PreviousMusic to dine by
A medley of restaurants
T he experience of dining out should be more than just a feast for the taste buds. It should also be a treat for the ears.
Research has shown that music can affect a person’s appetite. For instance, a recent study at Johns Hopkins University found that test subjects finished their meal more quickly if they listened to music with a lively, upbeat tempo, instead of slow instrumentals.
Another study examined diners’ responses when they listened to classical, pop or no music at all while they supped. Among other things, it revealed that people spend more money when they listen to classical music.
This is not to suggest that all restaurants should play Bach or Mozart. Restaurateurs agree that music should be chosen to enhance the ambience.
Fortunately, Nassau and Paradise Island offer a medley of restaurants to suit all tastes in food and music. As an added treat, many restaurants offer live music ranging from sophisticated contemporary music to energetic Bahamian tunes and lively calypso and reggae beats.
Keyboard cuisine
Patrons at Graycliff know they’re in for a special evening as soon as they step into this stately, historic building on West Hill Street, overlooking old Nassau.
Guests enjoy exceptional five-star dining on Bahamian-Continental cuisine while listening to music by renowned Bahamian pianist and vocalist Tanya Hanna, who performs a mix of classical, jazz and rhythm and blues in Graycliff’s luxurious lounge most evenings.
“She’s performed here for many years,” says human resources manager Jason Fernander. “We definitely feel that her music enhances Graycliff’s atmosphere and dining experience.”
Tickling the ivories also adds to the ambience at Café Martinique on Paradise Island. Overlooking the multi-million-dollar yachts docked at the Atlantis Marina, this elegant French restaurant, run by famed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, features contemporary and classical piano music.
Another restaurant that uses live piano music to add to its charm is East Villa on East Bay Street. Pianist Phillip McPhee plays a wide range of music, including an occasional request, while diners savour steaks and exceptional Chinese cuisine. McPhee performs every Friday and Saturday night from 7pm to 10:30pm.
Upbeat eateries
While light piano music sets the right tone for fine dining establishments such as Graycliff and Café Martinique, it would be difficult to appreciate amid the din at casual, fun-loving eateries like the Hard Rock Cafe and Señor Frog’s in downtown Nassau.
As its name suggests, the Hard Rock Cafe serves up generous portions of rock ’n’ roll with every American-style item on the menu.
This popular, two-storey restaurant on Charlotte Street doubles as a rock ’n roll museum, with memorabilia from some of the greatest pop stars of the 20th century. Adorning the walls are items such as Elton John’s turquoise platform shoes, a gold pendant worn by Elvis Presley and outfits worn by Shakira, Lenny Kravitz and Madonna.
Not to be outdone, Señor Frog’sis just the place for those who like a party atmosphere. Live DJ music and entertainment, including karaoke, amp up this Mexican-themed bar and restaurant, located next to the British Colonial Hilton, overlooking Nassau Harbour.
Good times and top-40 tunes of yesteryear can be found at Johnny Rockets at Marina Village at Atlantis on Paradise Island. Diners go “back to the 1950s” at this retro restaurant. Don’t be surprised to see impromptu doo-wop performances by the waitstaff while you enjoy burgers, fries and milkshakes.
Bahamian beats
If there are two things The Bahamas does well, it’s music and food. Both make up a large part of the Bahamian culture. In fact, you may have gotten a taste of live Bahamian music on your way through arrivals at Lynden Pindling International Airport. But as locals and visitors can attest, a trip to The Bahamas wouldn’t be complete without dining on a plate of Bahamian comfort food while taking in the sounds of a native Bahamian band.
At Travellers’ Rest, overlooking the sea in western New Providence, diners enjoy authentic Bahamian fare such as fried chicken, grouper fingers, peas ’n rice, macaroni ’n cheese and coleslaw while listening to the reggae and Bahamian sounds of Tabatha & Gernie and the Caribbean Express Band, who play every weekend from 6pm to 10pm.
The restaurant is a longtime favourite of locals, tourists and even a few celebrities. Sir Sean Connery, Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton and Diana Ross are among the notables who have signed the guest book.
Live Bahamian music can also be heard at the Cricket Club, a popular haunt among the locals and British expats, thanks to its unique blend of Bahamian and British culture. Local calypso band Daddy Longlegs & Peter perform Friday nights on the balcony, which offers a grand view of Arawak Cay, Fort Charlotte and the cruise ships as they enter Nassau Harbour.
“It’s the only place I can come to watch some football, enjoy a full-English (breakfast), have a pint and catch up with my mates,” says one British expat regular. “And the band is very good too.”
Bimini Road at Marina Village at Atlantis is also a great place to hear energetic Bahamian music performed by local bands. Patrons can enjoy tasty Caribbean fare such as mojo-marinated chicken and tamarind-glazed pork chops while listening to the band perform at the outdoor bar.
Cool vibrations
Trendy types with a taste for DJ shows don’t have to search far to find a place to dine. For example, Blu restaurant, bar and lounge and the renowned Compass Point restaurant are ideal venues.
Newly opened Blu, in the Elizabeth on Bay Marketplace & Marina, downtown Bay Street near Elizabeth Avenue, offers a cool, upscale vibe with its pop dance music and entertainment by alternating DJs. The lunch and dinner menu features a blend of California and Mediterranean cuisine. For night owls, Blu also offers late-night light fare, specialty drinks and fine wine.
If you’re in the mood for an eclectic mix of live Bahamian music and DJ sounds while dining against a spectacular backdrop of turquoise sea, then look no further than Compass Point restaurant.
Every Saturday night this colourful restaurant serves up live Bahamian music with its menu of international and Bahamian cuisine.
“Having live music is a must for us, because Compass Point has always been connected with the music industry,” says general manager Viktor Kudrnka, noting the history of the renowned Compass Point Recording Studio nearby. He adds that the restaurant is also active in “trying to promote local music.
“We’re always looking out for local bands who not only play Bahamian music but are familiar with internationally well-known songs that are familiar to tourists.”
In addition to live Bahamian bands, Compass Point also hosts pool parties once a month featuring live house music by local DJs–a popular event that gives residents and resort guests a chance to mingle.
Whatever your taste in music and food, you have a smorgasbord of choices in Nassau and Paradise Island.
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Music to dine by
A medley of restaurants
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