Business expands restaurant offerings

By GENEA NOEL
Freeport News

FREEPORT, GRAND BAHAMA- Months after 78 workers lost their jobs following the closure of three restaurants in the Port Lucaya Marketplace, local businessman Mario Dinato has hired several of them for a new business venture.
Dinato has acquired only the name for East and La Dolce Vita previously operated by Rick Hayward and has moved both restaurants to his Pier One Restaurant location at the Lucayan Harbour.
Back in September Hayward closed The Pub, La Dolce Vita and East restaurants after an ongoing dispute with the Port Group Limited over rent.
Employees are currently preparing to take legal action to recoup severance pay owed to them.
Speaking to The Freeport News yesterday, Dinato said that Hayward agreed to give him the names of the restaurants and he plans to serve similar offerings to the Grand Bahama community with some of the original staff.
"I have re-employed about nine persons from both restaurants and as business picks up I hope to take on more of those employees," Dinato said
He added that he hopes residents and visitors will warm up to the idea of the all inclusive location with an ideal scenery that cannot be found anywhere else on the island.
The Freeport News visited the restaurants yesterday and employees seemed grateful to be employed again.
Meanwhile, Selvin Newbold, former executive chef of La Dolce Vita and former Chef at East Marshal Bernard, who left months before the closure, said that persons would be able to get their menu favourites from the two restaurants, including Pier One's Bahamian cuisine.
"We have incorporated everything so that we will be able to satisfy our old customers and Pier One's customers."
"They can expect a variety of food under a whole different concept. It's Italian, Asian and Bahamian styles."
Though there was the concern that the new location may be a bit far out than they are used to, the chefs said that once they experience it, it would be worth their while.
Dinato said that the concept will open the market, attract more visitors and give locals a new and exciting experience.
While employees of Hayward's restaurants still intend to take action against their former boss (Hayward) for monies owed to them, they hope that customers will welcome the new location.

RUMOR!!!! NEW RESTAURANT COMING SOON!!!!

There's a reason he always wins.. Billy Joes knows that Simple & Fresh is best

Cacique Award winners 2009  "Billy Joe" 2nd left

If you don't know who won the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Cacique award for The Bahamas, let me put you out of your misery. Grand Bahamas very own John “Billy Joe” Gilbert, Took this prize and it's easy to see why. If you search on Tripadvisor.com. ( My favorite go-to site when I'm heading to places unknown)

images by Rodman 12

images by Rodman 12

His simple wooden beach restaurant out by The Raddison Our Lucaya beach rates #1 out of 59 restaurants in Grand Bahama. That's right, a simple beach shack with a few benches, and a stunning view, is what, it seems like, our visitors REALLY want. And Billy Joe gives it to 'em and more.
Now there are mnay other very good restaurants in town, but when you're feeling like some fresh seafood cooked "The Bahamaian way" then this is THE Spot
One reviewer states: “Best, Freshest Fish I Have Ever Had”, another, "Fun!! Fun!! Great local food, as it should be.” And these are are seasoned reviewers on Trip Advisor, people, who I would definitely consider their reviews were I a newbie visiting this island, or any other island for that matter.

image by Rodman 12

Dobos

So make up your own minds. Check out the review HERE Or better still head down there, Enjoy a SANDS & partake in some local culinary delights.
Let me know what you think. We Care.

Champagne Summer Party

Sabor & Clegg-Missick Events is doing it again!!!
Get ready for this month's most talked about event.
After the success of her previous events hosted at the Upscale & Glamorous Sabor Restaurant at the Pelican Bay Hotel. Clegg-Missick is throwing the ultimate summer soiree, A Champagne Summer Party.
With music by The President & exquisite delicacies by resident top Chef Worly, Residents & Visitors to Grand Bahama are destined to experience a night of pure Luxury.

NO ADMISSION FEE 21+ ONLY. FOOD AND BEVERAGES SOLD SEPERATELY.

AN ELEGANT EVENING OF CHAMPAGNE,
CHOCOLATES, STRAWBERRIES CHEESES & SUMMER PARTY HITS.
V.I.P TABLES AVAILABLE. CALL YOUR HOST TO RSV.
BOAT DOCKING ALLOWED ONLY WITH RSVP.
DRESS CODE: ELEGANT ATTIRE
YOUR EVENTS COORDINATOR / PROMOTER: SUSAN CLEGG-MISSICK

Sexy Latino Party

The Bahamas Weekly reports: Grand Bahama Island - The Ibiza Latino Night event at Sabor Restaurant and Bar at the Pelican Bay Hotel drew a good crowd over the course of the evening despite extremely poor weather on Friday, May 22nd.

Patrons and dance enthusiasts came out to be seen in what many on hand said felt was a "West Beach" or "New York" experience. Sabor offers an upscale atmosphere without the up-tight attitude.

Everyone was dressed to impress in Caribbean colours and enjoyed top shelf drinks while listing to DJ Say My Name spin pulsating House Latin rhythm music and a sexy mix of Cha Cha, Merengue and Bachata

In between cracking lightning, thunder and often heavy downpours, people were out on the dance floor strutting their stuff.

Once the rain held off for good, featured dancers Alessandra Lugli and Gregory Joseph put on a fantastic Latin dance demonstration to the delight of the crowd. Sabor hosts set up the the VIP beds where candles were lit and champagne was served as guests relaxed in comfort and style.

Event planner Susan Missick said, "We'd like to thank all those that came out despite the weather. This was another free event at Sabor and we appreciate the enthusiasm. We have more exciting events planned, and we aim to provide something different for the patrons."

The next Sabor event will be a Champagne Summer Evening on Friday, June 12th. Don't miss it!

Port Lucaya

There's always a spot in every city or town that sparkles, that attracts tourists & locals alike. Somewhere that has live entertainment, stores, restaurants, bars and various activities. In Freeport this spot is Port Lucaya.

Port Lucaya is just a short half-day trip from South Florida for most motor-cruisers. A mere 70 miles from the Florida coast. For others that are visting via air or Cruise ship, Port Lucaya is located in the Lucaya area which is South East of Freeport. There is a Marina there for docking vessels.
During the day you can lounge at numerous bars like Rum Runners, The Corner Bar & Sparky's or head to Sabor Restaurant & Bar (which is a favorite of mine) for cool cocktails whilst listening to House music- Very South beach!
East Asian Restaurant is on the 1st floor of the Pusser building & serves up delicious Asian inspired treats like sushi, sashimi & other mouthwatering dishes.
Agave Latin restaurant & Shennanigans Irish Pub are on the western side of buildings & give vistors a wide range of culinary choices.
Look out for individual reviews of the restaurants in the following weeks.