ChitChat Boulevard Cafe, located in the Bermudiana Arcade on Queen Street in Hamilton, brings a fresh approach to dining in Bermuda. Alive with the chatter of people talking, pans sizzling and pots bubbling, the new cafe brings fresh food to life as it is displayed, prepared and cooked before your eyes.

ChitChat is "something to talk about''. The name refers to a casual interchange between people who are close enough to be relaxed and comfortable with each other in their conversation. It is defined by light, unassuming moments where information passed back and forth is not serious, but cheerful and happy. ChitChat Boulevard Cafe intends a break from seriousness for its customers -- a time for relaxing and appreciating someone's company. Open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week, ChitChat allows you -- the customer -- to create your own dining experience. Stroll from island to island, each of which features different food selections, and pick your favourite dishes. Your choice will be prepared "a la minute'' with only the freshest of ingredients, according to director of operations, Frank Weber. Inspired by Four Star Pizza buffs, who like the idea of watching their food being prepared in front of them, the ChitChat concept was born. "Chit Chat owner and owner of the Four Star Pizzas in Bermuda, Maurico Thomas, came up with the idea of building a restaurant like this,'' said Mr. Weber, noting that he was hired by Mr. Thomas to put it all together. "It's taking the idea of people watching their food being prepared in front of them one step further by actually bringing the kitchen out in front of the customers,'' said Mr. Weber. Inspired by the way of life in the south of France, the cafe was designed with Mediterranean, outdoor and boulevard style dining in mind. "We created a restaurant that is based on what we believe to be successful in the food industry,'' said Mr.

Weber. The ambiance is open, laid-back and cheerful, and, with that in mind, Mr. Weber and his management team continue to develop food choices, which are complimentary to the setting. "We have an ever-changing variety of food selections, which reflect on availability in the market. The dishes change daily and sometimes twice daily,'' said Mr. Weber, noting that the choices are also very flexible to personal preference. ChitChat patrons are given a tab card, which they have stamped when they make a food or beverage selection, said Mr. Weber, adding that customers turn the tab card into the cashier and pay before leaving the restaurant. Customers will also find a site map at every table, which explains the concept of the restaurant and gives people an idea of what foods can be found at which stations, he noted. "There are restaurants like this all over the world. It is an up and coming concept in the restaurant industry,'' said Mr. Weber, noting that one of the restaurant's best features is that people can browse and stay as long as they like without feeling like they should leave. ChitChat, which seats 126 people, is definitely the kind of place where you can sit and watch people or just plain "hang-out'' without feeling rushed to leave -- even if you're not ordering something. It provides people with the satisfaction of choosing from a wide variety of food at different stations and the fun of browsing about before making meal decisions. So whether you're looking for an extensive three course meal, a small bite to eat or a simple cup of fresh brewed coffee, ChitChat is sure to suit your dining needs and tempt even the most finicky of tastes.

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