The Tribune

The Melia; Nassau Beach Resort opened four new restaurants yesterday as part of a $19 million renovation, creating 70 jobs.

The new restaurants, three of which are located on the fourth floor of the hotel, mark the completion of Phase I of the resort’s million renovation plan.

The restaurants were renovated over about eight months, and will serve as one of several signature features in the only all-inclusive resort amid Baha Mar’s $3.5 billion development. The Melia’s renovations will complete in early 2016.

Sarkis Izmirlian, Baha Mar’s chairman and chief executive; Tom Dunlap, Baha Mar’s president; and Andrew Tilley, Melia Nassau Beach Resort’s general manager, led a delegation including Prime Minister Perry Christie, and ministers Obediah Wilchcombe and Khaalis Rolle, on a tour of the restaurants.

Mr Wilchcombe, the minister of tourism, said: “These restaurants show that promises are becoming reality. Offerings like these cause the Bahamas to be seen by others as the destination that is setting trends. This is good for the future business of the Bahamas as the world awaits Baha Mar.”

“Melia Nassau Beach is pleased to welcome guests to four signature restaurants, each with a distinctive style, ambiance and menu that we believe represent culinary delights from the around the world and create a unique guest experience in the Bahamas,” said Mr Tilley.

“Our guests are often very familiar with the superb guest experience offered at Melia Hotels International, and we are confident that the experience at Melia Nassau Beach will exceed their expectations.”

The signature eateries – each opening on to a private gallery and living room-type seating - are Cilantro, Nikkei and The Black Angus. The new social hub of the hotel will be at Estavida, an upbeat tapas lounge, located in the hotel’s redesigned lobby.

• Cilantro takes guests on a gastronomic journey through the textures, aromas and flavours of Mexico. Menu highlights include Pork Tenderloin with Braised Chard and Tequila Sauce, Grouper with Green Ceviche and Chicken Fried Tacos.

• Celebrated for its fusion of Japanese, Cantonese and Peruvian cuisine, Nikkei features a sushi bar and Teppanyaki tables. Menu highlights include the Crunchy Thai Salad, Salmon & Avocado Ceviche, Japanese Chicken Curry and Encrusted Sea Bass with Curry Mango Sauce.

• The Black Angus is a steakhouse, featuring quality prime cuts and the freshest ingredients. Menu highlights include Bahamian Lobster Tail, Grilled Sea Bass with Orange Sauce, Fire Glazed BBQ Pork Ribs, and Beef Empanadas with Chimichurri Sauce.

• Estavida is an upbeat tapas lounge located in the hotel lobby, specialising in tapas and a wide selection of cocktails. Guests enjoy light bites during the day or sip on Estavida’s signature Apricot Sangria or Gin ‘Peel’ Tonics.

Meli� Nassau Beach boasts three existing dining options, including Aqua, O’Grille and The Market Place, which is currently undergoing renovations.