Posted by: Editor on Jan 05, 2005 – 12:48 PM
cuisine  Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Nobu Matsuhisa and Bobby Flay to Bring Cafe Martinique, Nobu and Mesa Grill to the Bahamas; Carmine’s to Bring Family Dining to Marina Village.

Since the Atlantis, Paradise Island resort opened to international acclaim 10 years ago, the project’s sheer scale – today with 2,300 rooms spread out over 34 dramatically-themed acres – has created a never-before-attempted fusion of leisure, fun and spirit of a mythical place. Today, a galaxy of culinary stars is descending on paradise, with the addition of new and distinctive dining spots scheduled to open over the next two years at Atlantis, Paradise Island in The Bahamas.

Atlantis now welcomes Jean-Georges Vongerichten, who will bring his second project to the Caribbean following the success of his restaurant at the One&Only Ocean Club, as well as star chefs Nobu Matsuhisa and Bobby Flay, both of whom will be entering the Caribbean for the first time with Bahamian outposts of Nobu and Mesa Grill, respectively.

With an opening scheduled for Fall 2005, the Marina Village at Atlantis will be one of the must-see destinations for Nassau and Paradise Island visitors. This 65,000 square foot development around the existing Marina at Atlantis will resemble a quaint marketplace featuring 22 retail shops and four distinct restaurants.

Jean-Georges Vongerichten will lead the renaissance of the famed Cafe Martinique – originally made famous by its appearance in the 1965 James Bond classic Thunderball – at the Marina Village at Atlantis. Recreating the legendary Cafe Martinique in a new contemporary setting is the challenge for New York designer Adam Tihany. Iconic pieces such as a wrought-iron birdcage elevator, a dramatic mahogany staircase and elegantly etched glass windows will help to rekindle its celebrated ambiance. A luxurious Steinway piano will welcome diners to the restaurant, which will feature French gourmet fare served in an intimate atmosphere of graceful candlelit tables with marina views.

Also new to the Caribbean, Carmine’s Italian restaurant, a popular New York eatery, will revel in a family-style atmosphere by serving sumptuous platters of classic Italian dishes to share. Located directly on the water, this restaurant will feature traditional Italian decor such as paneled walls, red velvet curtains, timber-beamed ceilings and racks of wine. A grand open-dining area defined by stone walls and oversized iron chandeliers will offer picturesque views of the nearby yachts.

The Marina Village at Atlantis will also boast three main plazas each defined by unique architecture, paving stones, boldly painted buildings and lush vegetation. An assortment of retail carts in each section will feature merchandise reflective of the life and energy of the islands.

Scheduled to open in the Royal Towers of Atlantis at the end of 2005 is the newest location of Nobu, the innovative Japanese restaurant conceived and run by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Located adjacent to the Atlantis Casino, the new space will be designed by the Rockwell Group. Both traditional and modern Japanese elements and inspiration will be incorporated into the scheme. Situated within the 6,300 square foot space, a large bar / lounge at the entryway will provide seating for dinner patrons or guests simply relaxing for a drink. A dramatic Japanese pagoda will surround and define the central dining space, with overhead lights and fabric coffers creating a unique environment. Long communal tables and seating at the sushi bar, with its glowing back wall, will allow patrons to watch the chefs at work. Included in the design will be a private dining room (for 60) made from four panels of unique artwork, bending to form part of the modulated ceiling. In addition to the two small scale dining areas on either side of the main dining space, the hidden “jewel” of Nobu at Atlantis will be the sake cellar. This intimate 8-person dining area will be located inside a domed tower, where guests will sit in a room lined with glowing sake bottles and windows providing views of the marina. As with every Nobu location, Nobu at Atlantis will reflect and respect the creativity and tradition of the cuisine.

Opening Christmas 2006, Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill will be the signature restaurant in the new, recently announced 600-room luxury all-suite hotel at Atlantis. The planned all-suite hotel will be situated west of the Royal Towers, adjacent to one of the best available beach sites in the Caribbean, and is scheduled to open in late 2006. Rockwell Group’s design for Mesa Grill at Atlantis will provide the perfect showcase for Flay’s culinary versatility and distinctly innovative interpretation of Southwestern cuisine – this time with a Bahamian twist.

Mesa Grill has a lively and esteemed reputation. The restaurant has received critical acclaim from the New York Times, was named Year’s Best Restaurant by New York Magazine and has been named the number one American Regional restaurant in New York City by the Zagat survey for the past five years running.

From the custom flame-pattern carpet in the lounge to the colored pony skin banquettes in the main dining area, the design for Mesa Grill at Atlantis mixes and weaves a myriad of materials as though they were ingredients in one of Flay’s culinary masterpieces. An oversized pivot door will lead to the colorful terrazzo and tile entry hall. In the hall, scratched plaster walls will frame commissioned artwork. Back-lit stone and colored cast-glass panels will create a vivid glow in the bar / lounge that will be outfitted with furniture made from gel-like polyurethane. Large fabric and layered glass pendant lights will softly illuminate the restaurant. The centerpiece of the main dining room will be a two-story rotisserie backed by a 30 foot tile-lined hearth. The custom pattern will artfully emulate flames, so the fire will always be roaring. Anchoring this open area, a woven cherry wood ceiling will float overhead. In the main dining space, commanding views of the ocean will shimmer behind sheer silk drapes. Mesa Grill at Atlantis will creatively capture the above-water exploration of new textures and tastes.

With a wide variety of world-class dining options, an outdoor wonderland evocative of the myth of Atlantis, some of the world’s most magnificent beaches, outstanding service and luxurious accommodations, Atlantis, Paradise Island provides an incredible destination for all members of the family.

For further information about Atlantis, Paradise Island; telephone 954-809-2000, or visit on-line at Atlantis.com.