Bahamian in Location, Mediterranean in Design, Caribbean in Cuisine: Bimini Bay Resort Opens $1.8 Million Casa Lyon

Bimini, the quaint Bahamian island that has been a longtime favorite vacation destination for big-game fishing and yachting enthusiasts, is now a haven for culinary aficionados with the opening of Casa Lyon at Bimini Bay Resort. The new $1.8 million signature restaurant features distinctive architecture and interior design as well as a sumptuous menu crafted by Head Chef Kermit Mackey, who honed his skills at the Atlantis, Four Seasons Resort Great Exuma and Emerald Bay. Perfectly situated overlooking the Caribbean Sea, guests have the option of dining indoors or al fresco.

(PRWEB) March 1, 2007 -- Bimini, the quaint Bahamian island that has been a longtime favorite vacation destination for big-game fishing and yachting enthusiasts, is now a haven for culinary aficionados with the opening of Casa Lyon at Bimini Bay Resort. The new $1.8 million signature restaurant features distinctive architecture and interior design as well as a sumptuous menu crafted by Head Chef Kermit Mackey, who honed his skills at the Atlantis, Four Seasons Resort Great Exuma and Emerald Bay. Perfectly situated overlooking the Caribbean Sea, guests have the option of dining indoors or al fresco.

Bahamian born and trained, Chef Mackey has developed a comprehensive menu offering distinct tastes, infusing the fresh seafood from the Atlantic with a savory Caribbean flair. Specialty items include stone crab claws with pesto mayonnaise, spicy mustard and sweet chili; blackened conch with sweet onion compote; rosemary beef tenderloin tips with citrus vinaigrette; shrimp du jour in brandy sauce topped with infused herb butter; crab cakes with fresh fruit and honey julienne; pan-seared grouper filet with orange citrus, braised red skin potatoes and tomato basil broth; marinated grilled tuna with mushroom-infused rice, sautéed vegetables, sweet chili and soy emulsion; roast rack of lamb with caramelized onion and garlic mash, vegetables, pine and pistachio nut marinade and spicy mint au jus; and an 18-oz. chateaubriand with shadow potatoes, sautéed vegetables and béarnaise sauce.

Upon making a grand entrance into Casa Lyon, guests are intrigued with refined stone flooring and avant-garde decor, further enhancing the Mediterranean architecture. Intricately-designed seashell chandeliers dangle from high ceilings and adorn customized tables and chairs. Seating arrangements are cleverly scattered throughout the room providing a private and intimate dining experience among a modern ambiance. Guests pining for a Bahamian cocktail can enjoy Casa Lyon's signature bar, hand-made of solid wood and illuminated white onyx. Additional perks include Steelite and Gorby Hall table settings fit for royalty and enjoy Molton Brown amenities.

Tradition is of utmost importance to Bimini Bay Resort and the name Casa Lyon brings a historical element to the modern establishment, derived from one of the original property owners, George Lyon. Known for inventing the stainless steel sink among other notable achievements, Lyon built the original building -- where Casa Lyon currently stands -- for the purpose of entertaining and housing his personal guests. He sold his property to the Rockwell Company in 1951, and today, Casa Lyon upholds his intent of providing guests with a place to relax and enjoy life inside or against a sparkling-blue, ocean-view backdrop on the resort's well-appointed patio deck.

Casa Lyon is open seven days a week offering guests breakfast a la carte and an extensive dining menu in the evening. The restaurant seats 120 guests, including inside and outside on the deck. Casa Lyon will soon offer room service, in-home catering and private dinners and tastings prepared by Chef Mackey.

Bimini Bay Resort rates range from $250 per night for a studio, based on double occupancy, to $950 per night for a four-bedroom oceanfront home. For real estate opportunities, condominiums begin at $249,000, bayfront lots at $700,000 and oceanfront estate lots at $1,800,000; home prices are additional, starting at $325,000. Three-bedroom oceanfront Treehouses cost $1,400,000, lot and home included. The Bimini Bay Island Estate collection offers 30 private island residences, beginning at the initial price of $650,000.

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