The Lido Dining and Entertainment Complex is now complete and open for business.

Director of MEF Limited/Little Venice Group Jacky Di Meglio told The Royal Gazette what they now have on offer, especially on days with inclement weather or days that are just too hot.

Café Lido was opened 15 years ago and it hosts both local and international clientele.

“Lido is an exciting place to come for dinner and we have gone with mainly a seafood menu, but we have also gone with meats and chops,” explained Mr. Di Meglio.

“We also have pasta to complement everyone’s taste. So it is not just a seafood restaurant for seafood lovers, it is a place for everybody.”

He also pointed out that Café Lido is a huge space and is available for more than meals. “We can have functions for up to 200 people,” he said.

“We also have the new St. George’s Room, which seats up to 30 people for dinner. But it can also be used as a video conferencing room for business meetings and power lunches.”

Mr. Di Meglio pointed out that over the years they have seen many different owners of the Elbow Beach Hotel.

“We have had a fantastic relationship with all the people who have been managing the affair from the Wyndham Group, the Raphael Group and now the Mandarin Oriental.

“The place was destroyed during Hurricane Fabian and for us it has been an uphill battle to make it as successful as it used to be. The investments have been around $5 million between the companies.”

But he expressed that they were very proud of what they had accomplished.

“We now have the Sea Breeze Lounge and that was the last phase of the renovations and that is why we can now go out and sell the place because we are confident that we built it with professionals.

“We have the executive chef Max (Massimo) Olivari and general manager Ennio Lucarini, who are both married to Bermudians and they have been here for the last 20 years.

“Along with them we have a number of professionals that are complementing their efforts.

“Elbow Beach is one of the most beautiful locations in the world and we cater to everyone.

“At Mickeys Beach Bistro we cater to more families, while up here in the Sea Breeze Lounge we can cater for more casual dining.”

Another addition is the take away service for those who just want restaurant flair in their own surroundings.

Mr. Di Meglio said: “This is ideal for people in the central parishes, and they can also have sushi or tapas.”

The section on the terrace next to the Sea breeze Lounge features an area for weddings and other functions.

“We are very proud to have it because it is in a unique location.”

The Deep has been closed for the past six months and is expected to open with a use that will be more comfortable than clubby.

“We marketed this wrong, it is not a disco, it is a place where we eventually want people to come for chatting and to relax.

“So if it becomes your place where you go and meet your friends, then two or three nights a week we will have different functions like salsa. But we don’t want to be identified as a disco.”