The Tribune

By CHESTER ROBARDS Tribune Senior Reporter crobards@tribunemedia.net EVEN as they prepared to receive an award from the local chapter of an international tourism organisation, Luciano's of Chicago put on a culinary experience for the group that was definitely something to write home about. On Tuesday, the Bahamas chapter of Skal International presented Luciano's with their Restaurant of the Year award. Silfredo Naveda, general manager of Luciano's, said the award brought him great "pleasure and satisfaction", as he and his team always strive for "quality". "The team that works in this restaurant is committed to satisfying our guests in the best way and blow them away at every opportunity," said Mr Naveda. Lorenzo Martinez, executive chef at the restaurant, said he and his team always keep the menu interesting, playing around with tastes and presentation styles and always keep consistency a paramount part of their process. "We come up with ideas, play around with the food and plate presentations," Chef Martinez said. He admitted that while keeping it interesting can lead to one or two obstacles, the number of repeat customers speaks for the staff's commitment to consistency. The Skal club, which consists of professionals involved in the tourism industry, also donated a $500 cheque to the Ranfurly Home for Children. Home director Alex Roberts said he was grateful for the generosity of the club. He said the Ranfurly Home depends on donations in order to operate, and he revealed that last year's operating fees were $570,000. "We depend almost entirely on the kindness and generosity of corporate and individual sponsors," said Mr Roberts. "The children are our nation's resource. All our children have been abused in some way or another... so we try to provide the best environment for them in the absence of a home, mother, father and other siblings."