WHILE employees at Elbow Beach can benefit from a "cross exposure experience" at sister properties all over the world, Bermuda isn't left off the list as international employees also come to Elbow Beach to hone their skills.

Currently the executive sous chef from the Mandarin Oriental Miami hotel is in Bermuda helping to host the "Elbow Beach Meets South Beach" experience at the Seahorse Grill.

French born chef Didier Pouzier will be on island until September and has redesigned a portion of Seahorse's menu by infusing Miami/South Beach flavours and tastes into their dinner offerings, including a five-course tasting option. Working alongside of the Seahorse Grill Chef de Cuisine Tomasz Tabor, Mr. Pouzier has brought his Caribbean, Asian fusion culinary knowledge to the restaurant.

According to Seahorse Maitre'D Delton Ebbin, the menu this month promises to bring the flare and modernity of South Florida cuisine to Bermuda.

"The menu has been changed, we still have our dishes that people love but what we've done is taken four starters off the menu and swapped them with four starters that are Miami South Beach influenced. Same for entrees and three desserts. And to top it off, you get a complimentary mojito. Bacardi will be sponsoring us and came in and trained our bartenders on how to make different mojitos," he said.

For his part, since his arrival Chef Didier has been learning a thing or two about Bermuda's hospitality and has been touring the island.

"I feel so welcome here, everyone is so friendly," he said. "I have only been here a couple weeks but I have been to the [crystal] caves, the aquarium and took the ferry to St. George's. I also got to go to Cup Match."

He is also finding the atmosphere here more relaxed and different from the city atmosphere of Miami.

"With the Latino influence in Miami, everyone eats late. If we close at 11 p.m., everyone shows up at five minutes before closing time. It's a city and more of a party atmosphere. Here, it's more relaxed; it's more of a resort environment. People can take their time and are family oriented. I'm having a great time."

While he has been very busy and hasn't had the time yet to really sample the local cuisine, Chef Didier is excited about exploring the tastes of Bermuda. "Before I leave I want to go to a Bermuda specialty restaurant to learn more about the local food," he said.

Meanwhile, he'll be at Seahorse Grill cooking up Miami dishes for Seahorse Grill guests. For more information about the month-long "Elbow Beach Meets South Beach" event, reservations can be made by calling 239-9303.