RESTAURANT – 242Blqrze

Lunch at the Captain’s Table

May 18, 2017May 18, 2017 by http://242blqrze.com, posted in Blq Bite's, FOOD, Lifestyle

Hello Beautiful.

Some restaurants are “Best Kept Secrets” in the 242! One such secret is the Captain’s Table in Lyford Cay, Nassau, Bahamas.

I’ve only just learned about Captain’s Table after being asked about it by tourist visiting Nassau earlier this year. I didn’t know about it, and I don’t like not knowing about places that has food and can possibly be a lot of fun! Right then I added Captain’s Table to my list of places to try out.

I visited last week, and here’s how it went…

You have to make reservations for the restaurant if you’re not a guest or member staying in Lyford Cay. So I made reservations for my party and I.

When we arrived, we had to notify security at the Lyford Cay gates of our reservations which they had to confirm before allowing us access.

Once through the gates, we drove towards the Marina, parked and headed into the restaurant. We had the option of sitting wherever we chose, so we decided on an indoor window seat (you can sit outside as well).

Captain’s Table, as the name suggest, has a nautical theme and decor. Black & white pictures of boats adorn the walls, small glass and iron lantern centre pieces are on the tables and striped cushions and pillows complete the couch. Captain’s Table also overlooks the Lyford Cay marina, pleasing its customers with a beautiful view of blue skies, Bahamian waters and boats.

Like most restaurants the Captain’s Table menu changes for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, therefore I can only speak on their lunch menu because that’s the time I went.

The lunch menu was casual with sandwiches, salads and a few tapas style options. My friends and I ordered the Teriyaki Steak w. Stir Fry Vegetables, Coconut Shrimp, Fried Chicken Sandwich, Classic Cheeseburger and 2 Orders of Fries.

The Teriyaki Steak was cut up into chucks and served on a bed of stir fry vegetables. This was the first time I ever tasted steak prepared differently than the usual fried or grilled. The teriyaki sauce gave the steak a sweeter taste than I would prefer but the steak was undeniably tender, just the way I like it!

One thing I learned about Captain’s Table is that the new owners Mr. & Mrs. Goodfellow were farmers turned restaurant owners and have been feeding people in Nassau the healthy way for about 14 year nows. This explains the hearty serving of vegetables with their meats.

Next on our little menu was the Fried Chicken Sandwich served with fries. It was a chicken breast fried crispy golden and served between two white bread toast along with lettuce and tomatoes. It also had a drizzle of melted White American cheese on the chicken.

I then noticed that the dishes lacked what we sum up in Bahamian dialect as “salt”. The dishes weren’t overly seasoned. They almost tasted as if they were not seasoned at all, just “fresh” or very healthy. I like my meals seasoned so I can savor the flavour.

So I moved onto the Coconut Shrimp, expecting the same “fresh” taste, but I was in for a pleasant surprise!

It was about 8-10 jumbo shrimps covered in a coconut batter fried to perfection and well seasoned. The shrimps were served on a salad and with a cold tomato salas dip on the side. I was so taken aback by the tastiness of the shrimps, I was down two 3 when I decided to try them with the salsa dip and it was even better! Yum!

I really wanted a cheeseburger. Like all week I wanted a cheeseburger! But I reasoned, “why would I come to a nice spot like Captain’s Table to have a burger?” In the end, my craving won over my logic and I ordered a cheeseburger.

There’s not a lot I can say about a cheeseburger that you probably don’t know (everyone’s had a cheeseburger before lol). However their burger patty tasted like 100% Beef, served with American cheese and fresh lettuce & tomatoes on a Brioche bun. Once I added my condiments it hit the spot with deliciousness!

Out of all the dishes we tried that day, the Shrimp was my personal favourite! It was seasoned well, the portions were filling and it still offered a healthy kick being served on a bed of salad. If you go to visit I suggest you definitely try the Coconut Shrimp and another option of your choice.

All of our menu choices averaged about $20 each, with the Chicken Sandwich being a little less and the Shrimp being a little more. The bill came up to $109.00, which isn’t bad for all this food, $4 drinks + VAT.

Because of where the Captain’s Table is located (Lyford Cay – A prestigious gated community) you would want to dress well in a nice summer dress or pants set with heels, wedges, or cute flats not jeans, cut off short and flip flops.

Overall, I had a nice time at Captain’s Table. I would like to visit again for Dinner just to try something new on the menu.

See more pics from my lunch at Captain’s Table below:

Xo,

Conesha

Pretty in PINK Octopus

May 4, 2017May 4, 2017 by http://242blqrze.com, posted in Blq Bite's, FOOD, Lifestyle

Hello Beautiful!

I’ve finally made it!

About a month or two ago, I saw an ad or promotion for one of Nassau’s newest restaurants on Instagram, and with an uncommon name like Pink Octopus, I was immediately intrigued.

I’ve been wanting to go for weeks, and I finally made it last week Tuesday.

Pink Octopus is located on West Bay Street, Nassau, Bahamas. So it’s tucked away in this quaint but modern space (formerly Mojos), away from the traffic of Nassau. The space has ample parking, but that may soon change as the restaurant becomes more popular.

My cousin and friend accompanied me for lunch that day, and I would advise you to take 2/3 people with you when you go as well. The food servings are small. So the best idea would be for everyone to order multiple options off of the menu and sample each others meals. Thats what we did!

My cousin ordered the Fried Grouper Tacos with a side order of Asparagus.

My friend ordered the Roasted Chicken that is served on a bed of roasted Potato wedges.

I ordered the the Spicy Shrimp with a side order of Fried Cauliflower.

The presentation of the food is just as intriguing as the name. The food is served with lots of greens and vegetables, which is just as appealing to the eyes as it is the tongue palates.

If you’re not big on vegetables, don’t fear! You hardly taste the icky stuff, just delicious kicks to the meal.

Out of everything we ordered the Spicy Shrimp & Asparagus was our favourites. So I suggest you try those when you visit.

Now, apart from a unique brunch, lunch and dinner menu… Pink Octopus has an AMAZING cocktail menu! I’m not even a cocktail connoisseur, but I know a good drink when I taste one, or two or three (covers face).

To get our party of 3 started the bartender mixed us a shot called the “Pink Lemon Drop”. It was served in a shot glass, with sugar around the rim and a lime on top. Yes, of course, it was coloured pink!

It wasn’t as strong as most shots, and I was able to handle it. I like that shot, and will be ordering another round when I go back!

Personally, I ordered the Blood Orange Margarita. I heard the Mr. Pink is their popular drink, so I opted to go with the minority, and I wasn’t disappointed. Mixed with a muddled Blood Orange, Dry Curacao, Tequila and garnished with a slice of an actual Blood Orange, the margarita wasn’t too strong but it gave you a nice buzz.

I notice the restaurant didn’t have loud, overbearing music and it was quiet enough for us to have a good conversation with out everyone hearing our business. Thats a plus for me because I enjoy intimate conversations when I’m out to eat.

We had a small complaint, but nothing to keep me away from referring Pink Octopus or going back. Also, I’m not sure if the manager thought it was My birthday (I was Pretty in Pink like it was My Birthday) or if it was his way of apologizing but he sent out a complimentary Dulce de Leche Flan covered in toasted Sesame Seeds with a Happy Birthday candle (I haven’t seen one of them in years lol) and had the bartender, Alan, sing Happy Birthday to me.

Listen… Alan’s voice was enough to make up for any wrong! It wasn’t my birthday but I felt like it was. If you’re planning on celebrating anything special at Pink Octopus, make sure Alan is there to serenade you in the moment.

Back to the Flan! I’m glad the manager chose the Flan to send out to us, because it isn’t something I would usually order, but it was surprisingly good and the seeds give it a distinct taste at the end.

The surprises didn’t stop there! We got another round of shots. This time, Chocalate Cake shots and I’m not sure what all was in the mix but I tasted Bailey’s for sure.

Lastly, I orded a slice of Orange Cake. It was beautifully served on top of smeared yogurt and almonds, and covered with chunks of orange pulp. The cake was moist and delicious.

Pink Octopus menu is made to order, so you will have a little wait on your meals. When we went, our meals came fast because the restaurant wasn’t crowded, but keep this in mind if you go on a busy day or night.

The price range varies depending on what you order, but it’s pretty affordable especially if you’re splitting the bill.

Our bill came up to $124.96 cents including tax. We asked them to split the total in three and each paid about $42. This is another great tip when dining out with friends, share the food and split the bill evenly.

Overall I enjoyed my first time at Pink Octopus. From the decor to the decadence of the food & cocktails. The staff was inviting and very knowledgeable about the menu. Don’t be afraid to ask your waitress what she suggest, if you’re not sure what to try. Lastly the price point was on point. I didn’t feel like I broke the bank to enjoy an exquisitely different menu from the typical Bahamian culture, and be serenaded as well.

I will visit Pink Octopus again… hopefully sooner than later! And I hope I see you there so we can sip on a Mr. Pink while taking an Usie!

See more pics from my lunch at Pink Octopus below.

Xo,

Conesha

New Orleans in Nassau: Louis & Steen’s

January 23, 2017 by http://242blqrze.com, posted in Blq Bite's, FOOD, Lifestyle

If you’re anything like Me, you’re always late for Breakfast and too early for Lunch, so Brunch is your best option!

Gratefully, Nassau has a new little spot open from 6:30am – 7:00pm through the week, 8:00am – 7:00pm on Saturday and 10:00am – 8:00pm on Sunday. Perfect for a late sleeper like Myself on the weekend.

The new spot is a New Orleans inspired Coffeehouse called Louis & Steen’s located on West Bay Street. I won’t pretend to be a Coffee connoisseur, however I love trying new food places and this one was on my list!

Louis & Steen’s colourful ambience and vintage decor truly gives you a taste of New Orleans in Nassau. I’ve never been to Louisiana (its on my list of places to see) but now I know what to expect.

With a little Jazz playing in the background, I looked over the chalk board menu and pastries in the showcase. With the cashier’s help I ordered the below:

1-Butter Croissant

1- Order of Sweet Potato Pancakes & Sausage

1-Bowl of Chicken & Sausage Gumbo w/ Biscuit

1- Single Cappuccino

1- Iced Latte (Gulp/Regular Size)

The total of my bill was $49.18. Not bad for a brunch for two if you want to make it a date or have coffee with a friend.

The drink prices are reasonable, just a little less than a Starbucks but the food is pricey. My bowl of Chicken & Sausage Gumbo was $17.75! Maybe its the same in Louisiana… if you know, comment down below.

I tried the Gumbo because it was the “New Orleans Thing” to do. It was good for a first time try, the flavour was rich and it was made fresh. The pancakes were good also, a nice compliment to a cup of coffee if its your preference. Beware of the spice on the pancakes though, it can be a little over bearing so ask them to sprinkle lightly.

The Ice Latte was refreshing as well, you can get it spiked with a flavored syrup (I chose Butter Pecan) and they put coffee ice cubes in it so it doesn’t water down like it would with regular ice cubes. I think thats genius!

But for ME… it was the Butter Croissant & Cappuccino! They were my favourites!

I suggest you have your croissant warmed. It becomes so soft, each flake melts in your mouth.

I also suggest you customize your Cappuccino. Feel free to steal my request:

“A single Cappuccino, with ALMOND Milk and French Vanilla Syrup”. Divine!

Overall, I found Louis & Steen’s to be a delightful new spot, even for a not-so-big coffee lover like myself. Its great for breakfast, brunch or lunch meet ups with friends or meetings with clients. The atmosphere is bright and cozy with an amazing beach view across the street.

The staff is friendly and helpful, which is always a plus!

I’m sure I’ll be back again to try something new, as I was told their menu changes constantly. Maybe next time I’ll see you there… and we can take a picture on the wooden swing!

See more pics from my morning at Louis & Steen’s: