life once she immigrated to the United States. Her hopes are shattered as her mom is detained by U.S immigration upon their arrival and she is left alone to navigate a new city, a new culture and a new love interest, all in her own. Author Ibi Zoboi draws inspiration from her own experiences as a young Haitian immigrant, and the challenges of adapting to a new culture, while trying to hold on to your own.

I Can’t Date Jesus by Michael Arceneaux

This is a collection of soul-searching essays about what is like to grow up as a queer black man in a world that constantly tries to deny and suppress your identity. This is a thought provoking look inside an unrepresented and marginalized community.

Loving Her by Ann Allen Shockley

This is the first book with an African American lesbian protagonist, which was quite groundbreaking when it first came out in 1974. An incredible yet heartbreaking love story, that addresses racism, homophobia, and prejudice, a story that is still relevant today, 45 years later.

Tyler Johnson Was Here by Jay Coles

This is the story of Marvin, a young man searching for answers after the death of his twin brother Tyler, who was shot and killed by a police officer. This is a very emotionally charged and culturally relevant story, that touches on what is like to grow up black in America.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Sixteen-Yearn-Old Starr Carter’s world turns upside down, after the witnessing her best friend be shot and killed (yet again). This is another culturally relevant story that touches on police brutality and how quickly young black youths are stereotyped. Although heartbreaking, this is an important story and a more personal look inside a recurring tragedy.

I Am Enough by Grace Byers

Described as a book that everyone needs, I Am Enough is a very special story for the younger readers. Easily relatable while also transitioning into important conversations. Positive affirmations, self-acceptance, inclusion, and diversity, all in one inspiring book.

The post 10 Amazing books by black authors you should read appeared first on RG Magazines.

Many studies have proven CBD oil to be effective in reducing pain, and although Marijuana has been used to treat pain for centuries, CBD’s accessibility and decriminalization in many countries has made it a very popular and natural way to treat chronic pain. It has also been proven to have anti-inflammatory properties, becoming popular amongst athletes due to faster recovery time, and even those who suffer from acne, as it has made its way into skincare products as well.

But perhaps its most popular use is to treat insomnia, as studies suggest CBD can help with both falling and staying asleep, as well as anxiety and depression. According to the World Health Organization, depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and 1 in 3 people globally suffer from anxiety. Anxiety and depression are often treated with pharmaceutical drugs that can have significant side effects, so it comes as no surprise why CBD, a natural alternative, is growing in popularity. Many CBD products market themselves as “relaxing” and claim to aid anxiety and depression.

Naturally, everybody is getting into the CBD hype and it’s seemingly anti everything-you-don’t-want properties. But it does come with some side effects. Cannabidiol can cause nausea, fatigue, and irritability, as well as potentially interfering with other medications in your bloodstream.

Currently, it is being marketed as a supplement, rather than medicine. And because we don’t know enough about it, it should not be a replacement for traditional medicine. But with the help of a physician, it can be very useful for relieving the symptoms of serious conditions.

Besides being the latest “it” ingredient, making its way into gimmicky products profiting off the hype, CBD has real potential to be here to stay, as more people prefer the natural way over pharmaceuticals that sometimes do more harm than good. Decriminalization has open the door for some much-needed research, to understand its full potential, as well as side and long-term effects. Taboo-aside, we cannot overlook scientific evidence and the potential CBD seems to have, not only as natural medication but to improve the quality of life for many.

Have you tried any CBD products? How do you feel about it? Let us know!

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Reduce the meat you consume

The devastating effects the meat and dairy industry have on our planet are often overlooked. For example, raising animals for food requires enormous amounts of resources like water, food, land, and energy. Livestock and their byproducts account for 32,000 million tons of carbon dioxide per year (51 percent of all worldwide greenhouse gas emissions).

Although choosing a vegan or vegetarian diet is clearly the best option, not only because of health reasons, but because it would entirely cut all animal products out of your life, is not realistic for everybody. However, eating meat-less might be an option. Compromising and cutting meat and dairy out of your diet, even for a day or two, is by far the most significant lifestyle change you can make, so give it a chance! We now also have lots of meat substitutions, so the change doesn’t have to be so drastic.

Buy locally grown food

This is a great way to not only support local farmers and the economy, but also to significantly cut down the miles your food will have to travel, thus cutting down on fuel and excessing packaging as well. This will also mean your food will be fresher and you won’t be supporting huge companies that are often incredibly wasteful. So, consider taking a trip to the farmers market at Botanical Gardens which is open every Saturday from 8am to 1pm, or the Home Farm Market at Wadson’s Farm in Southampton, open Tuesday to Saturdays, before buying that same product at a supermarket.

Carry a reusable straw

During 2018 the no-straw movement really took off, and for a good reason. Did you know that plastic straws are too lightweight to be recycled in most places? Yes, and as of January 2019, they are the eight most-found ocean trash in cleanups, having a very negative impact on ocean wildlife.

We get it, they are fun and a great tool for people with disabilities, but you don’t have to ditch them altogether. You can find reusable straws made out of steel or glass at affordable prices at Naked Zero, The Chef Shop and Brown & Co, to name a few stores. Just ask for no straw the next time you’re ordering ice coffee or a fountain drink, and carry a reusable one instead everywhere you go.

Use reusable shopping bags

Most likely, there is a plastic bag filled with more plastic bags somewhere in your kitchen right now, and you’re not the only one. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, plastic bags are used for an average of 12 minutes, which is pretty wasteful considering how many resources are needed in order to manufacture them (It takes the same amount of the gas required to drive one mile, to produce 14 plastic bags).

Paper bags are not a sustainable option either, it takes 13 percent more energy to make a single paper bag than to make two plastic bags, and because they are heavier than plastic bags, more fuel is required in order to ship them.

So, shop without the guilt and carry reusable shopping bags wherever you go! You can find them at pretty much every store, they are super affordable and can fold small enough to be able to have them on the go.

Get a reusable plastic bottle

Globally, humans buy a million plastic bottlesa minute and that number is expected to increase by 2020. So where does all that plastic go? Plastic is not recycled in Bermuda,  so it is only used once and then discarded, or finding it’s way into our ocean, and because plastic takes around 400 years to naturally decompose, every single plastic item we have used in our lifetime will still be here long after we are gone.

When you take a second to consider how much plastic you use in a day or in a week, and then multiply that by the billions of people on the planet, it’s easy to see why this is such a big issue.

During the 2018 throne speech, the government of Bermuda committed to eliminate single-use plastics by 2022, and to educate the community on recycling and reusable-items, so why not make the switch a little earlier? Even if you only buy one bottle of water a day, you are still wasting over three hundred single-use bottles a year alone.  You can reduce your environmental footprint significantly by simply ditching single-use plastic bottles and switching to a reusable one instead. Not to mention you will save money in the long run so it’s a win-win.

It is too late to look the other way when it comes to your eating decisions. Taking baby steps to live sustainably can be easy and accessible to everybody if we give it a chance, so why not do just that?

The post Small changes to live a more sustainable life in 2019 appeared first on RG Magazines.

Their promotional video was shot on a private island in the Bahamas, Norman Cay, where the festival was set to originally take place, and consisted of top influencers running on the beach, partying on a yacht, and overall having a good time. The video wasn’t giving much detail of what the festival was or what you could expect, but it looked fun. Who doesn’t want to party in the Bahamas surrounded by beautiful women?

For a couple thousand dollars, that could be you. This video, along with a marketing campaign involving top models like Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid promoting the festival, made the fantasy an easy sell. Fyre had it all.

In reality, all they really had was a great marketing team — the brains behind one of the most popular accounts on Instagram, Jerry Media (or F*ckJerry).

The actual festival? It was built on a lie.

A couple weeks before the event was set to take place, there was a last-minute site change from a private Island previously owned by the infamous Pablo Escobar to the not so private Great Exuma, no set line-up, and an understaffed and inexperienced team that knew they were heading towards ridicule.

But fantasy was bigger than the lie. As long as it looked real, that’s all that mattered, sound familiar? Social media sites like Instagram are merely a place to consume entertainment and share sporadic pictures here and there. But for a growing number of people, the site can be a place for insecurities grow.

We now live in a world where people sell work-out plans after having numerous cosmetic procedures, and pay to rent private jets that don’t leave the runway so they can have a photoshoot. Feeds are no longer a collection of in-the-moment shots but rather carefully curated galleries, and people are making six and seven figure salaries off one platform alone.

The problem with this illusion is that we often forget that what we are consuming is not real, half of those beautiful individuals are a result of the right lighting, angles, professionals behind the camera, editing software, and sometimes, plain deception courtesy of apps like Facetune and Photoshop.

It’s unattainable, most people behind those pictures don’t look like that in “real-life”. But the average person is not thinking about the elaborate process behind that influencer’s picture, we simply admire the final product and allow comparison to slip in. Is my life not exciting enough? Am I not attractive enough? How has this teenager accomplished more than I probably will in the next decade?

Beyond all the jokes that surfaced online, Fyre Festival was the perfect example of how far people are willing to go to keep up appearances in order to stay connected (and how fast a viral picture of a cheese sandwich can expose your scam to the world). Guests were completely unaware of the disaster they were headed to, because of the lie that they were sold, just like most of us aren’t aware that most people’s lives are just as average as ours, despite what their Instagram profile might show.

Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Comparison is the thief of joy”, so from this disaster, I hope we can all remember that comparing our hardships to other’s curated highlight reels will always feel belittling. We are more often than not consuming content for entertainment purposes, not a realistic portrayal of somebody’s life.

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