Date Night

The outdoor terrace of Shima restaurant at The Island House

"Got our tickets?" Alan double-checked with me.

"Already saved in Apple wallet," I confirmed as I buckled up in the front passenger seat of the car. Then we started our journey to the other side of Nassau for dinner and a movie.

We made it to The Island House (see my previous story) right before our 6:30 pm dinner reservation. Walking through the lobby, I noticed they've added a big sofa  since my last visit here only three weeks ago. They do a fine job with seating areas. They're inviting and relaxing.

The lobby seating area with the newly added sofa

We proceeded to Shima, the Asian restaurant on the second floor. It has an open design with its upper walls wrapped in a colorful frieze by artist John Cox.

Normally, Alan would shake his head in frustration, if not disgust, when I take pictures while we're at a new restaurant. He didn't flinch this time, ignoring me while I wandered around and snapped away with my iPhone. The late afternoon sunlight challenged my camera skills and I worried about taking photos that might sell the place short. But the place is gorgeous. I couldn't possibly fail.

Main dining section 

The great thing about Shima is that it has two open-air spaces offering splendid views. One, which is to the left of the entrance, is the terrace overlooking yachts in Lyford Cay Marina and the ocean beyond.

Outdoor terrace overlooking Lyford Cay Marina

The other, directly across, is the outdoor bar and lounge area overlooking the hotel's pool. And in case your back faces the pool, you'll be gazing at an intricately wood-carved mural behind the bar. It's a spectacular creation by local artist John Beadle.  

The bar and lounge overlooking the pool

A wooden carving creates a spectacular backdrop for the bar.

Our lovely server, wearing a chic denim apron, assured us we'd have plenty of time for a relaxing meal and still catch the 7:30 p.m. movie. After placing our orders, she brought us our sodas in glasses with black paper straws.

Meanwhile, I noticed the chef was chatting with a family in the next table. I overheard him say he's originally from Sydney. He came to our table too and personally brought our appetizer. As we exchanged pleasantries, he revealed that his specialty leans more on Thai cuisine.

Our starter: Shrimp Tempura Roll with spicy mayo, avocado, and black sesame

Later, he returned to check on us. "That will go straight to your hips," he teased as his eyes landed on our entree. "So having it once a week should be fine."

Chef Dave Rogers of Shima at The Island House

His smile faded when he realized something was absent from our meal. We already had the chicken curry plus egg fried rice on the table. I didn't think anything was amiss.

He vanished for a moment and then reappeared with the missing dish saying, "The Thai Style Butter Chicken is best with our papadum." (They spell it "poppadom" in their menu, by the way.)

"Just dip it in the curry sauce and enjoy!" he added. I thought it peculiar to eat Thai curry with the Indian papadum but hey, it works!

Thai Style Butter Chicken with green chili, cherry tomatoes, and fresh coriander. 

As promised by our server, our delicious dinner was complete with enough time to spare. I stopped at the restroom before heading to the movies and felt spoiled lathering my hands with Bamford products. The scent of spa replaced my Asian dinner's aroma from my fingers.

From the outside, the small cinema appeared nondescript. Inside, the moon-shaped piece of art and pretty chandelier in the doorway served as a prelude to what's to come. 

The Island House art cinema

Surprisingly, I only had to give my name and didn't have to show the tickets from my iPhone. Once my reservation was verified, we were led to our sofa in the back row.

The intimate theater seats only 48

Making myself comfy and ready for the movie

Each seat was appointed with a plush pillow and a tray table intended for snacks or drinks. Although the seats don't recline, each sofa comes with a matching ottoman as a footrest. I stretched out and glanced at Alan, "You better not fall asleep."

We didn't know what to expect of the featured film, Dunkirk. Thankfully, it wasn't a snoozer. But after watching the movie, I came to this realization: If you're not going to speak for a couple of hours after dinner, try not to have Asian food. Or at least bring some mint. I took a whiff of my own breath and man, was it lethal! So much for date night.

Shameless selfie at the movies

The Island House

I can’t believe I’ve never heard of this place before. The topic came up during a get-together with our friend, Tanya McCartney. She spoke about the upscale restaurants and the intimate movie theater at The Island House.

"You can buy your movie tickets online," she even said. I was intrigued. After visiting The Island House's website, my interest grew even more.  Alan and I were there the following weekend.

At the lobby of The Island House in The Bahamas

One of the seating areas in the lobby

Lobby sofa seating that makes you feel at home

I must say, it isn't what I would normally expect to find in Nassau. It's contemporary, sophisticated, and zen all at once. I just wanted to luxuriate in the simple but elegant surroundings. I loved everything about it.

The well thought-out details and stunning interior proudly spoke of the collaboration by global architecture firm Hart Howerton and renowned interior designer Champalimaud. Every nook could easily be a page out of Architectural Digest. I was impressed.

The front desk at The Island House

The Coffee Bar

More of The Coffee Bar's interior

This 30-room boutique hotel was built with the idea of creating a gathering place for both tourists and locals. The open layout, allowing ample natural light, helps achieve a welcoming attitude.

This fully Bahamian-owned property also features:
     • Six rental apartments for long-staying guests
     • Three dining options:
        - Mahogany House (Mediterranean) - See my previous story
        - Shima (Asian fusion)
        - The Coffee Bar
     • 48-seat cinema

Since wellness is also an important theme here, facilities include a lap pool, movement studio (gym with yoga, Pilates, and Barre classes), squash and padel courts, and a Bamford Spa. If I stayed here, I may never want to leave.

The lap pool

Outdoor gathering spot

The owners, born and raised in The Bahamas, intended to provide their guests a luxurious yet authentic local experience, quite different from what you might find on the opposite end of the island. Majority of Nassau visitors are passengers from cruise ships that dock near Paradise Island, located on the other side of town. Hence, The Island House beckons with their slogan, "Discover this side of paradise."

To promote Bahamian culture and talent, all artwork found here is created by local artists. My favorite -- a striking cardboard cut-out -- hangs on a wall facing the lobby elevator. The showpiece was crafted by Junkanoo artist John Beadle.

Intricate cardboard cut-out by Junkanoo artist, John Beadle

Lobby areas are enhanced with all-Bahamian art

On Thursday evenings, a local jazz band provides live entertainment. Sometimes band members include young aspiring musicians such as the gifted 12-year old trumpeter (recently accepted in Juilliard). On other evenings, another local band plays rake-and-scrape, also known as "The Music of The Bahamas," with goombay drums, accordion, and percussion produced by bending and scraping a handsaw.

Live entertainment on the premises

The intimate 48-seat cinema

Half-hidden among a grove of trees in Mahogany Hill, The Island House seemed to be the best-kept secret in town. Not anymore. Since opening in April 2015, it has grown staunch support from the local community and celebrities the world over. It has also captured the attention of the likes of Conde Nast and Travel Luxury Magazine.

This way to The Island House in Nassau

Being there reminded me of the saying, "Home is not a place. It's a feeling." And that feeling lingered with me long after that first visit, luring me to return. After only two weeks, Alan and I were back there for date night.


The Island House is located in Mahogany Hill on Western Road (found on the west side of New Providence Island, The Bahamas.) Just outside the exclusive Lyford Cay Club, it is about a 10-minute drive from Lynden Pindling International Airport. 

A Pleasant Surprise

Mahogany House Part 3:  The Wine

This post is part of a series on Mahogany House restaurant in The Bahamas. See "Embracing His Game" (about the chef) and "Showstoppers" (about the food).

Pushing past the main double doors, my husband Alan and I were pleasantly surprised to be greeted with a showcase of wines. I hesitated for a moment but the cashier confirmed that this was the way to Mahogany House.

The octagonal-shaped building, which serves as the restaurant’s main entry point, is an adorable wine store called the Market. Its tall shelves display a varied collection of wine and beer including labels not available anywhere else on the island. In speaking to the restaurant's chef, Dan Quirk, we learned that the building's shape was patterned after the Nassau Public Library and originated as a mini grocery.

The main entry to Mahogany House restaurant is a wine store.

Inside the Market, the wine store at Mahogany House

The Nut Bar offers items that easily pair with wine or beer.

The Market carries the restaurant's signature wine label, Bonney’s Revenge -- named after the female pirate, Anne Bonney. The limited edition wines are bottled in Australia, especially for Mahogany House.

Bottles of Bonney's Revenge Rose

"Let me show you one more thing," Chef Dan added before ending our enjoyable and informative mini tour. We followed him to a discreet stairway that semi-spiralled to a wine cellar. The racks along the walls encircled a large round wooden table for 10. Chef Dan told us that this special den doubles as a private function room where you can arrange something as lavish as a multi-course dinner for an intimate group or something as simple as a down-home pizza party for two.

The wine cellar doubles as a private function room.

p.s. I went back a few weeks later and was lucky enough to snag the last bottle of Bonney's Revenge Cabernet Sauvignon. It was an excellent pairing to my dinner that night. 

Mahogany House is one of three dining options at The Island House, located in Mahogany Hill on Western Road (found on the west side of New Providence Island, The Bahamas.) Just outside the exclusive Lyford Cay Club, it is about a 10-minute drive from Lynden Pindling International Airport.

Showstoppers

Mahogany House Part 2:  The Food

This post is continued from "Embracing His Game," a story about the chef of Mahogany House restaurant in The Bahamas.

Chef Dan and I settled on stools at the bar's corner for the interview. We discussed the essence of Mahogany House restaurant as well as his own culinary philosophy. He's an advocate of simplicity and fresh ingredients in cooking. Though he has access to irresistible sweets at home (his wife is a pastry chef), he doesn't touch them. He prefers desserts that bring forth natural sweetness like grilled peaches.

In between our leisurely chat, he'd get up to greet guests walking in for lunch, or he'd reply to staff members asking him quick questions. He was showing me his wedding photo when two of his top-selling menu items turned up in front of us.

I sampled the appetizer first and was immediately impressed after tasting only a small portion.

"OMG. This is amazing!" I exclaimed and pointed to the pork belly. He tried to hide a smile but the glint in his eyes couldn’t conceal his pride.

The Buffalo Pork Belly appetizer is a definite must-try.

This is a killer appetizer: the Buffalo Pork Belly (a creative variation of buffalo chicken wings) with bleu cheese dressing complemented with pickled celery and carrots.

The pork belly is masterfully smoked for six hours then braised for an additional four. When deep-fried to order, the result is an unbelievably succulent pork belly with a perfect bit of crisp on the outside. It was oozing with that unmistakable buffalo chicken wing flavor. Listed under "Bites" or small plates category of the menu, this serving is meant for sharing. Oh, but this is one appetizer I'm not willing to split with anyone.

Next, he introduced me to Mahogany House's best-selling entrée: the Blackened Snapper in chili butter sauce, served with prawn and polenta (a playful twist on shrimp ‘n’ grits), garnished with grilled scallion.

Mahogany House's showstopper: Blackened Snapper

This is outstanding. With just the right touch of spiciness, this dish is rich, elegant, and above all, comforting. Every delicious bite commands another. It is light and exceptionally satisfying. Interestingly, Chef Dan says it is the most popular item on the menu and the easiest to execute.

Ultimately, it's the food that makes or break a restaurant. After seeing the true stars of the show here, it's plain to see why their clientele clamor for an encore. I've been to some highly rated restaurants on the island but their offerings didn't excite me. Studying the interesting menu at Mahogany House, I found that there's something for everyone -- from mouthwatering starters, tasty yet healthy soups and salads, all-time favorite pizza and pasta, to savory main dishes. The duck confit manicotti on the menu caught my eye. I'm definitely coming back for that one.

Chef Dan getting ready to chill the braised pork belly

Chef Dan setting out the duck confit

"And what about wine?" you might ask. More on that in the next post called "A Pleasant Surprise."


Mahogany House is one of three dining options at The Island House, located in Mahogany Hill on Western Road (found on the west side of New Providence Island, The Bahamas.) Just outside the exclusive Lyford Cay Club, it is about a 10-minute drive from Lynden Pindling International Airport.

Embracing His Game

Mahogany House Part 1:  The Chef

Dan Quirk, Master Chef at Mahogany House

"Island living is not for everyone. Most everything you need is imported, expensive, and not always available. You can either choose to be upset and bitter about it...or accept it, adapt, and move on."

Mahogany House's chef Dan Quirk shared how he combats exasperation from not always getting the right ingredients for the high end Bahamas restaurant. One must be highly organized, constantly prepared, and wickedly creative.

Mahogany House entrance sign

The restaurant's main entry is through the wine store called the Market.

The timeless and sophisticated dining room of Mahogany House in The Bahamas

“When it storms, the fishermen aren’t out fishing so it’s unlikely I’ll get the seafood items I normally do. I must have a back up plan. Or if the day's shipment brings romaine lettuce of poor quality, then I just don’t serve Caesar salad that day.”

Dan, who hails from Delaware and formally trained in culinary arts, is not new to switching things up at a moment’s notice. Prior to working for Mahogany House, he was a member of a three-chef kitchen team at The Matyson, a once-upon-a-time restaurant in Philadelphia. Their 5-course tasting menu comprised of eclectic offerings that changed weekly.

It seems crazy how he hurdles such challenges. For example, the kitchen is not equipped with those industrial size walk-in freezers. Still he dishes out his masterpieces using fresh ingredients. Through my one-on-one with the 24-year old chef, I uncovered more reasons contributing to the rising popularity and acclaim of Mahogany House.

Chef Dan talks with pride about Mahogany House. 

“It started out as an idea to bring together the local people and their guests,” Chef Dan proudly spoke about the restaurant's beginnings. The Bahamian-owned establishment opened in 2010, intended to be a gathering place, be it a watering hole for wine aficionados or a venue for locals to entertain their visitors. Its resounding success ushered the development of the neighboring 30-room boutique hotel, The Island House, on an 8-acre property near Lyford Cay. (More on The Island House in my next story.)

Comfy couches add a welcoming touch

Mahogany House's simple yet sophisticated interior evokes a sense of belonging. You instantly feel at ease here. The restaurant’s team, especially the chef, mirrors this ambience with their warmth and friendliness. They make you feel like you’re family.

The dining experience here is also flexible. Dan explained that you can choose to casually sit at the bar for pizza and beer; dine al fresco, sharing small plates paired with a glass of wine; or sit at a table in the main dining room and indulge in impressive entrees like duck confit manicotti, kurabata pork chop, or the menu's superstar:  the blackened snapper.

The U-shaped bar at Mahogany House

Outdoor seating for al fresco dining

You'll find elegant yet comforting food like the Blackened Snapper at Mahogany House

“What I love about Mahogany House is that it continues to evolve,” he stated with delight, citing that they recently revamped the menu design, introduced a whole new line of menu selections, and even reconfigured the seating and dining table arrangement. “It’s a product of great collaboration.”

It’s not unusual to catch Dan at the front of house or working at the pasta station on some nights. He’s involved in all aspects of the restaurant operations and is a true team player. Although cooking is his passion, his eyes light up the brightest when he talks about his team. He is proudest when his team members rise up the ranks as a product of his mentoring and training.

Dan and his team working their magic in the kitchen

Over the years, Mahogany House has gained a strong following from both locals and visitors alike, including those with celebrated names (and I mean BIG names). A sampling of the best-selling items on his menu made it clear to me why patrons give Mahogany House a roaring approval and keep coming back for more. 

Continued in next blog post called "Showstoppers."

Mahogany House is one of three dining options at The Island House, located in Mahogany Hill on Western Road (found on the west side of New Providence Island, The Bahamas.) Just outside the exclusive Lyford Cay Club, it is about a 10-minute drive from Lynden Pindling International Airport.