What is it like being at the helm of a full-service hotel and resort property during the current global health crisis? 

This has been an incredibly challenging time for the tourism industry, facing a challenge that has never been seen before. However, the tenacity and optimism of our colleagues at the hotel and the tourism industry is unmatched. 

How has the pandemic changed how you view your role as General Manager? 

The unprecedented situation that we have found ourselves in has reinforced to me how much a family we are at Hamilton Princess. It has instilled even more of a sense of importance of being empathetic to everyone’s challenges during this incredibly challenging time. It’s also been an important time to strengthen our bonds in the community and to give back. We were pleased to be able to support our friends on the front lines in a number of ways, including handing out breakfasts and lunches to first responders during the lockdown. 

What steps has your hotel taken to ensure that guests and colleagues remain “Safe and Well”? 

A wide range of new and ever-evolving health and safety protocols have been installed, in line with the latest government guidelines. Some of these measures include temperature checks for everyone entering the property, hand sanitiser stations throughout the hotel, physical distancing markers and table placement, masks required throughout indoor and outdoor public spaces and a maximum of two guests in elevators at any time. These restrictions apply to our colleagues, too. 

The new operational standards being implemented at the hotel and at Fairmont properties across North & Central America were developed and vetted by a team of international expert advisors to ensure maximum efficacy in preventing the spread of all viruses and pathogens, including COVID-19. 

How are colleagues advised of changes and trained on new health and safety procedures? 

Colleagues all undertook “re-orientation” sessions upon the reopening of the hotel, which covered general health and safety, new procedures, and regulations. Additionally, our teams have received specialized training for their departments, i.e. Food & Beverage and Housekeeping have all received in-depth training on new procedures, techniques, and practices. 

Can you tell me about your enhanced cleaning and social distancing procedures? 

Guest rooms and public areas are carefully cleaned by our specially trained, professional housekeepers and cleaning staff, using EPA-registered disinfectants that have proven effective in preventing the transmission of all viruses and pathogens, including COVID-19. Guest rooms are cleaned every three days to reduce close contact between colleagues and guests and as an additional precaution, they are left vacant for a minimum of 48 hours after being used for a stay, prior to a deep clean before new arrivals. 

Do guests have access to any sort of telemedicine or health advisory service? 

Hamilton Princess has an innovative new service, in partnership with AXA, a world leader in insurance and assistance, to provide complimentary medical support to in-house guests. Any guest with a non-urgent medical need can be put in touch with a medical practitioner over the phone for no cost. Currently available in English and French, the service will be available in German, Portuguese and Spanish shortly. 

How has the pandemic impacted food and beverage service? 

The government restrictions regarding dining out have been an interesting challenge to work with. However, we believe the Food & Beverage team, particularly at Crown & Anchor, have risen to the task admirably. Crown & Anchor’s revamped Sunday brunch is served at the tableside but loses none of the fun of a traditional brunch and has received rave reviews. One of the small measures we have taken that has been appreciated is the hooks installed at each seat for masks to be hung. 

What is a typical Spa experience like at the moment? 

Exhale Spa is still a safe and restful haven for those looking to unwind. Not much has changed for those undertaking spa treatments except that clients are asked to wear their masks throughout, and their therapists will be wearing a mask and face shield to ensure peace of mind. In compliance with Government regulations, guests from overseas are not able to use the spa and gym/fitness classes until they receive their negative day 8 and 14 test results, respectively. 

How do Hamilton Princess colleagues go above and beyond legislated requirements to make guests feel welcome and safe? 

All guests at Hamilton Princess receive a wellness kit on arrival, which includes masks, gloves, hand sanitiser and disinfecting wipes, ensuring they have everything they need to feel safe. 

We have also received very positive feedback on our “quarantine keys”: in line with Government regulations, guests arriving from overseas must quarantine until they receive their negative arrival test result. To ensure a smooth process, these guests are given a special “quarantine key” to their room which is active for only one hour. They are then given a new key once they share their negative test result with our Front Desk team. These quarantine keys are visually different from the normal ones which enable our colleagues to ensure that no one is breaking quarantine and gives our guests confidence in dining out with us. 

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Holiday merrymakers lined the streets of the City of Hamilton  for the annual MarketPlace Santa Claus Parade.

The post What You Missed at the MarketPlace Santa Claus Parade (video) appeared first on RG Magazines.

The Wreck Hill Rhum & Coke

Ingredients

-3 ounces Fever Tree Cola or Coke-Cola

-1 ounce Gosling’s Aged Family Rum

-1/2 ounce Gin

– 2 dashes bitters

-1/4 lime [preferably Key lime]

– Dash of club soda

Directions

Combine ingredients, mix and enjoy!

Local bartender Ryan Gibbons, from Barracuda Grill, created this cocktail in tribute to Bermudian music heritage, the Gombeys and our island culture. It took quite a bit of trial and error to get the flavors exactly right, he admits. As peach was coming into season, he paired that with the delicate taste of Gosling’s Gold Seal Rum. The drink’s sweetness comes from mango puree, brought to life with a pop of lime, dash of honeyed apricot and smoked hickory bitters.

Dancing Warrior

Ingredients

-1oz lime juice

-0.5oz mango purée

-0.75oz Peachtree peach schnapps

-1.5oz Gosling’s Gold Seal Rum

-5 drops Honeyed Apricot & smoked hickory bitters.

Directions

1) Add all ingredients to a mixing glass

2) Fill the glass with ice, cap with a shaker tin and give a vigorous shake.

3) Keeping the liquid in the shaker, release the seal between the tin and glass.

4) Strain cocktail into a short tumbler glass filled with ice.

5) Garnish with a grapefruit twist and enjoy.

This article was originally featured in the Summer 2018 edition of RG Magazine.

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Reports on the present condition of the marine environment highlight the threats this complex environment faces, many man-made. Rising sea levels, increasing water temperatures, pollutants, microplastics, coral bleaching and habitat damage to name a few, impact all of us both locally in Bermuda and worldwide. Education is a key component of our mission; by inspiring young Bermudians to learn more about science and in particular the ocean around us, we aim to instill a sense of wonder, respect and stewardship. BUEI is also an important public resource and provides a forum for the community as a whole and also fosters collaboration between like-minded organisations. Together we can make a difference!

BUEI’s Ocean Discovery Centre is a valued community resource that welcomes tourists and residents 364 days a year to learn more about the ocean and underwater marine environment. In addition to perennial favourites such as the Shipwreck Gallery, Treasure Room and Shell Collection, it has been very exciting to introduce two new state-of-the-art interactive exhibits within the past 18 months; namely the XL Catlin “Living with the Ocean” and America’s Cup “Built to Win”. These modern installations give visitors a hands-on method of acquiring knowledge and complement our more traditional museum fare.

I was honoured to attend the opening of the recently revamped and upgraded simulated submersible experience, Blue Echo, that gives visitors the opportunity to experience the thrill of a deep scientific dive to the ocean floor without getting wet. The commitment to develop new exhibit content continues, and our talented, energetic team is fully engaged and enthusiastic about BUEI’s proprietary Bermuda Triangle Experience, which will be rolled out later this year. Through both Bermuda centred and maritime themes we aim to engage, educate and empower our guests.

The third sector is a key pillar of our island community and BUEI was founded on a commitment to public service, visitor and guest satisfaction, innovation and continued redevelopment. I would like to sincerely thank my fellow Trustees, dedicated staff, volunteers, donors and many advocates for their continued engagement and commitment to fulfilling BUEI’s mission. We are particularly proud to mark BUEI’s twentieth year of serving the Bermuda community this year and look forward to the next 20!

Faith Conyers

Chair of BUEI

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When visiting Berlin, Germany in 2011, I was inspired by the most normal of experiences: crossing the street. Fifty years prior to my stroll across a hard-to-pronounce, multi-syllabled German street, the East Berlin Traffic Commission hired Peglau to design new pedestrian traffic symbols that would help reduce the amount of traffic accidents that arose due to the ever-increasing number of vehicles.

Peglau created what came to be known as the ‘Ampelmännchen’; human symbols Peglau described as having “an aura of coziness and human warmth”. The green pedestrian light reminded me of a cricket umpire, and the red light resembled an umpire calling a ‘wide’ ball. Peglau’s East Berlin traffic symbols became so popular that even when the unified German government decided to remove them in the early 1990s, a successful campaign was launched to save the Ampelmännchen. You can now find it everywhere in Berlin; one of the most prominently preserved legacies of the Communist East.

I was just crossing the street. I’ve spent hours if not days in some of the world’s most prominent galleries and museums. I’ve stood inches away from Da Vinci’s ‘Mona Lisa’, Delacroix’s ‘Liberty Leading the People’, Michaelangelo’s ‘Creation of Adam’, and countless other masterpieces of architecture, sculpture, and design; yet none of them stopped me in time like the first moment I spotted the Ampelmännchen.

You should probably doubt my appreciation of art when I claim that a traffic symbol inspired me more than a priceless Da Vinci masterpiece. It’s not that I don’t appreciate most forms of art, it’s just that I have preference for artwork that doesn’t discriminate; artwork that anyone can access regardless of their social or economic background, artwork you don’t have to pay to see, artwork with purpose and intent, artwork that begs to rest naked and open to judgment.

After my visit to Berlin I contacted the design team behind the campaign to save and repurpose the Ampelmännchen to ask if they had an interest in designing a version for Bermuda. They had already designed dozens of localised pedestrian traffic symbols for other cities, and were keen on partnering to give Bermuda its own Peglau-inspired traffic symbol. My pitch to local officials wasn’t fruitful and the project never materialised, however in hindsight my rejected proposal spring-boarded a passion for public art and helping to advocate and bring more of it to Bermuda.

The last several years have been very challenging with regards to lobbying public officials for more consideration for public art, albeit there have been moments of tangible progress. Most of them classify it as a non-essential public feature; one that has little tangible benefit when compared to civil engineering, road management, and the everyday business of a country. I’ve deviated from my use of the term public art to be more specific. I don’t ask for consideration for public art anymore, I request that investments in targeted beautification are made for the economic improvement of residential and/or commercial neighbourhoods. Quite a mouthful, but otherwise it has been difficult to explain the notion that inviting and retaining pedestrians via visual forms of art increases their chances of staying in an area and browsing for goods and services.

Personally speaking, once you have lived in Bermuda for an extended period of time it can be difficult to obtain inspiration from everyday scenery, and waiting to be inspired is ill advised. I’ve listened to perennial statements by the island’s elite for a new Hamilton waterfront to be constructed, for the pedestrianisation of city streets, for the creation of beach bars and boardwalks, for a general increase in adult-oriented recreation, and other grandiose projects and initiatives that have never materialised.

The time I have spent on public art isn’t just to help make Bermuda look prettier; every project I have been involved with is a form of protest. A disapproval of the perceived lack of forward vision, a lack of anti-blight ordinances, an outcry against well-paid public officials and the inertia that accompanies them when it comes to a lack of visible change in our built environment. The art is pretty, the motivation less so.

An opportunity arose in the Summer of 2015 to propose a public art project for the City of Hamilton. I knew immediately what I wanted to design and lobby for, and it was approved. I didn’t request to be paid for my time involved as I didn’t want to be. These types of projects are gifts to my younger self; each a reminder to not lose youthful idealism. The emotional currency of knowing people I’ll never meet will get to enjoy a revitalised space, and that nearby businesses will benefit from increased foot traffic, cannot be counted despite being constantly deposited.

Since October of last year a sweeping light installation extending throughout the entirety of Chancery Lane on Front Street has helped turn what was once a dark and uninviting alley into Bermuda’s most photographed street. Anyone of any background, without discrimination, can enjoy being exposed to artwork that was designed with purpose, designed with intent, designed from frustration; a child of Karl Peglau.

This article first appeared in RG Fall magazine in 2016.

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Firstly you will be more satisfied by what you are eating and changing your environment will positively impact the rest of your day.

Studies have also shown that a lunch break out of the office will vastly improve focus.

And many restaurants in Hamilton have outside seating so you can take advantage of the fresh air and sun after the ‘cold’ winter.

If you think that Hamilton has only limited offerings for lunch then you are dead wrong. There are an amazing the number of places you can go for lunch whether it be take-out or sit down.

There are also a wide range of prices — everything from Marcus at the Hamilton Princess to Keith’s Kitchen in the BAA parking lot.

Here are just some of the places to have a something to eat during the week to refresh your batteries for that afternoon home stretch.

Bulli.Social

This is as central as it can get on the corner of Queen and Reid Streets by Queen Elizabeth Park. They have gourmet burgers and the like and you can eat in or take away.

Somers’ Café Express

A wonderful view on the balcony of AS Cooper & Sons on Front Street. They have freshly-made soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts for lunch.

Fish N’ Tings

Great Jamaican Cuisine. Fast and friendly service they offer great fish (obviously) but also oxtail, curried goat to jerk pork, cow foot and much, much more. 45 Angle Street

Flanagan’s Irish Pub (and its Outback Sports Bar)

This Front Street favourite has dining on the balcony overlooking Hamilton Harbour as well as its sports bar in the back. Flanagan’s has a huge variety of meals for lunch — everything from fine salads to bangers & mash to fish & chips to steaks and also Italian fare. 69 Front Street

Marcus

This is high class and you will definitely want to spend more than an hour here. Perhaps a longer lunch hour on Friday afternoon! Marcus occupies the former Gazebo Room at the Hamilton Princess and has a central bar and views of the harbour. An open kitchen with a wood burning grill located opposite is a show all in its own, with chefs creating Samuelsson’s specialty dishes.

Fish N’ Tings

Specialising in Jamaican Cuisine, Fish N’ Tings is an island favourite with fast, friendly service at a great value. Offering the most delicious Jamaican cuisine on the island, it’s no wonder that Fish N’ Tings is one of Bermuda’s most popular spots for authentic Caribbean food! 45 Angle Street.

Lost In The Triangle (LITT)

Great fresh Bermuda fish is served as well as other local side dishes. 13 Reid Street.

Keith’s Kitchen

Bermuda’s famous lunch carts can set your stomach rumbling. Serves great burgers, fish sandwiches, steak sandwiches and the like. BAA parking lot

The Snug

Features many of the menu favourites from Flanagan’s. It’s a great place to stop if you don’t have time to sit down, but need a quick and delicious meal. Offerings made to order, take-away, home-cooked meals with the freshest ingredients. Ideal for folks on the go. Emporium Building on Front Street

La Trattoria Restaurant

Everyone has been to the ‘Tratt’ and it is great for a sit-down lunch and a chat with friends and co-workers while having one of their excellent pizzas or favourite Italian dishes. 23 Washington Lane

Café 4

This is a combination of a modern sushi bar, and a stylish and sophisticated take-out shop.

The take-out features a ‘Taste of Bermuda’ hot food buffet featuring local favourites and recipes offering the best vegetables, fish, cassava pie, baby back ribs, red beans & rice, soups and daily specials! 18 Queen Street, Windsor Place

Little Venice Wine Bar

Fun for a liquid lunch! It has more than 800 of the best wines. 32 Bermudiana Road

L’Oriental Express

A fairly wide range of offerings from its deli and also hot Asian dishes. You will also find sushi, wraps, fresh salads and desserts. Maxwell Roberts Building, 1 Church Street.

Ruby Murrys

If you like Indian food then this is the restaurant for you! And it is all served in a relaxing and friendly atmosphere. 2 Chancery Lane.

Portofino Restaurant

It has been around for decades offering traditional Italian cuisine — everything from a quick, delicious pizza, to homemade pastas. It also has a popular take-out side entrance. 20 Bermudiana Road

Yashi Sushi Bar

A great sushi bar serving the freshest sashimi, makimonos and other creative signature sushi dishes such as shrimp dumplings and our tripple-delight maki. Yashi also has take-out. 20 Reid Street

The Lobster Pot

For over four decades this friendly seafood restaurant has been serving locals and tourists alike. It has an outstanding variety of seafood specialities and fresh fish delivered daily. 6 Bermudiana Road

L’Oriental

Located above the Little Venice, this is great for those who like Oriental, Chinese and fusion cuisine. 32 Bermudiana Road

Hog Penny Pub and Restaurant

With that London pub feel, it has been in existence since the late 1950s. Specialises in old-style British comfort food like shepherd’s pie, steak & kidney pie, fish & chips, and bangers & mash. 5 Burnaby Street

DeGraff’s Lunch Wagon

This lunch wagon has been around for ever! Famous for the beef pies, burger & fries, chicken burgers and steakums. Take your food, wander down to Victoria Park and relax and have a ‘grease!’. City Hall Car Park

Harry’s at The Waterfront

On the high end of things, Harry’s is class. The menus are steak house based, featuring Miles 21-day aged beef, but with a contemporary twist. Also has a great 2,000-bottle wine cellar for an unparalleled gastronomic experience. 96 Pitts Bay Road

Nonna’s Kitchen

A really great soup and sandwich eatery that also has a fun make-your-own salad area. Nonna’s has proved to be very popular since it opened a few years ago and also has excellent comfort food like chilli, beef stew and cornbread. 4 Bermudiana Road

1609 Bar & Restaurant

Superb views at the Hamilton Princess and superb food. Open air dining at the marina, the menu features a variety of items from ceviche and pizza to burgers, sandwiches, and salads as well as a variety of seasonally inspired entrées. Perfect with the summer around the corner.

The Spot Restaurant

When a restaurant has been around since 1941, you know it is doing something right! The Spot is known for its burgers and especially its hot turkey sandwiches. 6 Burnaby Street

Little Venice

This is Bermuda’s first and most famous Italian restaurant, celebrating over 40 years of fabulous service and fine food. Contemporary regional Italian specialities. 32 Bermudiana Road

Ten Café and Bar

Fresh and delicious salads, pastas, sandwiches along with a daily Blackboard Special, Ten has great homemade desserts and Bermuda‘s best tapas. Sit inside our outside. 10 Dundonald Street

Speciality Cinema & Grill

Good for a quick burger and fries. Soups every day (check out the chicken noodle on Mondays!) 12 Church Street

Red Steakhouse and Bar

Overlooking Hamilton Harbor on Front Street, Red Steakhouse & Bar has, not surprisingly, great steaks like perfectly prepared certified Angus beef cuts which feature filet mignon, strip, rib eye, porterhouse and cowboy, all offered in their natural juices. 55 Front St

Smokin’ Barrel

The food truck stationed next to the Ferry Terminal has delicious Caribbean-style jerk chicken, short ribs and burgers.

Miles

They have some of the best sandwiches and good prices. Everything from tuna, ham and cheese, roast beef etc. But Miles also has soups and chowder as well as great hot food like chicken lasagne, golden fried salmon fritters, and grilled chicken breast. 96 Pitts Bay Road

Robin Hood

Good pub food and a big menu. Eat indoors to outdoors or take-away. 25 Richmond Road

Bermy Cuisine

Burgers and the like along with specials every day. Great milkshakes as well. 70 Serpentine Road

Buzz n Go

A variety of sandwiches as well as pizza and smoothies and milkshakes. A quick take-out at Esso City. 36 Richmond Road

City Café

Very popular take-away by the Bus Station which has sandwiches, pizza and excellent hot food like pan-fried grouper with lemon butter on the side, Asian style chicken soy-vinegar sauce, pork spareribs BBQ and even Asian style goat stew (calderetang kambing). 4 Washington Street

Barracuda

Spend a little more time for some fine dining. Has main courses which include grilled rockfish, grilled filet mignon, and pan seared hogfish. 5 Burnaby Hill

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