The unique ocean-themed resort located on Paradise Island in The Bahamas, known as Atlantis is full of fun finds. Their latest additions and updates are in keeping with their family-friendly theme that keeps guests submerged in the destination without them ever having to leave the property. Featuring a variety of accommodations, all built around a 141-acre waterscape comprised of over 20 million gallons of fresh and saltwater lagoons, pools and habitats and is home to the largest open-air marine habitat in the world, there are over 50,000 marine animals in lagoons and displays, including The Dig, a maze of underwater corridors and passageways providing a journey through ancient Atlantis. Atlantis is home to Aquaventure, a non-stop water experience consisting of thrilling water slides, a mile-long river ride with high intensity rapids and wave surges, and never-before-seen special effects. Dolphin Cay, the resort’s interaction and education center, was created with the goal of enlightening visitors about the wonders of these remarkable ocean inhabitants. They have now unveiled three new Bahamian culinary offerings at the resort’s Marina Village.
Atlantis has collaborated with local businesses, Frankie Gone Bananas, McKenzie’s Conch Shack and Pirate Republic Brewery, to create culturally authentic dining experiences for their guests.
The locally-infused dining concepts at the resort’s Marina Village marketplace help it to stay true to the its commitment to nurture the Bahamian entrepreneurial community and immerse guests in authentic experiences. The entry of local restaurants Frankie Gone Bananas, McKenzie’s Conch Shack and Pirate Republic brewery, provides local business owners with a platform to share the various tastes, culture and spirit of the country with guests and visitors to Atlantis. With these dining options being reasonably priced and conveniently located on property, each of the new outposts at Marina Village paint a vivid picture of Bahamian culinary traditions. From signature fish fry platters and freshly prepared conch salads to endless flights of Bahamian-crafted beer, patrons of these new restaurants and experiences can live like a “tru tru” local without having to physically leave the resort. These new openings are in addition to everything else the resort has going for it, including the resort’s award-winning 18-hole Tom Weiskopf designed golf course, renowned Atlantis Casino and duty free shopping, and of course, complemented by the property’s 40 restaurants and dining options. These three are in great company.
Frankie Gone Bananas: Fish Fry Experience
Frankie Gone Bananas brings a taste of the island’s rich culinary flavors to Atlantis. A favorite of Nassau residents for years (with its original location situated at Arawak Cay), Frankie’s is renowned for its fish fry – the flavourful marriage of fresh seafood and spices battered and fried to perfection. The new Marina Village outpost offers guests a range of Bahamian dishes, from
Coconut ‘n Kalik Soup (infused with local beer), Mahi Mahi and cracked conch to fresh lobster tail accompanied by signature island staples: peas ‘n rice, mac n’ cheese and fried plantains. Guests of Frankie’s can also sip on Bahamian cocktails infused with specialty ingredients, which include the rum-based Goombay Smash, a secret recipe which originated in the out island of Abaco, and “Sky
Juice,” a traditional blend of Gin, coconut water and sweet milk that locals can’t live without.
McKenzie’s: Fresh Conch Salads
Famous for having some of the best conch salad in Nassau, McKenzie’s Conch Shack has opened its first outpost at Marina Village, featuring the same live conch preparation as featured at the original location in Potters Cay. Guests of McKenzie’s are encouraged to pull up a bar stool as they watch local Chefs prepare their conch salads (said to be an aphrodisiac) with fresh, local citrus.
The shack also serves Sands authentic Bahamian beer, a variety of mixed drinks and original daiquiri recipes.
Pirate Republic Brewery: Bahamian Craft Beer
Rated one of the best micro-breweries in the Caribbean and currently the only craft brewery in the country, Pirate Republic offers guests a variety of local beers, complemented by “bar talk” about the history of pirates in The Bahamas and surrounding islands. The first outpost of the original Nassau location, the brewery features drafts and flights from Pirate Republic’s signature menu, ranging from the Black Beer’d Stout (chocolate malt), to the iconic Island Pirate Ale (flagship Bahamian India Pale Ale) and Gold & Haze of Piracy (wheat-based Belgian Ale). Pirate Republic’s light bites range from fresh jerk chicken to ahi tuna and a specialty sausage menu.
“Our commitment to bringing local culture, flavors and tradition to Atlantis has allowed us to discover some incredible partners to contribute to the overall casual dining experience at the Resort. The additions of Frankie Gone Bananas, McKenzie’s and Pirate Republic at Atlantis not only encourage guests to have a more authentic island experience focused on the distinct tastes of The Bahamas, but it also simultaneously creates new economic opportunities and creative platforms for local entrepreneurs,” says Audrey Oswell, President & Managing Director of Atlantis Paradise Island.
“We are fully committed to the cultural development of the resort, through immersive experiences, interactions and educational activities related to the country’s cuisine, history, and art. By attaching the Atlantis name and stamp of approval to these local
brands, I am very hopeful that our connection to the world will continue to present opportunities for these entrepreneurs even beyond The Bahamas,” continued Oswell.
The new dining options join a series of regional experiences and interactions that recently debuted at Marina Village, including an Art Walk where guests can support local Bahamian artisans as well as sample locally grown and made products, seasonal festivals featuring performances by Bahamian musicians (including Junkanoo) and a variety of local culinary offerings at other parts of the resort. Recently, local Chef Wayne Moncur opened Sun & Ice, a farm-to-table Bahamian gelato parlor, at the newly renovated The Coral, while Chef Julie Lightbourn debuted the first official outpost of Sip Sip at the brand new poolscape at The Cove.
For more information on cultural offerings at Atlantis Paradise Island, please visit: atlantisbahamas.com.
Atlantis features five distinct properties in which to stay, from the iconic Royal Towers to the original Beach and Coral Towers to the newly built luxury properties, The Cove and The Reef. The Coral has reopened as a fully redesigned family escape with a new lobby, new rooms, and new amenities – with a new pool to officially debut in November 2017.
The resort is built around Aquaventure, an innovative, 141-acre waterscape of thrilling slides and river rides, pools and white sand beaches. Home to the largest open-air marine habitat in the world, over 50,000 marine animals from 250 species make their home in the ocean fed environments. From unparalleled meeting and convention space to the luxury Atlantis Marina accommodating yachts up to 220 feet in length overlooking Marina Village, a Bahamian marketplace, the Atlantis experiences are endless. Other resort amenities include the 30,000sf tranquil Mandara Spa, Atlantis Kids Adventures (AKA) for children ages 3-12 and CRUSH, a cutting-edge teen club.
Atlantis, Paradise Island is a lush, oceanside resort located on Paradise Island in The Bahamas. A dynamic destination that launched 20 years ago as a first-of-its-kind modern marvel of nature and engineering, Atlantis has embarked on a new chapter tied to a meaningful connection with the ocean, Bahamian culture and the spirit of the property’s over 7,500 employees. The resort’s new, immersive programming connects guests to the rich history, art, people, food and festivities of The Bahamas.
Lounges with celebrity chef culinary masterpieces including Nobu, by Nobu Matsuhisa;
On the sweeter side, we have Sun & Ice, a new ice cream, gelato and sorbet experience created by Bahamian Chef and New Providence native, Wayne Moncur. Now open at The Coral, Sun & Ice is inspired by The Bahamas’ warm tropical climate and the unconventional fusing of local fruits and flavors. The centerpiece of the new lobby lounge, Sun & Ice is the first element to be unveiled as part of The Coral Tower’s complete renovation and re-branding.
First introduced to the Bahamian market in 2008 by Chef Wayne, and reflective of his childhood memories of weekly Sunday visits to the ice-cream parlor with his family, Sun & Ice was created as a “farm to table” concept. The ice creams, gelatos and sorbets created by Chef Wayne consist of simple ingredients such as fresh cream, milk and pure cane sugar coupled with the organic wonders of the island, ranging from seasonal Bahamian fruits to teas, herbs, seeds and spices. Each of these ingredients is thoughtfully selected by Chef Wayne who travels frequently to local farms and gardens throughout the country to create what he defines as “flavorful island simplicity.”
Of the partnership with Atlantis, he said, “I am very excited to be joining forces with Atlantis to share with our visitors a taste of the wonderful sweetness of The Bahamas, my home. I am looking forward to taking them on a sensory tour of these blessed islands, through Sun & Ice, complete with unique flavors and exclusive culinary experiences. People will be able to walk into Sun & Ice and see our beloved island culture come alive to tell a story. They will be able to learn about the local farmer who provided that day’s fresh sapodilla fruit from his tree, for our seasonal flavor, and they can taste featured flavors like the one in honour of the Bahamian flag, complete with mangola, black sesame seed and blueberry.”
Audrey Oswell, President and Managing Director of Atlantis, Paradise Island added, “Atlantis has always been in The Bahamas and now, The Bahamas is truly in Atlantis. This is the year of new, immersive cultural experiences celebrate our 7500 proud Bahamian associates, local chefs, artists and culture. We are beyond proud of our island home and the traditions that continue to be woven into each layer of the resort. There is no better person than Chef Wayne, a true resort ambassador, to help tell guests the story of the Bahamian culture that exists within us by creating fun, culinary experiences.”
Sun & Ice’s ice cream, gelato and sorbet flavors are made fresh, in-house daily, staying true to Chef Wayne’s vision of quality. Unique flavors range from Soursop & Caramelized Sugar Banana to Sapodilla & Maple, Benny Cake Crumble, and Allspice Potato Bread & Coconut Candy. Guests will find the perfect combination of sweet and savory as they order up sorbet consisting of Pineapple & Thyme or take heaping spoonfuls of Mango Skin Gelato, designed with the simplest of ingredients, Mangola & Avocado. Guava and Sea Grape, two island favorites of Chef Wayne, round off his menu that is filled with unique ingredients.
However, it is not only these unconventional ingredients that make Sun & Ice authentically Bahamian, but also the names given to some of the flavors as well. Every scoop has a story in Chef Wayne’s kitchen. A scoop of “Irie Nuts” features roasted peanuts, almonds, and pecans combined with creamy goodness. The flavor was inspired by the small bags of roasted nuts commonly sold on street corners by the Bahamian Rastafarians who weave in and out of traffic, shouting “Nuts, nuts! Get your Irie Nuts!” The fusion of Soursop & Caramelized Sugar Banana is called “Yea Bey,” an expression in the Bahamian vernacular that simply means “Yes” or “I love it.” It also wouldn’t be “TRU TRU” Bahamian (the colloquial term for real or authentic) without rum flavours such as “Funky Nassau,” “Bahama Rock” and “Rat Bat,” in honor of local music – the heartbeat of The Bahamas.
R_e_c_i_p_e_:_ _C_h_e_f_ _W_a_y_n_e_’s_ _“G_o_o_m_b_a_y_ _S_o_d_a_ _S_o_r_b_e_t_” _
6 Cups – Cold Bahamian Goombay Punch Soda
1 Cup – Granulated Sugar
1 Cup – 100 % Pineapple Juice
Juice of 2 Lemons
1 oz. Natural Yellow food color (optional)
Combine all ingredients and heat in saucepan over low heat until sugar dissolves. Chill in refrigerator for one hour, then follow manufacturer’s instructions on turning sorbet in your ice cream machine at home.
In addition to the 3 offerings in the Marina Village, five new outposts of beloved Bahamian restaurants have opened giving guests the opportunity to enjoy the same authentic flavors inside the resort. They include: Sip Sip (from Harbour Island) located at The Cove, Sun & Ice (authentic Bahamian ice cream parlor) in the lobby of The Coral and McKenzie’s Conch Shack, Frankie Gone Bananas and the Pirate Republic Brewery Tap Room in Marina Village. All offer fresh ingredients from local farmers and fishermen. This spring, the resort will welcome its latest restaurant and cocktail bar, FISH, helmed by renowned
Master Chef José Andres.
