Palm Cay, the fast-growing nautical development on New Providence’s southeastern coast, this week delivered a key component of its commitment to community building -- The Palm Cay Marina & Beach Club.
The club features the flagship Billfish Grill, a restaurant overlooking lawns, pool deck, 194-slip marina and the Atlantic Ocean, fulfilling the latest in Palm Cay’s list of pledges to homeowners.
The Billfish Grill, a partnership between Lise Watson-Russell of Chives at New Providence Community Centre and restaurateur Peter Rounce, opened for dinner for residents and guests this week. Its development was made possible by the support of Palm Cay.
“Our entire business plan is built around creating a community, not just building a development,” explained Palm Cay Sales & Marketing Director Zack Bonczek.
“The pools, tennis courts, family playground, the large, full-service marina, even serving as a BASRA outpost, all add to that. But the one ingredient that will give everyone a place to gather that we felt was worth a major investment was a restaurant and we knew we had to get that right.”
Construction took more than six months as the former two and a half storey clubhouse was transformed into the Billfish Grill, complete with sparkling stainless steel floor-to-ceiling kitchen equipment, new stairwells, attractive bar, lighting, landscaping and an array of stylish interior décor and outdoor weather-resistant furniture made by a local manufacturer.
The second floor is reserved for private parties and events while the first floor is open for reservations with residents and member privileges and benefits.
The launch of the 126-seat restaurant created more than 20 jobs, a number that will grow when its hours extend to lunch in the coming weeks. That number will grow again in the next few months when a more casual eatery, Chives Dockside, opens adjacent to the Marina at Palm Cay.
Head chef is Anthony Carey, who landed back in Nassau creating the Billfish Grill menu after a globe-trotting career that included stints in Thailand, Japan and the exclusive summer vacation retreat of the Hamptons. Watson-Russell, who earned a reputation for delectable, fresh food at Chives on Blake Road, said the search for the right chef was critical.
“We started with a basic menu and Chef Anthony worked his magic on it. It is a direct reflection of his palette and I think it really shines through every dish, every flavour pairing,” she said. “We are also very proud that everything about Billfish Grill is 100% Bahamian-owned and operated.”
The restaurant is the latest in a series of amenities in the development that includes beachfront and garden view townhomes, single family residences and lots and condominiums. The active community plays host to boat shows, art shows and other activities. More than 80% of its single family lots have been sold and the second phase of its first condominium project, The Anchorage, was fully subscribed. Construction is well underway on Phase 1 of The Anchorage.
ALL SMILES – Sherrelle Duncombe mixes a refreshing cucumber mojito, a signature drink at the new 126-seat Billfish Grill that opened for residents and guests at Palm Cay this week. Launch of the restaurant created more than 20 jobs and is the latest amenity promised by developers to help foster a sense of community in the dining and marina lifestyle development on the waterfront along Nassau’s southeast coast. (Photos by Derek Smith, Jr., for DPA)
