International

Palms Restaurant & Bar (Surf Side Bermuda, 90 South Shore Rd., tel. 441/236-7100 ext. 258, fax 441/236-9765, www.surfsidebermuda.com [1], breakfast 8–10:30 a.m., lunch noon–3:30 p.m., dinner 6–8:30 p.m. daily) is highly recommended, both for its delicious menu and the dramatic alfresco setting. Tables are arranged inside a cabana-like dining room, or, if weather permits, poolside overlooking the precipitous South Shore—where the 180-degree horizons and sound of rolling surf would be awesome even without a first-rate menu. But manager Llew Harvey, who used to run the beloved Once Upon A Table in Hamilton, oversees a gourmet operation. Included in the restaurant’s wide assortment of offerings are oysters Rockefeller ($13), Bermuda fish chowder ($6), poached wahoo ($29.50), and rack of lamb ($31) among entrées, and tempting crème brûlées, tarts, and spice cakes ($8) for dessert. Especially popular for romantic dinner dates, the restaurant encourages reservations.

Blu Bar & Grill (Belmont Hills Golf Course, 97 Middle Rd., tel. 441/232-2323, fax 441/232-6464, info [at] blu [dot] bm, www.blu.bm [2], lunch noon–2:30 p.m. Mon.–Sat. Apr.–Nov., noon–2:30 p.m. Sat. only Nov.–Mar., snack menu 2:30–5 p.m. Sat. only, brunch 11:15 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Sun., sushi happy-hour from 5 p.m. daily, dinner 6 p.m.–10 p.m. daily) commands panoramic views of the greens and Great Sound from the resort’s multistory clubhouse. Part of the Little Venice Group (which owns a half-dozen restaurants and runs the island’s largest catering service), Blu draws a packed house year-round thanks to its gourmet fare and stunning vantage point. A southwestern flair distinguishes its menu, which includes appetizers like Cajun fried calamari ($15.25) and warm spinach salad ($10.75), pizzas ($21.75), and inventive entrées such as back baby pork ribs ($25.75), and bourbon-marinated chicken and suckling pigs grilled in the rotisserie ($21.75). Comfort food reigns with no end of sides like sweet potato gratin and jalapeño corn bread. Desserts like blackened chocolate cake ($10) have a New Orleans twist. A kids’ menu is available before 7:15 p.m. An outstanding wine list, with close to 100 well-selected California vintages, is another good reason to stop by.