The Hamilton Princess & Beach Club has officially opened for dinner its new signature restaurant Marcus’, managed by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson and boasting a menu that is full of flavours from Bermuda and around the world.
That menu has been hand-crafted by Chef Samuelsson himself and is executed by Executive Chef Leonardo Marino, who hails from Samuelsson’s acclaimed Red Rooster Harlem in New York City and Bermuda’s Samuelsson at HP.
The menu includes grilled options from the wood-burning grill as well as a raw menu and eclectic dishes such as Fish Chowder Bites; Fried Chicken and Waffles; and Lobster Cocktail with Warm Cheese Puffs. Decadent desserts include Sweet Potato Donuts, and Warm Chocolate Cake with Grilled Pineapple and Ginger Ice Cream. Local ingredients will be sourced where possible, including vegetables from Wadson’s Farm and fresh-caught local fish.
“We’ve created a menu to reflect the many cultures of Bermuda and developed new dishes such as Tomato and Watermelon Salad and Coconut Ceviche with Grapefruit and Avocado. Our goal with the restaurant is to mix local culture and the amazing beauty of the harbour with a fun and vibrant culinary experience,” said Marcus Samuelsson.
“From our experience with the pop-up restaurant last summer, I know that locals enjoy good food and a good time! This combination paired with the visitors to the hotel and Bermuda makes the Hamilton Princess the ideal spot for this restaurant.”
Marcus’ is a 3,000 square foot restaurant located in the former Gazebo Room of the hotel, seating 180 people, including 30 seats at and around the bar in addition to a private dining area.
Marcus’ kitchen is on two floors and the main dining room features an open kitchen, exposing guests to the entire cook line and an indoor wood-burning grill, the only one of its kind in Bermuda. The open layout is intended to impart the energy of the kitchen throughout the restaurant.
Central to the restaurant is a floor-to-ceiling bar that features a wide array of wine, beer and cocktails. Signature cocktails include the Darker & Stormier; M’s Margarita; Iced Spiced Tea with cognac, cinnamon, Earl of Harlem, pineapple and chili; and the Kir Kir, a champagne drink with watermelon and sweet pickled rind.
The central bar area sets the tone of the restaurant as a fun, happening social destination to give the restaurant a more intimate feel. Around the bar are high top chairs and tables, and a banquette for lounging.
A 1,500 square foot terrace wraps around the perimeter of Marcus’ at 2.5 feet below the floor of the restaurant in order to offer indoor diners unobstructed views of the harbour. Remote-control blinds offer outdoor diners instant protection against rain and wind. Within ten seconds, the blinds can be drawn and they can handle up to 30 knots of wind.
The blinds contain built-in windows so that guests dining outside may enjoy the views even in inclement weather.
The private dining room is designed to offer private diners stunning views that give the feeling that they could reach out and touch the water. The room can also be booked as meeting space.
“We’re delighted to open Marcus’ as part of the more than $90 million renovation at the Hamilton Princess,” said Allan Federer, general manager, Hamilton Princess & Beach Club.
“Whether it’s drinks on Tuesday, date night on Friday, catching up with friends at the bar or a late-night dining spot, Marcus’ offers specialty cocktails, delicious food and an entertaining setting in which to spend time. We hope the food and scene here will keep Marcus’ high on everyone’s list for eating out.”
The restaurant is designed with a vintage and colourful theme that combines an island feel with a twist of Marcus Samuelsson’s urban style. Personal art chosen by the owners, the Green family, is on display throughout the restaurant, including art by Andy Warhol, Nelson Mandela, Shepard Fairey, Speedy Graphito, Zevs and Wang Guangyi. There also are various artifacts provided by Teddy Tucker, a world renowned shipwreck diver.
There are two entrances to Marcus’. An outdoor entrance is located off the courtyard for guests, including those travelling by boat. There is also an entrance past the new Crown & Anchor restaurant in the hotel lobby. This entrance is ADA wheelchair accessible.
The restaurant is open Sunday through Wednesday from 5.30pm to 10.00pm, while from Thursday through Saturday dinner is served until 11.00pm. Starting on June 11, Marcus’ will also open daily for lunch from 11.30am to 3.00pm Monday through Friday, and for brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10.30am to 3.00pm starting on June 13.
For more information, visit the Marcus’ website or call 441-295-3000 to make reservations.
For more information about the Fairmont Hamilton Princess and the island’s many other hotels, click here. For more information on Marcus Samuelsson’s Samuelsson at HP pop up restaurant, click here. For a full look at the many different tastes of Bermuda, click here.
