Picture Tour: Graycliff Manor Wine Cellar in Nassau, Bahamas

Graycliff is home to a hotel, 2 restaurants, chocolatier and an event space. But what many people do not know, is that Graycliff is also home to the 3rd largest privately owned wine collection in the world.  IN THE WORLD!

The cellar is sectioned off by country, with the largest selections coming from Italy, Germany, and California.  The oldest bottle of wine is a Moscato produced in Germany in the 1700’s, priced at a whopping $200,000. Insane, right?  There’s also an area to have an intimate dinner party in the cellar.  How romantic!

Since many won’t ever know get a chance to tour, I figured the best way to show you was a picture tour through the wine cellar.  These pictures don’t do the cellar’s massive collection justice, as it’s truly a great experience.

Can you imagine so many aged wine bottles in one place? It felt like I was walking through a time capsule.  Great times!

Restaurant Review: The Grill From Ipanema in Washington, DC

I walked into The Grill From Ipanema (TGFI) and was immediately greeted by a friendly Brazilian waiter, who started speaking to me in Portuguese, and when I looked dazed and confused, he said “Oh I thought you were Brazilian!”

This exchange is very typical of the atmosphere at TGFI, a place where everyone seems to know your name.  A family-owned and operated restaurant, The Grill From Ipanema is the only authentic Brazilian restaurant in DC and has been a staple in the Adams Morgan neighborhood for over twenty years.  Because Brazil is a melting pot of cultures, their menu reflects a true diverse, Brazilian experience.  While it was hard to decide, I narrowed down my choices to the Bolinho de Bacalhau (cod fish croquettes), Coxinha de Galinha (croquettes stuffed with chicken and cheese), Frango A Passarinho (crispy fried chicken), and Abacate Maraja (avocado stuffed with shrimp, tomato and seasonings).

Cod Fish Croquettes

The cod and stuffed chicken croquettes were each deliciously fried and savory. They were perfectly sized for the accompanying dip, which is the owner’s family recipe.  At first sight, one may think the chicken wings are normal buffalo wings.  However, the waiter explained that it was a whole chicken cut into pieces and then fried.  The wings were seasoned so well and the avocado salad was different than anything I’ve ever tasted.

Fried Chicken

I sampled three of their most popular cocktails including the classic Caipirinha (one of my favorites!), a Caipiginha, which is similar to a caipirinha only made with gin instead of cachaca (Brazilian rum), and a Maracujinha, which adds passion fruit to the caipirinha.  Each drink was made to perfection!  TGFI has a fully stocked bar, including typical Brazilian beers.

Caipirinha

Caipirinha in front of a Maracujinha

I love that their happy hour menu was so extensive that I didn’t need to order from a full-sized menu in order to leave satisfied.  The restaurant seats over 170 people (with outside seating which is a must in DC), and is available for Sunday brunch and hosting private events.  The restaurant’s ambiance makes you feel like you’re a part of a family.  That, on top of the delicious, authentic Brazilian food?  It doesn’t get much better.  I thoroughly enjoyed my meal and drinks at The Grill From Ipanema and will be returning one day soon.  Next time I’ll be prepared with a little Portuguese!

Thanks to Lisa from Growth Matters for the invite!