After having founded and operated a successful restaurant in Antigua for five and half years, to a couple of years in private yachts in the Caribbean and then three years in a private island in the Bahamas, Héctor Castro is back in town more focused and more experienced with Fermento; a new concept in a cozy new location. It’s almost like the old place but this time it has a garden with a beautiful pine tree, a patio that feels like a small plaza in Spain or Italy, and a corridor with antique furniture that takes you to a farm house in the 1920’s. The art on the walls is a curated private collection by local contemporary artists. And the eclectic music selection is also curated, of course.
The heart of Fermento is in the main hall where the bar is located next to the open kitchen where you can see the chefs in action. The red subway tile all the way to the ceiling in the kitchen and the French wallpaper in the rest of the space was a bold decision but worth every penny.
Héctor is bringing to the table a few tricks he picked up on his travels, offering dishes out of the common fare that is found in Antigua. Asian pork belly tacos, smoked brisket sandwich on homemade focaccia and the roasted butternut squash ravioli with sage butter are inevitable and they’re always on the menu. However, Fermento is also offering weekly specials like rabbit terrine or rabbit confit, roasted leg of lamb or roasted porchetta on weekends, and don’t forget a small but fabulous brunch on Sundays. Top that with an excellent selection of wines and cocktails and at any time of the day or night you’re in for a good time. Enjoy!
