As we wrap up another bustling season at Capriccio, one thing remains clear—our commitment to taking a pause to refresh, reset, and reinvigorate ourselves. It has always been part of our business ethos to close for a short break, during which we rest (don’t forget to ask Angie about Disney), deep clean and tidy up (the restaurant not ourselves), and prepare to offer the very best of ourselves back to our customers. This year was no different; we took a well-earned two-week closure at the beginning of August, ensuring that when we reopened, we would be refreshed and ready to deliver the Capriccio experience once again.
In the spirit of reflection and growth, we also took stock of our physical space. With Capriccio’s popularity growing and demand for what little space we have increasing, it became apparent that expansion was a necessity. We knew we needed to optimize our space, so during our August break, we embarked on the first stage of that expansion. I’m pleased to report that the construction of new bathrooms is nearly complete—a much-needed improvement that will enhance our guests’ comfort and experience. Additionally, our kitchen space has undergone some much-needed decluttering. However, the change that’s truly brought joy to our team is the installation of a new state-of-the-art air extraction system. You wouldn’t believe how much happier the kitchen crew looks with a more comfortable, cooler working environment—there’s a palpable sense of relief in the air, both literally and figuratively!
While optimizing our physical space was a significant focus, our attention has also been firmly fixed on our ongoing mission to source the finest ingredients. This summer, I once again found myself in the heart of Tuscany—our culinary home away from home—engaging in what can only be described as an arduous (yet delicious) task: research. Our commitment to authenticity means regularly visiting our suppliers, tasting new wines, and carefully selecting what we consider to be the best. I’m excited to share that our new wine list is currently in transit, shipped carefully across the Atlantic. Among the treasures aboard are new bottles of bold reds and crisp whites that reflect Tuscany’s terroir, including Chianti Classico, Sangiovese reserves and fresh offerings from lesser-known yet equally exceptional producers. Keep an eye out for an idea we are developing that will allow us to promote these artisanal offerings through a wine club membership and tasting sessions.
Beyond the wine, another refrigerated container is en route, packed with all the essentials to bring a true taste of Italy to our little corner of Tortola. Cured meats, creamy cheeses, and a selection of fresh ingredients—among them, the must-have San Marzano tomatoes and artisan pastas—are just the beginning. We expect the container to arrive by the end of September, just in time for the launch of our refreshed menu for the new season. With these ingredients, we’ll be able to deliver an even more authentic experience, from antipasti to dolci, all while celebrating the culinary traditions that make Italian cuisine so loved.
Speaking of beloved traditions, there’s an exciting new development that’s already taking place at Capriccio: we’ve made the switch to Lavazza coffee. Our decision to switch to this premium Italian coffee brand wasn’t made lightly. We wanted to offer our guests the finest shot of espresso possible, and after extensive tasting, Lavazza emerged as the clear choice. Now, freshly ground Lavazza beans are used daily, bringing that rich, full-bodied Italian coffee flavour to our customers. And yes, if you need proof, we even have the branded cups to match!
But coffee and wine are just the beginning of what’s on the horizon for Capriccio this season. What’s next, you ask? Well, while we can’t reveal all the details just yet, we’ve got plenty of exciting plans in the works. We are however looking to spread the love even further this year! We will also be going beyond our standard menu refresh to create experiences that resonate with our guests. September is also a special time for us, with many of our local residents returning from their summer travels. To welcome them back in style, we’re hosting a series of parties, starting with our much-loved guest bar night on September 13th. This lively event is a chance for a couple of brave volunteers to step behind the bar and serve their friends and fellow patrons their favorite cocktails. It’s always a riot of fun (albeit exhausting for our guest bartenders), and it’s the perfect way to usher in the autumn season.
Meanwhile, back in Tuscany, the Capriccio team continues its quest to source only the best food and wine from this extraordinary region. This year, our road trip took us to the scenic heart of Tuscany, with a focus on Chianti and Valpolicella. We’ve made it a point to work closely with small, passionate producers—many of whom can only afford to export a limited number of cases at a time. That’s part of what makes this partnership so special. Each bottle tells a story—whether it’s from a Chianti Classico vineyard that’s been passed down through generations or from a young, up-and-coming winemaker crafting bold, innovative blends. You, our customers, will have the chance to experience these stories firsthand, as these carefully selected wines make their way onto our list.
Our Tuscan journey wasn’t just about wine, though. Staying just outside Bucine gave us the perfect base to explore the surrounding countryside, from charming hilltop villages to bustling local markets. We tasted creamy pecorino, rich wild boar ragu, and countless other local delicacies, all while soaking in the rustic beauty of the landscape. There’s something almost magical about Tuscany’s rolling hills, lined with cypress trees and dotted with vineyards, that inspires us to bring a piece of this world back to Capriccio. One memorable moment: catching a glimpse of a wolf as it loped through the countryside near the villa we were staying at—a rare reminder of the untamed beauty that still exists in these ancient lands. It won’t be on the menu.
Beyond the inspiration we find in Tuscany’s food and wine, our travels also opened our eyes to the simpler joys of Italian life. Driving along the winding roads, we stumbled upon roadside cafés that are renowned for their panini—simple sandwiches made extraordinary by the quality of the ingredients. It’s this philosophy that we’ve always embraced at Capriccio: that the best food doesn’t have to be complicated; it just has to be made with care and the finest ingredients. Inspired by these little cafés, we’re bringing a slice of that magic to Tortola. Soon, our menu will feature a selection of yes, motorway sandwiches made with the same love and attention to detail that we experienced on Tuscan highways. Think fresh, crusty bread filled with cured meats, cheeses, and vegetables sourced from our favorite Italian producers.
This dedication to sourcing the best ingredients extends beyond Capriccio’s kitchen, as our sister company, Mangia, continues to flex its muscles in the import market. Mangia is licensed to import Italian food and wine for the wholesale market here in Tortola, and starting in September, refrigerated containers packed with cured meats, cheeses, and other high-quality Italian products will begin arriving regularly. While Mangia primarily operates as a wholesale supplier, Capriccio customers will soon have the opportunity to purchase these authentic Italian products directly through Capriccios new retail store – details soon. It’s not about trying to make Tortola speak and eat Italian—it’s about offering our community the opportunity to experience a taste of Italy whenever they choose.
At the end of the day, our goal at Capriccio is to continue sharing our passion for Italian food and culture with each and every one of our guests. Whether it’s through our new wine list, an artisanal sandwich, or a cup of Lavazza coffee, we want to bring the warmth and joy of Italy to your table. And with all the exciting changes on the horizon, we can’t wait to see what the next season has in store for us.
