Poinciana Magazine - November 2022

NikiaWells

Editor&OwnerofPoincianaPR

FromThe Editor

When this digital project was first launched, it was a passion project many years in the making. Getting to know so many Bahamian men and women via this project has been very rewarding. And, I am extremely grateful for the support over the last three years

This year, with the launch of Poinciana PR, I decided to rebrand the magazine into Poinciana Magazine to expand upon the stories that can be told. While there will still be lots of food, travel, culture and adventures, this year ' s issue will also focus on small business owners, their story, and tips that can help other blossoming brands and companies.

I would like to say a massive thank you to all of the men and women who allowed Poinciana Magazine to share their stories, and everyone who showed support behind the scenes I truly hope that you all enjoy this year ' s magazine. It was a genuine labor of love

Here's to seeing you for year 4 in 2023!

"ThankYou"

E X P L O R I N G

San Francisco is a city filled with art, exceptional food, diverse cultures, lush natural beauty, unique architecture, and history ForBahamianslookingforanescape thatcanallowthemtoexperienceanewcity without taking them too far out of their comfortzone,SanFranciscomaybeanideal option.

Getting There: San Francisco can be accessed via two connections out of New Providence.

Cost: Flight costs can vary wildly, but recent connecting flights out of Nassau have been lessthan$400

WhereToStay:

Unlike its fellow California city, Los Angeles, San Francisco is very walkable (once you navigate around the city’s steep hills and valleys). The streets are scenic, with homes that look like they were plucked right out of an episode of Full House. And, its location is alsoidealforexploration.

With so much to do, for first time visitors, it may be best to make a “game plan” to ensurethatyougetthemostoutofyourtrip

QUICK TIP

Be sure to explore the San Francisco InternationalAirportbeforeyoudepartthecity They often have pop up art installations and occasionalliveperformances.

Marcus

The Marcus restaurant is located at the Baha Mar Resort, and recently launched a brand new brunch menu that offers a flavorful twist to breakfast classics. From the restaurant’sinception,itsmenufeaturedBahamiandishes and ingredients, front and center, among many of owner ChefMarcusSamuelsson’ssignaturedishes.

Chef Marcus, who is well known as an Iron Chef and a culinary powerhouse, notes that he drew inspiration from the stunning waterfront location, the local culture, and, mostimportantly,hisBahamianteammembers “Igreatly respect all of the hard work that everybody has put in. Our staff is 95% Bahamian. Chef Garrette, for example, oftentalksaboutusinglocalcatches,conchandthings thatshethinksthatweshouldhaveonthemenu.Forme, thisisanexchange.IhaveaveryclearideaabouthowI want the food to be, but I am happy to learn from my local team what is relevant, what is seasonal, what islandhasthebestcrabandsoon.Forme,that’spartof the cooking process - it’s learning what’s special and bringingthatintotherestaurant.Whetherthat’scoconut dessertswiththebennyseeds,orwhetherthat’sthrough our conch salad - there’s many items where local ingredientscanshine.”

When asked about what Bahamian dish completely blew him away upon trying it, he didn’t have to hesitate. “For me,it’sconchsalad.Iloveceviches,Iloveacid,andIlove seafood.Theconchsaladisjustveryspecial,especially whenChefGarretteshowedmehowtodoitthewayshe grewupeatingit.Iwaslike‘wow’wehavetohavethaton themenu.”

Whiletheconchsaladisastapleonthebrunchanddinner menus at Marcus, other weekend offerings include a Red Velvet Chicken and Waffles, a Seafood Tower, and a PlantainFrenchToast

Roam Freely

BeforeYouLeave

Tip: If you own earbuds or bluetooth headphones, also bring along a pair of corded headphones, if you plan to use in flight entertainment. Some airlines do not provide these, and those that do, may not providegreatsoundqualityorcomfort.

Before Takeoff

Travel Safe

Tip: When traveling, you want to relax and enjoy yourself. But, never let anyone know if you are traveling alone or where you are staying. Keep banter light and don't give out key details about the logistics of your trip.

As an added layer of security, send a copy of your travel details to a trusted member of your circle, along with periodic updates to let someone know that you are ‘ok’ while in transit.

By doing this, someone will always know where you are or where you should be, at any given moment.

TINAMR

ILLUSTRATED ARTWORK BY:

FrenchToast FillingBase

EachofthebelowFrenchToastvariations canbeenjoyedontheirown,orwithan optionalfilling

Thebaseofeachfillingincludes1ozof creamcheese,2tbsplightorregularsour creamandadashofsalt.

Fruitpuree,freshfruit,ormeltedicecream (whichisinessenceacremeanglaise)canbe addedtothemixtureforsweetness

GullyWash

PrepareFrenchToastbasewithVanilla Ice Cream.Addcoconutstrips,nutmeg&afew dashesofcocoabitters.

Topping

Add1tspsweetmilk,nutmeg,dashofcocoa bitters,sweetenedcoconutanddashofcoconut watertofillingbase.

+ToastedSweetenedCoconut +CoconutStrips&CoconutJellyCubes

Mango&Cream

MangoCheesecake

CookieCreme

JAPAN

Nearly three years after the start of the Covid 19 pandemic lockdowns, Japan fully reopened their borders on October 11, 2022 Thecountry’songoingsafetyprecautionslessenedslightly inthesummerof2022,whentouristswereallowedtoenterthe country via tour groups But, it would still be some time before independenttravelerswouldonceagainbeabletoexplorethe EastAsianisland

WhileTokyodoesnotrepresenttheentiretyofJapan,visitingthe country’s bustling capital provides a glimpse into the region, post pandemic Thankfully, not much has changed in the country, at least not on the surface (apart from a mask mandate still being in place and flight routes into the country beingslightlydifferent)

Getting to Japan from Nassau, Bahamas (via Tokyo’s Narita airport) requires at least 2 connections, and it will more or less takeafulldaytogettoyourfinaldestination Tokyoiscurrently 14 hours ahead of The Bahamas, and the airport is approximately 2 hours (give or take) from the city’s center, whichcanbeaccessedviathesubway,orthemoreconvenient AirportLimousineBus Itisalsohighlyrecommendedtobooka portable wifi device ahead of your trip, which can either be pickedupfromtheairportordeliveredtoyourhotelroom.

TraditionalSnacksinAsakusa

Bahamians do not need a visa to enter Japan, and the immigration/customs process was smooth, easy and prettyfast,asoflateOctober2022

Getting around as an English speaker in Japan is pretty easy due to many signs being in English and most subways having an English speaking attendant on hand to assist But, it is highly recommended to learn some basicwords/phrasesandatranslationappcancomein handy

The Bahamian dollar is currently also pretty strong comparedtotheJapaneseyen,sohotels,shopping,and restaurantsarecurrentlyveryaffordable

SomefirsttimevisitorsmaybeexpectingTokyotobelike howitisdepictedinanimeorpopculture itisnot.Tokyo is like any other major city, with the added benefit of being exceptionally clean, and most people being polite and respectful of others. (Ok, maybe it isn’t like other majorcitiesinthatregard)Thecountry’srichcultureand history is also scattered throughout the prefecture, with shrinesandhistoricalbuildingsbeingnexttobusystreets

Itmaybedifficulttodecidewheretostaywhentakinga trip to Tokyo, since there are many options to choose from. Shinjuku or Shibuya are popular, but can get very hectic. If you are looking for lots of energy and nightlife, thismaybewhereyouwanttogetahotel Foramorelaid back first experience, Ginza (a more affluent area in Tokyo) may be a good bet, due to hotel rates being relatively affordable at the moment. Ginza is also easily accessibleviafourdifferentsubwaylines

The real challenge comes when deciding what to do, wheretogo,wheretoeat,andwhattosee Thiswillvary wildly depending on your preferences If you ' re into anime/manga, Akihabara is the place for you (if that’s not your lane, then perhaps skip this area.) Ginza has highendshipping,lovelycafes,ishometoTsutayaBooks (which is a great free stop to check out artwork) and is very close to the Tsukiji Fish Market. Asakusa is home to the Asakusa Shrine and lots of street vendors who sell traditional Japanese snacks and sweets Harajuku’s TakeshitaStreetisaverycrowded,buticonic,areathatis knownforhavinggreatstreetfood.Roppongiisknownfor art exhibitions and is said to get pretty rowdy at night…. These are just a few examples of the MANY options to checkoutwheninTokyo

IfyouhaveanextendedstayinJapan,youcanalsotake a bullet train from Tokyo into Osaka and Kyoto And, if you’re looking for a bit of nature, Lake Kawaguchiko is a few hours away by bus, and offers stunning views of MountFujiviatheMt FujiPanoramicRopeway

WhileTokyoisamassivecitythatcouldeasilyfillamulti week vacation, hopefully these tips will make your trip planningabiteasier

GET TO KNOW

Tell us a bit about yourself. My name is RandiaCoakley,IamtheCreativeDirector ofAzulifyMarketingandWebSolutions,as well as the Founder of Pedi In A Bag I originally started my career in Hospitality Management, mainly because I love meeting new people, learning about diverse cultures and I enjoy travel. But, nearly 10 years ago I transitioned into the Marketingfield,andIloveit.

Ifyoucoulddescribeyourselfin3words, whatwouldtheybe?IwouldsayCreative, WandererandPassionate.

What tips can you give other small businessowners?Focusonwhatyouare great at, and get help for the rest You may be good at many things, but by outsourcingcertaintasks,youwillbeable to focus on what you are best at Getting supportcanalsohelptoavoidburnout

Whatinspiredyoutobecomeanentrepreneur?

Earlyoninmycareer,Irecognizedthattherewas a genuine need for affordable and effective websitedevelopmentandweb basedsolutions. Many business owners were spending large amounts of money for websites that weren’t meeting their needs and weren’t aligning with industrytrends IlaunchedAzulifytohelpfillthat voidinthemarket

Where can people find Pedi in A Bag? We are currently expanding throughout The Bahamas, as we speak, but at the moment you can purchasefromHerAppealonRosettaStreet.

YoumentionthatPediInABagwasinspiredby your love of world exploration. Other than Provence, France and Sicily in Italy, what countriesdidyoutrulylovevisiting?I love the Caribbean I was born and raised in The Bahamas, and I love the feeling of familiarity that I experience when exploring other Caribbean countries It feels so similar, yet so different at the same time If I had to name a few, I would recommend the Turks & Caicos Islands, Antigua, Barbados and Jamaica. I also love places that are the complete opposite of TheBahamas,likeNewYorkandDubai.

Whatisyourfavoritetravelmemory?Ihaveso many! But, one that stands out for me is frolicking through the streets of Rome at midnight, with a group of friends from around theworld.Itwasjustanamazingexperience.

CanyoushareabitabouthowPediInA Bag came to be? It all started during the pandemic lockdowns Self care is very important to me, and it became paramount during that time We were all stuck at home, trying to find unique ways to take care of ourselves, both mentally andphysically.I’vealwaysbeenamassive fan of foot care. It’s often overlooked, but you spend most of your day on your feet and it takes a beating. As a means of entertaining myself and pampering my feet a bit, I started researching physical and chemical exfoliation options. After months of research, development and testing,PediInABagwasborn

The Pedi In A Bag fragrances were also inspired by some of my favorite destinations Even though I couldn’t physically leave the country, I could bring a bit of the world to me. I just love the beauty and wonder of the lavender fields inProvence,FranceandIalsoadoreSicily, in Italy. These two locations actually inspired two of the scents in my Pedi in A Bag collection Sicilian Nectarine and ProvenceLavender.

Whattipswouldyougiveothertravelers?

I would say be open minded, don’t overthink it, consider solo travel and embraceopportunities.Theworldissucha beautiful place. Don’t wait for the perfect opportunitytostarttravelingorsitaround waitingforagroupoffriendstoplanatrip Therearemanydestinationsthataresafe, easilyaccessible,andaffordable

GRANDCAYMAN

SILVER PALM

@TheRitzCarleton

GrandCayman,likeitsnamewouldsuggest,is the largest of the Cayman Islands. In recent years, the island has become known for its robust restaurant offerings, luxury hotels, natural beauty, and a quietly growing “tea scene” There are a number of cafes on the island,includingtheEveryBloomin’ThingTea Room which serves tea, scones, and dainty sandwiches, daily. You can also check out the “A Mad Tea Party” which is a monthly event that takes place at the Anchor & Den restaurant However, if you are looking for a quietafternoonteawithjustadollopof‘fancy’, headovertotheSilverPalmattheRitzCarlton, GrandCayman.

Named after the national tree of the Cayman Islands, the Silver Palm lounge has a tropical vibe,completewithapalm leaf greeninterior and large windows that fill the room with natural lighting The lounge is open daily, but onlyoffersAfternoonTeafromFriday Sunday.

Like many Afternoon Teas, the seasonal menu includes an assortment of sweet and savory bites, scones, jams, clotted cream, and a number of tea options (Themenuthatweenjoyedincludedabitof fresh seafood, gold leaf accents, and decadent mini desserts.)

After you’ve enjoyed your tea, and before you leave the property, be sure to explore the “Gallery Bridge”, where you can check out artwork from a number of localartists

DUBAI CAFESOF

Dubai has no shortage of exceptional cafes, andishometomanycolorful,whimsical,and very instagrammable spots to enjoy tea, coffees,andartfullyplatedmenuitems

It could be easy to dismiss these artsy spots (that include a mix of boutique cafes that have expanded into the UAE as well as all original concepts) as all style and minimal substance,butyouwouldbemistaken

The following cafes serve up drink and food menus that are not only stunning to look at, butequallyasdelicious.

DUBAI

BRUNCH & CAKE

Brunch & Cake has locations in the UAE (Dubai, and Abu Dhabi), as well as a small number of locations in Spain But, their Jumeirah Islands location offers a very laid back and airy vibe, great service, and a vibrant and delicious menu that includes tea infused coolers, fresh juices, smoothies, lattes, teas and a number of delicious (and hearty!) dishes.

We recommend one of their colorful smoothie bowls as well as their “Eggs Carbonara”, which includes scrambled eggs cooked with beef bacon, mushrooms, grated parmesan and truffle butter, served in a butter croissant

DUBAI

EL&N CAFE

EL&N calls themselves “The Most Instagrammable Cafe in The World” (they even let you know on their menu which itemsarethemostphotogenic) Someofthe othercafesonthislistmaybegtodiffer,but one thing that cannot be debated is that their drinks and food quality has resulted in the brand opening several locations in EuropeandtheMiddleEast

EL&N knows that people flock to their locationsfor“prettyfood”,liketheirBiscoffor Turkish Delight Hot Chocolate, Red Velvet Matcha Latte, or Matcha Rose Iced Latte, but that doesn’t mean that they are resting on “pretty” Dishes, like their Eggs Royale (which is a smoked salmon benedict with a chile butter and pomegranate seeds) are flavourful, and their Ombre Passion Fruit Coolerissweet,lightandrefreshing

DUBAI

FOREVER ROSE CAFE

The Forever Rose Cafe is one that may have popped up on your social media feedsatimeortwo.Theentireexteriorand interior is designed to look like a 2D illustration,anditsDubailocationevenhad a‘2D’paintedcarparkedoutside.

Like many of the cafes on this list, Forever Rose isn’t just pretty to look at The menu includes floral infused beverages and pastries, like their Forever Black Tea with Rose, Lavender or Rose Iced Teas + Lattes, and Rose Milk Cake, as well as savory options.

DUBAI

SAYA BRASSERIE

SAYA Brasserie has several stunning locationsinDubai.Theyeachhavea pink and floral aesthetic with many optionsforphotos.

While they have an Afternoon Tea, their a la carte menu is too good to passup.

Options include coffees, teas, beautifully presented mocktails, as well as dishes like halloumi topped zucchini pancakes, avocado toasts, andawideselectionofsweets.

Dubai has direct flights from South Florida, making it a relatively easy trip from The Bahamas. Over the years, the city has gotten injected with bits of many different countries/cultures, making it a fun destination. There are stunning sand dunes, a very diverse food scene, lots of shopping, great accommodations, hot air balloon rides and more.

Many may be wary of visiting due to the country’sreputationforbeingverystrict,butas long as you are respectful of the culture and dressonthemoremodestsidebycoveringyour shoulders,youshouldhavenoproblemsatall.

Duringyourvisit,plantoexplore“OldDubai”as wellasthenewerareastogetatasteofthetrue vibeofthecity.

CHECKOUTA DUBAIBRUNCH

Ifyouarelookingforagoodtime,besuretocheck out one of Dubai's All Inclusive Brunches. We recommend the Saffron Brunch at The Atlantis Resort, but there are other over the top options to choosefrom.

Manyincludeawideselectionofunlimitedcocktails, impressive food selections, entertainment, DJs, and are a stark contrast to the more reserved Dubai culture.

TheEmiratesPalaceHotel

LECAFÉ

The Emirates Palace Hotel, which is located in Abu Dhabi,isinaword opulent.Thereisgoldfromfloorto ceiling, so it would only be fitting that their Afternoon Teaservicewouldbepresentedongoldplatedplace settingswithgoldencutlery Eventhepre teamocktail isadornedwithasprinklingofgolddust

The Afternoon Tea is for a minimum of two persons, andthefoodofferingsaredelicious,butnottoodaring as far as Afternoon Teas go What truly sets the tea serviceapartistheambiance

FUNFACT

ATeaStory

ARTWORK BY: ACOSMOZ

BAH TO THE WORLD

For The Love of Tea

Many Bahamians have a special connection with tea. Be it a simple warm cup of tea and bread that was lovingly prepared by mummy, daddy, grammy, or grandaddy to start the day, or a steaming mug of bush tea to treat whatever ails you - tea has always played a big role in Bahamian households. A humble Lipton brew was a staple, and ginger tea was the go-to when someone’s stomach was feeling a bit upset. No matter the blend, the variety, the flavor, loose leaf or in a bag, sweetened or not, black or green, or directly from the yard - there is something familiar, and nostalgic about a simple, warm, comforting cup of tea.

NASSAU

GRAYCLIFF RESTAURANT

TheGraycliffAfternoonTeaisaclassic.The historic restaurant is known for its stellar andattentiveservice,anditsAfternoonTea has a mix of traditional pastries, sandwiches, sweets, and sometimes a few handmade chocolates from the Graycliff Chocolatefactory.

Graycliffisanoptionifyoujustwanttorelax and catch up with friends, while their attentiveteammakessurethatyouhavea wonderful experience. If you want to add a bit of bubbles, you can upgrade your tea withaglassofsparklingwine.

CAFÉMADELEINE

Café Madeleine is located at the Baha Mar resort The lovely decor makes it a great spot to enjoy a pastry, tea or coffee, or one of their French inspired dishes.

THELIBRARY BONVIVANTS& YELLOWBELL

TheLibraryislocatedatRosewood,Baha Mar.Theyserveawideselectionofteas, including a number of Bahamian bush andfruitleafteasbythebrandNaturally Bahamian.Thisisagreatspottoordera potofteaallonitsown,oryoucangive theirversionofanAfternoonTeaago

Bon Vivants (or Bon V as some call it) and Yellowbell are both created by the Young’s Fine Wines team. At night, they are known for their artisanal cocktails, butinthedaybotharethegotospotfor those looking for a casual cafe to get someworkdoneortomeetfriends.The decor at both locations is a meticulous curation of Bahamian art and cultural pieces, and the menu includes beet, turmeric, butterfly pea and traditional lattes,teas,smallbites,andcoffees

JAPAN UNFORGETTABLE

Afternoon Tea has become massively popular around the world, and exceptionally so in Japan Many restaurants, cafes and hotel lounges have takentheclassicteaserviceandaddedtheirown unique spin that utilizes bold local, regional and internationalflavorswithadashofartisticwhimsy thrownintocreatesomethingspecial.

MuchliketheirSouthKoreanneighbors,Japanalso has a number of exceptional cafes that merge quality menu offerings with visually appealing decor.

There is no shortage of fun and colorful cafes in Japan, but here are 3 Tokyo Afternoon Tea experiencesand2cafesthathaveakeenattention to detail, artistry, and offer an unforgettable experience

Kintsugi

ANA INTERCONTINENTAL TOKYO

The ANA Intercontinental Afternoon Tea is served in the Atrium Lounge While themes change frequently, one of their current options incorporates elements of the JapaneseartworkcalledKintsugi.

Kintsugiisatechniquethatiscenturiesoldwheregoldis placedbetweenthecracksofbrokenceramicstocreate something new and beautiful from something that was previouslydamaged

Each desert and savory bite included in this exceptional AfternoonTeaisservedonawhiteandgoldtraythatis crafted to resemble the Kintsugi art method The dishes also expertly balance flavors and textures for a unique teaexperience

Menu options include sweets like Japanese Sake Raisins andCustardCream,YuzuCheesecake,JapanesePepper Tropical Sauce & Chocolate Panna Cotta, and a White Chocolate Mousse + Hojicha Sable, just to name a few Savory options include a Mascarpone Cheese & Truffle Salsa Sandwich, Cauliflower Mousse & Smoked Salmon TartarwithYuzuJelly,andaScallop&MushroomTerrine SaffronMeringue.

InadditiontothewhiteandgoldKintsugiselection,which ends in January, the ANA Intercontinental also offers a ChristmasAfternoonTea Besuretovisittheirwebsiteto seewhatnewseasonalteaofferingtheywillberollingout next.

TeddyTime

CONRAD TOKYO

Choosing just one Afternoon Tea option while in Tokyo isadauntingtask But,ConradTokyogetsextrapoints fortheadditionofanadorableseasonalteddybear

LikemanyAfternoonTeaselectionsinTokyo,themenu atthe“TwentyEight”Loungeisnotonlyvisuallystunning but also delicious In the past, the hotel has partnered with luxury brands to create limited edition curated Afternoon Tea collections, but their most recent “Halloween” themed menu included shades of amethyst and magenta hued bites. Dishes included a Chocolate Tart with a Beet Cream, a Fig & Chocolate Cake, Cassis & Chestnut Mousse with a Chestnut Brownie, a Chocolate and Blackberry Mousse, a Prosciutto and Fig Tartine, Shrimp and Scallop Aspic andaPorkRillette&CreamCheeseTart

While there is the option to simply savor the tasty assortment with a cup of tea or with a latte, you can also upgrade to enjoy a glass of champagne or get your own Conrad Tokyo Bear The bear, which has become very popular, changes with each seasonal menuandisafunsouvenirofyourtimeinthecity

HighTea

PARK HYATT TOKYO

TheParkHyattTokyohasanumberofelementsthat maketheirAfternoonTeaunique,includingtheview!

The Park Hyatt Tokyo’s Peak Lounge has an unobstructed,panoramicviewofthecity,andona clear day, Mount Fuji can even be seen One of the otheruniqueelementsoftheAfternoonTeaincludes a very generous assortment of bites, a fun presentationandaparfaittoendtheexperience.

Themostrecent“Halloween”themedteawasserved on a two tiered tray with dry ice giving the illusion that smoke was billowing from the spooky assortment of treats, which were prepared by Executive Pastry Chef Julien Perrinet and Executive ChefThibaultChiumenti.

Themenu,whichincludedadiversemixoftextures, flavors, and ingredients featured options like a FrenchChestnutMont blancTart,PralineNamelaka Canelé with apricot cinnamon confit and milk chocolate cream, Hazelnut Financier with beetroot creamandblackberry,aJapaneseChestnutCream with apple compote & purple Nagoya grape, Milk Chocolate Bahibe Ganache with matcha cream, Chestnut Scones, a Berry Bread Sandwich with cream cheese, apple jam, & autumn truffle, Radish Rolls with sustainable shrimp tartar, yuzu, & Kaviari Kristal caviar, a Chilled Violet Potato Soup with mozzarella, and a Bamboo Charcoal Powder Bread withSweetPotatoMousse.

If you had room left, the Halloween tea service endedwithachocolatecrumble,orangemikanjam, pumpkin cream, vanilla chantilly, caramel popcorn, andpumpkinicecreamparfait.

ForAfternoonTealovers,thisisonetodefinitelyadd toyourlist

Tried&True

If you are looking for a cafe option that offers a bit of luxurywithouthavingtomakereservations,thencheck out the Mariage Frères Tea Shop or the Louis Vuitton Cafe,whicharebothinGinza.MariageFrèresandLouis Vuittonarebothwellknownbrands Whileonemaybe atriedandtrueplayerintheteagameandtheotheris known for their high end accessories, both of these optionsofferexceptionalserviceandamemorabletea experience

SIP&SEE

SANFRAN

San Francisco has long had a reputation for being a food lover’s paradise. The diverse cultural influences and wide range of optionshasresultedinafoodscene that offers authentic, varied, and qualitycuisine.Forthesereasons,it shouldbenosurprisethatthecity’s cafe and tea circle has been influenced by many cultures and countries

While there are many options to choose from, we selected three that offer very different but distinct menus, vibes, and experiences, including one cafe that is the perfect stop when visitingwinecountry.

SON& GARDEN

Son & Garden is a pleasant surprise due to its location. The cafe, which is located on 700 Polk St, is a stark contrast to the area around it Son andGarden’sinteriorisfilledwithbright,colorful and playful decor During Halloween, the space becameanodetoDisneyandthemanyvillains who added a bit of spice to their classic cartoons

They serve themed cocktails from morning until closing, like their Lillet Blanc, Lo Fit Gentian Amaro,BloodOrangeandAgave“KissofDeath'', andaswellasAsianinspiredbrunchclassicslike theirMatchaPancakes.Thecafealsohasadaily AfternoonTea,andatnight,theyreveala“Secret Bar”whichservesanumberofelegantlydressed drinks.

JADECHOCOLATES TEAHOUSE&CAFE

Like its name would suggest, Jade Chocolates Teahouse&Cafeisaverycasualandchillspot toenjoysometeaandachocolateortwo

Located in San Francisco’s Chinatown, this cafe serves handmade East Asian and tea inspired chocolates that include flavors like Miso Caramel,LycheeRoseGreenTea,JasminePearl White Tea, Coconut Paradise Green Tea, Sakura Cherry Lemonade, Thai Basil, Peanut Buddha & Mango Jam and Curry Caramel. Like many options on the list, they offer an Afternoon Tea option as well as daily black, green, oolong, white, pu 'er/pu erh, herbal, and green tea varieties

SONOMA PLAZA& SUNFLOWER CAFE

The northern San Francisco bay area has beennicknamed“WineCountry”duetothe large number of wineries in the region A popular stop for day tours to Sonoma and Napa Valley is the Sonoma Plaza. This historic shopping center has lots of little shops and restaurants, including “Sweet Scoops” which serves a surprisingly delightful, handmade Wine, Fig & Goat Cheese ice cream, the “Sonoma Cheese Factory” which is perfect to grab a cheese plate for the road, and “Wine Country Chocolates”whichhassomegreatseasalt chocolateturtles However,ifyouarelooking foraquickandconvenientlunchandcoffee, thencheckoutSunflowerCafe

The cafe, which was recommended by a tour guide, has exceptionally fast service andamenuthatincludesaflavorful,sweet and spicy Jackfruit Banh Mi The vibe is casual,withoutdoorseatingandalittlegift shop The menu is a mix of brunch items, salads, soups, sandwiches, and beverages thatincludealavenderoatlatte,achagga chino,turmericormatchalattes,aswellas teas,coffees,andfruitmimosas

While plane ticket prices may be high, you can always enjoy a cocktail flight for much cheaper. Frost is a brunch spot that serves up customizable mimosa and margarita flights. Their Johnny Cake Benedict and Shrimp & Waffles are also delicious brunch options.

For a beer flight, head over to the the Rip Ty'd Bahamian Craft Beer tap room. They offers flights of their Bahamian made beers, stouts and lagers.

GET TO KNOW

MarketingDirector|Author|ArtLover|PugMom|RegattaEnthusiast

Tellusabitaboutyourself.

My name is Gabriella Suighi or Lady Gabriella Suighi if you are feeling fancy I’mcurrentlyaMarketingDirector,byday I havetwoamazingpugs Theirnamesare Mr PugsleyNapoleonSuighiandPenelope ElizabethSuighi And,Irecentlyreleaseda children’s book called “The Swimming PugsExploreTheIslandsofTheBahamas.”

Ifyoucoulddescribeyourselfin3words, whatwouldtheybe?

Vibrant,CharismaticandFabulous.

What inspired you to create “The SwimmingPugs”Children’sBooks?

I’ve always loved the water Even as a small child, I just loved swimming and playing in the ocean And, I am very fond of the natural beauty that we are fortunateenoughtoenjoy,asBahamians

As luck would have it, Pugsley and Penelope also enjoybeachdaysandgoingoutontheboat.That’s whereIgotthename “TheSwimmingPugs”.

The book was created as a love letter to The Bahamas,butIwantedtoshareabitofthewonder andmagicthatIexperiencedasakidwhenvisiting thedifferentBahamianislands.IalsolovemyPugs andhadalotoffuncreatingabookaboutthem

Whattipscanyougiveotheraspiringauthors?

That’satoughone,butIwouldsay,justgoforit, do your research, and have fun! I started creating the book during the pandemic, and it gavemeanenjoyableoutlettoexpressmyself.I willbehonestandadmitthatIkindofjustdove rightin.

Where can people find “The Swimming Pugs” children’sbook?

“The Swimming Pugs Explore The Islands of The Bahamas” is available at all major online book retailers, and a large number of book and gift storesaroundNewProvidenceaswellasseveral other islands. Pugsley and Penelope have also beenonabitofatour,andwillbetakingpartin a number of local festivals and pop up events thisholidayseason.

WhatinspiredyourloveforBahamianartand culture?

My parents They really instilled a love and appreciationwithinmeforourunique,rich,and colorful culture What can I say, I enjoy a good regatta!

Whatisyourfavoritedestination?

IenjoyParis,andevenlivedthereforabit I alsovisitedMoroccorecentlyandlikedthe culture,architecture,foodandthevibe It isjustalovelyplace But,handsdownmy favoriteplaceinthewholewordisBriland

Whattipswouldyougiveothertravelers?

Justdoit.Bookthetrip.Afewyearsago,I took a solo trip to South Africa It was wonderful Since then, I realized that I can go anywhere and don’t have to wait for anyonetodoit

SMALL BUSINESS SOCIAL MEDIA TIPS GET SOCIAL

1CHOOSEWISELY

Only let trusted and vetted individuals manage your social mediaaccountsandalwayskeep your social media account passwords safe and secure Whoever manages your social media pages will have a direct channel to your customers and the public Choose that person wisely

SHOWYOURREALPRODUCTS

Stock photos can be useful especially when you are just starting out and don't have lots of content to share but use them sparingly and do not present the products, services, or photos of someoneelseasyourown

Be sure to show accurate and honest images of your products Not doing so can create great disappointment with customers and will discredit your hard work andtalent.

Social media is a powerful tool that can support and grow your business. Here are a few tips to help you effectively use social media while avoiding potentialpitfalls.

SMALL BUSINESS SOCIAL MEDIA TIPS CONT.

3USEQUALITYIMAGES

Formanysmallbusinesses,socialmediais the first interaction that they will have with customers Poor quality, out of focus, and overall unappealing images will not give a goodimpression

Nomatterthecamerayouhave,trytotake the best images possible Youtube is a greatfreetoolthatcanbeusedtoresearch styling, plating and photo techniques. Also, consider investing in a higher quality phone/camera to ensure that your companyshines.

KEEPBUSINESS&PERSONALSEPARATE

Your company’s social media page should be devoid of subjective personalopinionsorbeliefs Notdoing socanpotentiallyoffendandalienate customers Details about your personal life and opinions about politics, religion, world events etc. should not be posted on company social media pages Business owners should also consider keeping their personal social media pages private, especially if any of their posts are polarizing, controversial or reveal sensitive/privateinformation

POSTACCURATE&TIMELYCONTENT

5

CONSIDER HOW CONTENT WILL BE PERCEIVED

There are many social media trends, challenges, and fun things that can allow you to have lighthearted interactions with customers. But, consider how content will be perceived Whenindoubt,playitsafe Refrain from using songs with profanity, taking part in questionable challenges, or posting memes that canbeseenasoffensive.

4Information on your social media page should be current, accurate, and timely Ensurethatyouroperationalhours,contact information,menu,pricing,locationetcare always up to date Nothing can be more frustrating for a customer than getting incorrect information from a company’s social media page and then being disappointedwhenitisnotfactual 6

SMALL BUSINESS SOCIAL MEDIA TIPS CONT.

BEPOLITE

Social media is an extension of you and your business, so always be polite with customers Use a greetingaswellascompletesentences And,recognizethatacustomer'sfirstimpressionsonlinecould betheirlastiftheydonotfeelwelcome

PROVIDEKEYINFORMATION

Social media is a great tool, but it can be time consuming. If you are going to have a minimal engagement social media page, provide key operational details under each post, inclusive of location,directions,operationalhours,andcontactinformation Also,setupautomatedresponses foryourinboxthatprovidesanswersforFrequentlyAskedQuestions.

PICNIC BRUNCH

N A S S A U ' S N E W E S T B R U N C H S P O T

Picnic Brunch is one of Nassau’s newest food spots They are located in the Prince GeorgePlaza,DowntownBayStreetandcan be easily spotted via the vibrant exterior artwork which was created by talented Bahamian artist Kara Cartwright of VictoriaArtStudios.

Therestaurantonlyopeneditsdoorsinmid October, but since then, they have been churning out fun and fanciful cocktails as wellasbreakfast,brunch,andlunchitems.

Ifyouareunsurewhichmenuitemtocheck out first, we recommend the Guava Brioche StuffedFrenchToast.

Holidays

Bahamian Gift IDEAS

There are many Bahamian fashion, food, jewelry, accessory, straw work, and art centric gifts that you can give this holiday season.

Sweet Treeats

Sweets & pastries are always a hit during the holidays. There are many exceptional bakers and bakeries on island, but we would recommend Bakehouse, Baked by Valerie, Taylor Made Treats, It's Treat Time, Xe's Sweet Treats, and Baker's Lane - just to name a few for quick and easy holiday gifts.

AUTHENTIC filipino

FOOD

ManilaGrillisalowkeyrestaurantinDowntownNewProvidencethathasquietlybuiltastrong followingthroughouttheyears.Thisauthenticrestauranthasamenuthatincludestraditional Filipinodishesthatrangefromfamiliaroptionslikevegetableeggrolls(LumpiangGulay) and GarlicFriedRicetofoodsthatmaybeabitunfamiliartoBahamiandiners.

The menu includes the traditional names for each dish, and it is recommended to ask the servers for guidance if you have never tried Filipino cuisine before. However, it is hard to go wrong with one of Manilla Grill’s noodle dishes. They have 5 options, including Pancit Canton, MixedPancit,PancitBihon,PancitSotanghonandLomi

Junkanoo World WHO IN THE MORNING?!

Did you know that Nassau has a Junkanoo Museum? It is called Junkanoo World and it is the passion project of the Barabbas & The Tribe Junkanoo Group Located on Horseshoe Drive in Oaks Field, Junkanoo World gives guided tours that showcase the history of Junkanoo as a whole, and the story of the Barabbas & The Tribe group. There is also a showroom where guests can try on Junkanoo costumes before learning how to properly beat a goat skin drum and shake cowbells.

Junkanoo is where art meets passion, and for those in the community, they eat, sleep, and breathe the journey to “Showtime!”, each year Outside of being fully immersed into the world of Junkanoo by “rushing”, the Junkanoo Museum is one way to learn more about the time, energy and resources that goes into making the festival happen.

INTERNATIONAL FOOD FINDS

While traveling, you often get to try many new and exciting flavors, foods andspices But,uponreturninghome,it canbedifficulttofindthesamesnacks, saucesandingredientsinlocalmarkets

In the last few years, finding international foods in New Providence has become much easier due to Bahamian diners being vocal about wantingmorediversefoodselections.

The Flavour Market, Island Purveyors, Abaco Asian Markets,JohnChea#2andRestaurantSupply'sBayStreet locationareallgreatoptionstofindinternationalorhard tofindregionalfoodsfromEast+SouthAsia,Italy,France, andTurkey

CINKO

Cinko,locatedatBahaMar,isarestaurantthatisreimaginingkoshercuisine Whilethe dishesaremadeusingstringentpreparationguidelines,themenuisafusionofLatinand Asianflavors With options like their Togarashi Yucca, which includes thick cut yucca (aka cassava) topped with several flavorful sauces, the refreshing Edicion Limitada yuzu infused cocktail,theCinkoFutomakirollwhichistoppedwithfriedyamstrings,ToraditoNippon ceviche, Taco de Pato duck tacos, the Seco de Cordero braised lamb shank and the Chaufa fried rice bowl topped with a meaty fish filet, there is no shortage of flavor packedoptionsonthemenu.