Photography by Buddha Mather and Ricki Richardson
Watching the sunset behind the hills surrounding the colourful Soper’s Hole Marina, guests finish their authentic Italian meal while the sound of smooth jazz, Bossa, and chill-out tracks turn into urban beats, travelling upstairs from the ground floor. The Scaramouche experience transforms from fine-dining restaurant to urban-chic cocktail lounge where a relaxed vibe meets European finesse.
Distinct in Scaramouche’s character is its delivery of a little taste of Italy in the Caribbean tropical setting of the BVI.
Owners Roberto Selvi, mixologist, and Chiara Valsecchi, head chef, have worked to uphold their reputation as one of Tortola’s top locations to dine, enjoy an exciting night of music, and sip premium cocktails from the moment guests witness the most magnificent sunsets to the time they finish dancing.
Visitors and residents are treated to a one-of-a-kind experience when they visit Scaramouche as the artful presentation of Chiara’s gourmet Italian cuisine, accompanied by Roberto’s cocktails infused with passion and flavour, complement the ambiance of the waterside restaurant.
“My job is my heart and my passion. I want to give the opportunity to concoct a custom drink for each individual guest, giving my own spin on their favourite vintage cocktails,” said Roberto as he stood behind the bar in front of an extensive range of local and imported liquors and spirits.
The mixologist is renowned for his use of fresh ingredients and attention to detail. Obtaining his formal education at Association of Barmen and Sommeliers, Roberto became acquainted with a variety of mixology techniques, serving his cocktails in unique-shaped chilled glasses and paying special attention to the visual presentation.
If you’re craving some caffeine, Scaramouche proudly uses a beautiful vintage Italian espresso machine to make all their lattes and coffees. The same coffee is also used in some of Roberto’s delicious signature cocktails like Caffe Shakerato using espresso, brown sugar, and Rumchata.
The mixologist also takes control of the music from behind the bar. If the customers want to relax, Roberto will play smooth tunes, but if the atmosphere is lively, he will spin a track to get the crowd dancing.
“Roberto pays a lot of attention to the moment of the day and chooses the right song, as well as ‘reading’ the client and playing tunes that match the vibe of the moment,” said Chiara Valsecchi, Head Chef at Scaramouche.
The lounge offers a lighter fare menu of bites where the main favourites are the delicious cold cuts and cheeses imported from Italy.
On Sundays, Scaramouche serves its brunch menu at the lounge, offering unique selections such as Truffled Eggs Benedict and ‘Fantasy’ Bloody Marys to the mellow tunes of Oren Hodge or keyboard covers by Caave. In the evening, authentic Italian pizzas can be enjoyed whilst watching a blissful sunset to wind down the weekend.
Don’t miss Scaramouche’s Fandango Nights, as the exclusive large parties with special entertainment and guest artists occur only a few times a year.
Whether it be an intimate dinner at the fine dining restaurant, imbibing creative cocktails at sunset, or dancing for hours to the hottest new music, Scaramouche is a rare venue for any visitor or resident of the BVI to experience Italian culture in the midst of tropical paradise.
Pullout Box: Next visit, remember to try the SCARAFASHION cocktail- Roberto’s personal touch to the classic Old Fashioned Whisky
Lauren Charley
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