We're just under two weeks away from the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure and PokerStars Player Championships combined series at the paradisaic Baha Mar resort in Nassau, Bahamas. Everyone knows you can't grind the full tournament schedule on an empty stomach. So, I've compiled a list of on-site and nearby restaurants that you won't want to miss during your stay.
The immediate area is full of world-class restaurants. Renowned chefs cater to a wide variety of tastes and budgets. Whether dining beachside on a wind-touched patio or inside amidst a candlelit atmosphere, you'll find everything you're looking for. Reservations recommended.
Let the mouthwatering begin.
Marcus Fish + Chop House
Chef Marcus Samuelsson is a name you need to know in the culinary world. The youngest person to receive a three-star review from the New York Times, the guest chef for the Obama Administration's first state dinner, and an eight-time James Beard Award winner, Samuelsson brings his talents beachside at Baha Mar.
Featuring lunch Monday through Friday, brunch on the weekends, and dinner nightly, there's no shortage of menu offerings here. Featuring locally-caught seafood, premium dry-aged steaks, and locally-sourced vegetables, Samuelsson combines his signature dishes with local flavors and ingredients.
Additionally, the restaurant's rooftop, Marcus Up Top, is open Thursday through Saturday evenings with live music or a live DJ featured nightly. Guests can enjoy handcrafted cocktails overlooking the aquamarine sea below.
Hours
Lunch: Monday - Friday -11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Weekend Brunch: Saturday and Sunday -11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Dinner: Sunday - Thursday - 6:00 PM -10:00 PM
Friday and Saturday - 6:00 PM -11:00 PM
Website
https://www.marcusbahamar.com/
Café Boulud
France may be on the other side of the world, but top-notch French cuisine will be at your back door. Combined with the warm hospitality of a neighborhood café in a sophisticated Bahamian setting, your tastebuds will be sent on a Parisian culinary delight.
One of the world's culinary stars, chef Daniel Boulud, features his four "culinary muses": La Tradition, La Saison, La Mer, and Le Voyage; or tradition, seasonality, the sea, and travel.
You'll find fresh fish options such as swordfish, bouillabaisse, and spiny lobster. Or, you could go with the signature Tournedos Rossini. Of course, let the chef do the work with the Four Course Chef's Menu for $115 or the Six Course Signature Tasting Menu for $190.
Hours
Breakfast: Daily - 7:00 AM - 11 AM
Dinner: Monday - Saturday - 6:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Website
https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/baha-mar/dining/cafe-boulud
Carna
If a steakhouse is more your style, look no further than Carna, a steakhouse at Baha Mar helmed by the legendary butcher, Dario Cecchini.
You'll find non-steak options like freshly shucked oysters, stone crab claws, and grilled Spanish octopus. But, the steak is of course the star of the show.
Featuring both dry-aged and wet-aged selections, take your pick from the rib eye, new york strip, porterhouse, filet mignon, and more. Of course, the specialty reserve wagyu selection would catch the eye of any steak lover.
The celebrated steakhouse isn't cheap, but the atmosphere, service, and food quality will leave you wanting more.
Hours
Dinner: Thursday and Sunday - 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday and Saturday - 6:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Website
https://www.sbe.com/restaurants/carna/menu
Cinkō
There's a little bit of everything for everyone at Cinkō, the Asian Latino grill at Baha Mar. Combining the culinary diversity of South America with bold Asian flavors, it's tough to decide on just one thing on the menu.
You'll find multiple different ceviches offered for the fish lovers at the table, not to mention the Thai-inspired red snapper. Of course, they might be drawn to the signature sushi rolls, nigiri, and sashimi delights instead. Red meat fans will find rib eye, lamb shank, or the grilled meat platter, perfect for sharing. One of the favorites on the menu is the bibimbap, a Korean-inspired beef bulgogi dish to die for.
All of this variety is paired with a unique cocktail menu and extensive wine list. If you have a group that just can't decide where they want to go, try Cinkō. If you can't find something you like there, you're not looking hard enough. Oh, and on that note, they are 100% kosher certified.
Hours
Breakfast and lunch: To-go options served in Café Madeleine or for in-room dining
Dinner: Sunday - Thursday - 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
There's more than just poker waiting for you in The Bahamas. Good food should be a highlight of your trip to Baha Mar. I hope this list gets the gastronomes among you excited, I know I am. Whether you're celebrating a big tournament score or lamenting the early bustout, good food will always be there.
