A US-born executive chef on Thursday opened a one-of-a-kind restaurant and bar, the first of what is going to be several on an entertainment strip at the Giftland Mall.
Ryan Fields, owner of the Bistro Azure Restaurant and Bar, sees his business as one of the leaders in raising standards in the local industry.
Fields, who grew up in Barbados, explained that his reason for opening in Guyana is due to his belief that the country is at the point where it is “about to transition into an amazing destination for tourists.” He added that he sees a lot of potential here for the tourism industry and he intends to explore it.
However, he noted that in order to fully develop that potential, local restaurants need to raise their standards. “We’re like 10 conventional restaurants in one and our goal is to make every other restaurant in Guyana raise the standard of what they do… There is a lot of potential here for the tourism industry and I think that most restaurants need to get to this standard, in order to be able to attract quality tourists here,” he added.
He welcomed the public to visit the Bistro Azure, a place where they can indulge in “amazing meals and amazing drinks without breaking their pockets.”
Roy Beepat, owner of the Giftland Mall, explain-ed that the restaurant is a collaborative effort between himself and Fields and saw a lot of planning.
“It’s the first of many restaurants and pubs and sports bars, coffee shops, grills that are going to be lining the street and when we are finished we will have an entertainment strip which will be about 600 feet long and will be filled with about 10 or 12 different entertainment options,” Beepat stated.
The businessman related that the entertainment strip will present itself as a new option for persons who are desirous of experiencing fine dining. He said, “instead of going around to 4 or 5 different places to find one good restaurant, you can come here and get 12 good ones, because that’s the Giftland standard.”
Although, the final figures have not been determined, the restaurant and bar has seen an investment upward of $15 million.
The Bistro Azure offers a wide variety of appetizers, entrees, seafood and local meats. “You name it, we do it,” Fields said.
The new dining and entertainment spot will be opened from 10 am to 12 am from Sundays through Wednesdays, along with a two-hour extension Thurs-days through Saturdays. Additionally, the kitchen will be opened as long as the restaurant is open, which, according to Fields, will allow persons to “come in at 1 am and get anything off the menu.”
