The Tribune | Weekend | 07
Friday, June 18, 2021
entertainment
Bringing Bahamian culture back with a weekend in Marina Village
By ALESHA CADET | Tribune Features Writer | acadet@tribunemedia.net
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Photo credit: Donavan McIntosh
n an effort to help both its international and local guests make the most out of an evening or weekend out during the ongoing pandemic, Atlantis has sought to liven up its Marina Village experience. Once guests can provide either an up-to-date negative COVID rapid test or a certificate that shows they are fully vaccinated, they can join in all the fun – dining at restaurants like Carmine’s, Café Martinique, Seafire Steakhouse, or grabbing a casual bite at the Burger Shack, Pirate’s Republic or Frankie Gone Bananas. They can also fill the void last year’s Junkanoo cancellations left by taking part in the Junkanoo Fest which takes place tonight and next Friday night for the final time this season. On Saturdays, guests can enjoy the Art Walk from 2pm to 10 pm. It features arts, crafts and music by Bahamian artists. Tribune Weekend spoke with Angelo Hart, Atlantis’ executive director of Guest Activities, who shared that the team is happy to accommodate locals and visitors in a safe space. “People have been in their homes for more than a year now because of the pandemic. So as a country, gradually getting more people who are vaccinated, we more than welcome (the chance) to be able to allow guests and our local community into a setting where they can enjoy themselves safely,” he said. “We have invited a lot of local artisans to come to the Village. We have also partnered with the local food truck vendors to provide authentic Bahamian treats for guests. The guests are able to participate in the Junkanoo (rush-out) and really get to know about Bahamian culture. People are able to buy authentic Bahamian crafts at the Art Walk, so we are really trying to bring Bahamian culture back.” Mr Hart said they are taking all the necessary safety precautions and people are encouraged to wear their masks within the Marina Village. “All of our employees are wearing their masks; they also get tested daily or would have been fully vaccinated as well. I think that we are doing as best as we can to provide a very safe environment for families to enjoy and get back to some sort of normalcy,” he said. Douglas Martin, general manager at the Seafire Steakhouse, said his team has been re-energised by the return of guests. “Everyone is just so excited and so thrilled to welcome guests back after a long time away. We have seen this not only from our (international) guests, but also our guests that are coming from the island as well,” he said. Their head chef, Lisa Rolle, he said, has listened to what the guests want and adapted the
menu accordingly so they can remain a trendsetting restaurant. “We are lucky to have Chef Lisa Rolle at the helm. Lisa brings a tremendous wealth of culinary prowess and leadership to Seafire,” said Mr Martin. Seafire, he added, is a classic steakhouse with an extensive menu that is perfect for celebrations with family and friends. “There are very classic and traditional signature selections. One of chef’s specialties is a 32-ounce prime ribeye Tomahawk chopped, it is just packed with flavour. There are some excellent steaks that can be done for a hearty appetite or shared for the table...Obviously, we have some of the best lobster in the world here in the Bahamian waters and we want to make sure that it’s front and centre here, for not only our residents, but also for our guests to enjoy,” he said.
