Review: The Tasting Room & Willowbank
[Written by Dale Butler]
I thought I could take a break from music once I returned from the SXSW Music Festival in Austin, Texas featuring 150 bands, including Bermuda’s own Tino Martinez Quartette, but on Friday, March 22 I chose two Bermuda venues:
- The Tasting Room, 8a South Road, Smith’s Parish, billed as Bermuda’s premium wine and spirit retail shop and tasting room, was featuring the band Barebones
- Willowbank Resort, 126 Somerset Road, Sandys, featuring flutist and saxophonist Calvin Simons
Both locations had entertainment and I was keen to experience both.
The Tasting Room was packed when I arrived and based on what eager patrons said, they were also hungry to hear live music as well. I have to say right from the start that I recognize Tony Brannon [I saw him perform in Barbados this summer], who has a website – Bermuda Entertainment – which is the most comprehensive site for local entertainment.
Barebones consisted of:
- Graham Pewter – drums
- Leroy Richardson –bass
- David Skinner -lead guitar and
- Milton Raposo – piano
There was no entrance fee for a show worth at least $50. On a Friday night after a week of work, everybody was busy catching up, which made it a lively and loud affair, but the band was not perturbed as they turned out one hit after another, showing the depth of their experience and fortitude to plough through, no matter what, with songs like:
- Layla – Eric Clapton
- Dangerous Mood – Kebmo
- The Thrill Is Gone – B.B. King
- Red House – Jimi Hendrix
- Kansas City/Chicago medley
Graham and David have good voices and picked a selection of songs that displayed their versatility. The band was relaxed and they were allowed to solo. With the suave [enomatic] automatic wine dispenser busy all night, charcuterie platters drifting in from the kitchen every minute, and the band driving popular tunes, this was clearly the place to be Friday night. Folks were happy with the environment created and I enjoyed being there. Well done, band. The host at the door had his hands full but was super efficient with his instructions and ensuring we received their list of wines and spirits. It is definitely a place that caught my interest and I will be back!
My second stop was 30 minutes away at The Willowbank Resort in Somerset, where I had an excellent meal at the start of the month. Executive Chef Rickai Williams and his culinary team should be complimented for the high standards and consistency: presentation, portion, and taste. The hostess at the door gave me a warm greeting and I was escorted to dinner with my good friend, Dr. Melvyn Bassett, a former principal and now a Director of the resort.
It was late and my 6.00pm deadline for eating was definitely going to be broken because I had been kept busy in Rosalie Gardens all day. The complimentary starter of cucumber and a crusted potato with a secret sauce was outstanding and the fresh bread made on premises by Pamela Hall would be my last request if I was ever given one, and her ice cream which I had for dessert.
With lobster season drawing to an end March 31, there was no need to see the menu. Oh boy! When that plate came with peas and rice, fresh vegetables and a half lobster cooked to perfection, there was no talking at our table. Since the closure of restaurants in our beloved St. David’s, Chef Stephan Wilson had seasoned the lobster meat to ensure it was done to a turn, with a secret seasoning that made me beg for more once the last morsel was gone.
He was also skillful with his stuffing, once a popular treat everywhere, but once again disappearing. I was delighted to meet him. He has a bright future ahead of himself, like his Executive Chef.
As we sat quietly and enjoyed the best lobster I have had in years, we were entertained on flute and saxophone by Calvin Simons who played:
- I want to Give You Some Good Lovin’
- I’m Easy
- Just the Two of Us
- September
- Masquarade
There were many other songs, but that night for the first time in my life I lost focus. The taste of that lobster and the stuffing! The sweet with lots of fiber and grouchy with a dollop of sugar sounds from Calvin who played no stop, the excellent service with an all Bermuda staff, the beautiful ambience, all combined to make it a perfect night crowned with the presentation and taste of that ice cream. Their Easter Brunch on Sunday is from 11.00am to 4.00pm. It would be a good thing for you to make reservations.
My double bit of music was definitely worth it and I would encourage you to support local venues offering live music.
- Dale Butler is the Professor of Bermuda Music. If it is being played, you can bet your bottom dollar that he is likely to be present. His current research project is about the late saxophonist and band leader Ernie Leader. You can contact him at 595-9841 or daledbutler@gmail.com.
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Category: All, Entertainment, Music
