Mosaic

Mosaic Buffet
At The Cove in Atlantis Paradise Island Resort
The Bahamas


Having lived in Las Vegas, I've become a buffet snob. It's not that I don't like them. Don't get me wrong. I'm just very particular about the offerings. To me, a buffet spread doesn't have to be a big bonanza. I could go for something simple as long as there's a decent variety of palate-pleasing selections.

There are buffet restaurants that lure you with heaps and heaps of food but nothing tastes great. Others are more basic but yield unforgettable dishes or present something unique. Those are the ones that stand out for me.

There are "hole-in-the-wall" buffet places in Sin City -- like Gandhi India's Cuisine and Lotus of Siam (Thai) -- that command return visits because of their authentic and delicious fare.

Another one I've always enjoyed is the Wynn's La Cave. I've labeled it "The Buffet For The Lazy" because as a customer, you don't ever need to leave your seat. The servers bring the selections directly to your table. Just as with other luxury hotel buffets like Bellagio's, their servings are personal in size, allowing you to sample everything without having to waste anything.

Sunday Brunch at Mosaic, the buffet restaurant at The Cove in Atlantis, made it to my list of good buffets. We didn't have to stand in line and we were led to a table as soon as we walked in. Compared to most buffet restaurants, Mosaic is more intimate, eliminating the jostling of patrons moving from one station to the next.

Mosaic Buffet at The Cove in Atlantis Paradise Island

I found the atmosphere to be delightful with ample sunlight streaming in through large picture windows. And it wasn't loud. The background music was faint but audible enough for anyone to recognize what was playing.

Picture windows allowing ample natural light

Service was efficient and pleasant. Our server, Shakeisha, was always on hand to cater to our needs, quickly changing our used plates. When replenishing my coffee, she'd politely ask for my nod before pouring into my cup.

Hot food station at Mosaic

I found it refreshingly different from Vegas buffets that Mosaic features Rack of Lamb. Prepared the classic way, they're served bite-size (which is brilliant) and bursting with flavor.

Rack of Lamb at Mosaic's Sunday Brunch

At the carving station, the Beef and Lamb Churrasco also grabbed my attention. I was thrilled that I could savor it in multiple ways with the array of condiments such as mint jelly, chimichurri, cranberry relish, and mango chutney.

Great food and smiles at the carving station at Mosaic

Beef and Lamb Churrasco at Mosaic Buffet's hot station

At the end of the meal, I was quite satisfied and didn't feel like I had to waddle on my way out.

Pink Octopus

Pink Octopus in Nassau, Bahamas

Suggesting a hint of whimsy, Pink Octopus was chosen to be the name of chef/owner Gal Kotzer's debut restaurant in Nassau, The Bahamas. "It's fun and playful," he said.

The new kid in town just opened in mid-February this year and it came highly recommended by new-found friends. It didn't take long for hubby and me to check it out.

Pink Octopus lives up to its hashtag #wedohappy. The restaurant's interior from floor to ceiling spelled F-U-N. It's a cozy space, delightful with lively colors and gleeful decor. The dining tables are awash in shades of Bahamian ocean waters.

The main dining area

Cute spot for a table for two

Nice corner for a larger party

The intimate lounge

The bar

Chef Gal, a native of Israel, was formerly the executive chef of The Cove and The Reef at Atlantis Paradise Island from 2009-2016. From there, he moved to become the executive chef of One&Only Ocean Club for a year prior to venturing on his own with Pink Octopus. 

Pink Octopus chef and owner, Gal Kotzer

We arrived during the last hour of lunch service on a Saturday, when the restaurant was quieting down. My hubby opted for the Spicy Shrimp Salad, normally served with avocado, pickled cucumbers, and feta cheese. Since he asked to forego the avocado, his slightly modified salad came with cherry tomatoes and cilantro. I asked for a taste and was rewarded with a refreshing and satisfying bite.

The Spicy Shrimp Salad

I, on the other hand, went for the restaurant's popular Fried Grouper Tacos with guacamole, cilantro, and red beets. I don't believe I've ever tried red beets on tacos before. I liked it! The mini tacos were meant for small plates but the modest serving size was just right for me. I was saving room for dessert.

Fried Grouper Tacos

For the finale, I chose the Dulce de Leche Flan. The slice of the caramel-colored flan lightly garnished with sesame seeds looked so delicate on the dessert plate. The flan was rich but the subdued bitter notes of the sesame seeds complemented it well. The sesame seeds also gave it a subtle nut flavor and crunch that I enjoy on my sweets. Lucky me, I didn't have to share because hubby doesn't like flan.

Dulce de Leche flan with sesame seeds

It's only natural to expect grilled baby octopus on the menu of a restaurant with a name such as theirs. I have yet to sample it. I also heard about their Sunday brunch, tempting dinner offerings, imaginative cocktails, and special event nights when they feature live entertainment. There are so many reasons to visit this place again. Hubby Alan and I started mentally listing names of friends to invite for future get-togethers here.  

"We're still changing things on the menu," admitted Chef Gal. Some changes are based on availability of ingredients. For instance, he was thrilled about introducing aji dulce, locally produced sweet bell peppers, as a substitute to the Asian shishito peppers. While related to the habanero, aji dulce peppers, are much milder and exude a smoky flavor. 

Other changes to the menu are driven by continuing improvement and experimentation. He did mention the one specialty that will remain permanent is the Cauliflower Steak. Curious? Me too. I'm definitely going back to try it. 

Pink Octopus on West Bay Street in Nassau.

Pink Octopus is located on West Bay Street in close proximity to Baha Mar Resort, Melia Nassau Beach, and Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort. It is easily reachable via Bus No. 10 (read my previous story) heading west from those hotel resorts. Most businesses in The Bahamas don't have websites. You can learn more about this restaurant by visiting their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PinkOctopusRestaurant.