Apart from the stunning sunset, tourists enjoy at Tramonto Restaurant and Bar on Taveuni, another reason they visit is to get a taste of the local dishes on offer.
Staff Akanisi Bogiva, who has worked at Tramonto for two years said many tourists ordered local dishes such as seafood cooked in thick coconut milk.
“Some guests give us their own menus, and we prepare their meals the way they want it depending on their taste preference,” she said.
“But some just ask for local Fijian dishes and seafood which is always a popular request from our guests especially lobsters, crabs and prawns.”
Cooked and garnished with love, as the staff say, Tramonto also offers spicy and hot dishes including popular curry menus with that special mouth-watering taste.
With an experienced chef, Fabiano, who is always busy in the kitchen checking on his team to prepare meal orders on time, customers are guaranteed of a timely dinner or lunch with that added oomph.
“Our meals are healthy with local ingredients and I always ensure it’s prepared with a good heart because when all is well with the cook, all goes well with preparation and our customers are totally satisfied,” he said.
“So our kitchen is full of laughter and jokes and we treat each other with respect. This is important for a healthy kitchen environment I guess and that’s another reason we have customers flocking here.” Fabiano, as he prefers to be called has also worked in other hotels on the garden island.
“We also make pizza and it is a favourite for many locals and tourists as well. Pizza is a popular order for families who come in to have dinner at Tramonto,” he said.
“We also host wedding receptions, birthdays and other celebrations such as graduation dinners and assorted party themes. “And it is always satisfying to see our customers enjoy the services at Tramonto. Some groups come and have grog sessions here and buy dinner or finger foods while they enjoy a space to unwind.”
The staff shared that tourists even fall in love with local music played at the restaurant. Ms Bogiva said after hearing some local songs, some tourists have asked about the artists and the stories in the songs.
“It’s interesting because for us, it’s another opportunity to share with our guests our music and they get to enjoy the stories they share,” Ms Bogiva said.
“Some of them fall in love with our popular Fijian songs while dining or having a drink.” These songs evoke feelings of warmth, joy, and a sense of connection to our culture and people. Tourists describe it as a memorable and uplifting experience that enhances their stay, allowing them to feel the warmth and hospitality of our people and our island way of life!