José Andrés Ships Second Fish to the Bahamas

Restaurateur José Andrés just locked down a second location for regionally inspired Fish, inking a deal to replicate the restaurant first introduced at MGM National Harbor in the Caribbean.

The Cove Atlantis resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas is scheduled to welcome the seafood-centric establishment in early 2018. The sibling restaurant is expected to focus on marine life plucked from local waters — think: lobster, tuna, lionfish, and Bahamian conch — similar to how the one in neighboring Prince George’s County showcases seasonal offerings from the Chesapeake Bay.

According to a release, Andrés and Howard Karawan, president of the 600-room luxury resort, first discussed the potential partnership over a family Thanksgiving dinner last year.

The original Fish has received much fanfare since opening at MGM Resort in December, receiving a glowing review from Washington Post restaurant critic Tom Sietsema. The sun-drenched space, which recently unveiled a patio, features a nautical theme with nets and a wall design that mimics fish scales.

Spanish design firm Capella Garcia is charged with designing the Bahamas space, promising “organic elements” amidst an airy, open feel. Private dining areas will be partitioned with translucent curtains to create a submerged look.

Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup has been in expansion mode lately, announcing a Jaleo for Disney World and Zaytinya in Dallas.