HAMILTON, BERMUDA—As part of its more than $90-million renovation, Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, A Fairmont Managed Hotel, has debuted Marcus’, the new restaurant by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson. Marcus’ features the chef’s signature of globally inspired cuisine, while infusing fresh, local ingredients and Caribbean and Portuguese influences.
“The fresh fish that is delivered to the hotel daily, along with the local partnerships that Marcus’ has created, allows the menu to naturally fit into Bermuda,” said Scott C. Evans, the property’s director of sales & marketing. “Additionally, Marcus brings his global perspective into the menus that allows customers to find a delightful take on fresh Bermudian cuisine.”
Samuelsson noted, “I always like to take inspiration from my travels when creating a new menu. For this restaurant in particular, it was about infusing ingredients and flavors that I like to use with local ingredients and traditions of Bermuda. For example, we take the traditional fish chowder from Bermuda and fold in mashed potatoes, then bread and fry them into croquettes and serve with a rum aioli. It’s about adding that spin on traditional dishes, and this one, in particular, is really tasty while still getting those rich flavors from the chowder.”
The Hamilton Princess & Beach Club has completed a two-phase, $90-million renovation, which included refreshing 88 guestrooms and suites in the Gazebo Wing, revamping the property’s grounds and adding a new lobby bar and restaurant, Crown & Anchor, with indoor and outdoor seating, as well as the debut of Samuelsson’s harborside restaurant.
The first phase of the hotel’s renovation, which ended last summer, included the new 60-berth Princess Marina, harborside 1609 Bar & Restaurant, infinity pool and renovated luxury guestrooms. Since 1885, Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, dubbed Bermuda’s “Grande Dame,” has hosted world leaders and dignitaries, celebrities and royalty, according to Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.
Located in the former Gazebo Room, once a grand ballroom, Marcus’ offers a central bar and a 1,500-sq.-ft. terrace constructed of indigenous stones and woods with views of the ocean and the hotel’s new marina. The restaurant also features an open kitchen complete with a wood-burning barbecue pit.
As the hotel planned the repositioning of the Princess, the ownership quickly identified that having a strong food and beverage addition was vital.
“The first decision was simple: build the new restaurant offerings so they were on, or looked at, the amazing Hamilton Harbor,” said Evans. “Next were the concept and possible partners. Marcus Samuelsson was quickly at the top of a very short list. His team was invited down to Bermuda and, after just a few hours, they called Marcus and told him to get on a plane; they had found a new partner.”
Menu items include oysters with black rum mignonette, blackened rockfish and grits, jerk pork belly and a steak tray for two. Additional dishes pay tribute to Bermudian culture, such as grilled Bermuda onion and the aforementioned fish chowder croquettes. The restaurant features a full beverage menu with signature and classic cocktails, a selection of wine and beer, and a new spin on a local favorite, ginger beer-based Dark and Stormier.
For Samuelsson, the restaurant’s greatest accomplishments are the partnerships formed with local farmers and fishermen. “We’ve been getting some really beautiful produce, cheese and fish that are all sourced locally,” he said. “Even the honey that we use for the butter served with our cornbread is local, so it’s been a great opportunity to get to know not only these people but to put some really delicious ingredients on our menu.”
The restaurant, which officially opened May 27, has already earned favorable reviews from its first patrons. “The feedback has been marvelous,” said Evans. “Bermuda has its first world-class restaurant that is fun, has incredible views, and is a place to enjoy with family and friends. It is also the new hot spot where deals are being made and business is getting done on the island. This is game-changer restaurant for Bermuda.”
Inspiration for the interior design of Marcus’ was drawn from the welcoming culture of Bermuda, according to the hotel. Designed by the Marcus Samuelsson Group and the property’s local architects, Botelho Woods Architects, the space is designed to bring “the harbor inside and the kitchen outside,” said Evans, “so you always have the action of the kitchen and the action of the sailboats in the harbor.”
Accents include decorative sail cloths hung with photographs lining the walls and rolls of canvas held by vintage leather straps on back-bar shelving and over doorways. Original artwork is on permanent display above a custom cabinet lined with classic board games, available for guest use, in the restaurant’s private dining room.
Marcus’ also features an array of modern art from the hotel’s owners, including original pieces by Andy Warhol, Liu Ye and Nelson Mandela. “We have knick-knacks from sunken ships around Bermuda; Andy Warhol’s Four Rolling Stones; and Nelson Mandela’s prison series,” said Evans. “It elevates what is already a spectacular space to another level of wonderment and thought-provoking views.”
The hotel attracts business guests during the week and leisure travelers during the weekend, according to Evans. “Our business guests love the ability to entertain at an incredible venue like Marcus’, while our leisure guests love the great vibes and fun, yet complex menu,” he said. “Not to mention that the restaurant is situated with the most amazing views of Hamilton Harbor and Bermuda.” HB