|
In this chapter we explain where to find grocery stores and what sort of food each specialise in; we explain where to buy wine in Cayman; describe the Cayman restaurant and bar scene; suggest weekly, monthly and annual culinary events you might want to participate in and finally describe some of Cayman's famous local dishes.
The Cayman Restaurant Scene
The local restaurant scene is very well developed as Cayman has one of the highest standards of living in the world and high-end restaurants have evolved to satisfy the most demanding of palates. Often the finest ingredients are imported from around the world: Sea bass from Chile, foie gras from France and lamb from New Zealand. At the top end of the culinary scene, you will find restaurants excelling in pairing food with wine, often on a special tasting menu. Seafood is always fresh and includes favourites like lobster, tuna, mahi mahi and the slightly more obscure conch (pronounced "conk"), a native mollusc you will find on the menu of many local and upscale restaurants.
As well as high-end restaurants, Cayman has traditional pubs where a Dubliner would feel at home, sports bars where sports fanatics will never find themselves too far from the "big screen", while those just wanting to chill-out and enjoy a sunset, a cool drink and a view of the beautiful Caribbean Sea will find endless options. The local food in Cayman is also something not to be missed, and amongst traditional Caymanian dishes you will find turtle stew, fish rundown and fish tea. Other Caribbean favourites include curried goat, jerk chicken and stewed crab. Local restaurants are very good value and are definitely worth a try.
For more detailed information on restaurants in Cayman look for a copy of the Good Taste magazine. It is a very smart, upscale complementary dining and entertainment guide for Cayman and has an associated website www.caymangoodtaste.com where you can view menus, learn about special events and search for your favourite food.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in Cayman and it is an important part of a server's income. If a restaurant does not include a service charge, it is usual to leave a tip of approximately 15%.
Grocery Stores & Supermarkets
People wonder what grocery stores/supermarkets are like in Cayman. If you have ever been into a large US or Canadian store, then Cayman's grocery stores are very similar. They carry most major US and Canadian brands as well as USDA-certified meats, lots of fresh fish and shellfish and varying degrees of very good vegetables and fruit. Finding organic food, however, especially vegetables and fruit, can be difficult, as all fresh produce has to travel so far to get here. One example might be that tomatoes don't burst with flavour (Editor's Note: I am told it is because they are picked while green and ripen during shipping). Supermarkets are very accommodating though and if you can't find something that you miss from home they will usually order it for you. Make sure to save the packaging so they can get the UPC or bar code number.
All of the supermarkets carry some organic products. For more information on organics, see the Having a Baby section. Along with the following major supermarkets, there are many specialty markets and convenience stores located throughout the Island. Please note that each of the supermarkets have different suppliers, so if one store has only green bananas on a given day, you can probably find beautiful ripe ones at another. All the stores sell very good meat, but the standard and freshness of fish fluctuates, so definitely shop around.
Foster's has five locations: Airport Centre, Tel: (345) 949 5155; The Strand, West Bay Road, Tel: (345) 945 4748; Republix Plaza in West Bay, Tel: (345) 949 3214; Countryside Shopping Village in Savannah, Tel: (345) 943 5155 and opposite Morritt's Tortuga Club in East End, Tel: (345) 947 2826. All locations are open Monday through Saturday 7am-11pm, except the East End branch, which is open Monday through Thursday 7am-7pm, and Friday and Saturday 7am-9pm.
Foster's is well known for fresh produce, meat and fish, organic free-range chicken, organic eggs and carrying Waitrose products from England. Though their stores are similar in format, their largest store, The Strand on Seven Mile Beach, provides more products for tourists and expats and tends to have more of the comforts of home.
Hurley's has one location, Hurley's Grand Harbour, (Tel: (345) 947 8488) and is open Monday through Saturday 7am-11pm.
Hurley's is well known for fresh fruits and vegetables. They probably carry more varieties of unusual fruits and vegetables than any other store. They don't carry much fresh organic produce, but do stock a lot of organic canned and dry goods. On Wednesdays they have a 10% discount storewide.
(Tel: (345) 949 7022) is located between George Town and Seven Mile Beach on Eastern Avenue. It is open Monday through Thursday 7am-10pm and Friday and Saturday 7am-1pm.
Kirk's is well known for carrying foreign foods, particularly Asian, but they also have South African, English, Indian and lots of Latin American products. In addition, they have the Island's largest selection of natural, organic and specialty dietary products as well as a fresh juice bar and an extensive range of homeopathic and natural medicines. They are the only store to sell organic Angus beef. On Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays they give out 'Kirk Currency' at a rate of CI$2.50 for every CI$50 spent.
Buying in Bulk
Buying in bulk is a great way to save both time and money. Grand Cayman has two stores offering bulk items at warehouse prices: Cost-U-Less and Priced Right. Useful things to buy in bulk (if you have the storage space) are napkins, toilet paper, kitchen towels and cleaning products, but both stores also carry canned and dry goods, frozen meats, some fruit and vegetables and a wide variety of other items like children's toys, small household appliances and office supplies.
(Tel: (345) 949 5155) is located in the Airport Centre and is open Monday through Saturday 9am-9pm. There is also a Priced Right located adjacent to the West Bay Republix store.
(Tel: (345) 745 5377) is located in Governors Square on West Bay Road and is open Monday through Saturday 9am-9pm, and on public holidays from 9am-3pm.
Bakeries, Cafes & Bistros
There are some wonderful bakeries on the Island! All have professional pastry chefs and on any given day you can pick up fresh bread, croissants and an array of cookies and cakes. Two of the most popular are Azzurro, in Buckingham Square on West Bay Road, and Icoa Café, in Seven Mile Shops on West Bay Road. There are also some great café-bistros on the Island, such as Paperman's Café, located in the Strand Shopping Centre; Perk Up Café, in Governor's Square; and Café del Sol, which has four locations: Camana Bay, Aqua Mall (on the waterfront), the corner of Fort Street and Albert Panton Street (downtown GT) and the Marquee Plaza. The Brasserie Market in Cricket Square also serves sandwiches and salads which can pretty much be customised however you like, along with soups, hot lunches and pastries etc.
Luxury Food Items
Cayman has a good selection of luxury food items, from hand-made truffles to fine imported French products. You may have to do a little looking around, but there are many treats waiting to be discovered.
Cayman's Finest:
They import luxury European foods and deliver to your home. Look at their online catalogue full of delicious items such as foie gras, pates and duck confit. The products are primarily from local French producers. Visit www.caymansfinest.ky or contact them on (345) 525 2911 .
Cayman Taffy Company:
Located in Seven Mile Shops, they make salt water taffy, delicious truffles and other specialities like hand dipped caramel pecan clusters. Call them on (345) 943 2333.
In addition, there are often specialty items in the fine cookware shops, especially around the holidays. Try Ambience Ltd. (Tel: (345 945 0115) in The Strand for German baked treats and chocolates.
Buying Fresh Fish
Almost any day of the week you can buy fresh fish on the waterfront next to Hammerheads Bar. Fishermen anchor their boats offshore and set up tables on the beach to display their catch. They charge CI$4.50 per pound and sell the fish on the bone, but they will fillet it for you. Ask to look in their coolers, as that is where they usually hide the largest, tastiest fish! Also try Harbour House Marina, located at the end of Marina Drive in Prospect. The supermarkets sell species of fresh fish you cannot get from local fishermen, such as salmon (wild and farm-raised), cod, catfish, sole, swordfish, Chilean sea bass and trout.
Goods Produced Locally
Tortuga Rum Company (Tel: (345) 949 7867) manufactures wonderful rum cakes which you can watch them make. Seven Fathoms (Tel: (345) 929 8419) is the only locally distilled rum. The first bottle of their premium rum was sold in 2008 and, uniquely, is matured underwater, hence the name. This rum is sold in Big Daddy's liquor stores. Cayman Sea Salt (Tel: (345) 943 7258) sells their locally produced sea salt in most supermarkets and at the open-air craft market on cruise ship days. Caybrew (Tel: (345) 947 6699) produces a locally brewed beer which people can sample at their factory in Red Bay and they will even take you on a tour of the production and bottling facilities. Cayman Honey (Tel: (345) 947 1255) operates out of a house in Savannah; you can visit to sample and buy their honey. Cayman Islands Sauce Company (Tel: (345) 516 2467) produces a hot sauce from the extremely hot scotch bonnet pepper. Carol Hay makes gourmet pepper jelly that can be bought at the supermarkets and the Pure Art Gallery. Every Saturday from 7am-1pm at the Agricultural Grounds in Savannah, there is a Farmer's Market called Market at the Grounds, where you can buy fresh meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, plants and locally produced crafts. Go early to get the best selection.
Food Delivery Service
If you are feeling lazy and want to stay at home, then the Fine Dine-In service delivers food, wine and DVDs to your door from about 25 participating restaurants. Look for the free Fine Dine-In magazine, which can be picked up at numerous locations around Cayman.
Duty on Alcohol & Liquor Store Hours
Liquor carries a heavy duty, so don't be surprised by the prices in local liquor stores. For example, duty on hard liquors is CI$10.50 per litre. This means that nearly 50% of the suggested retail price of CI$23.50 for a litre bottle of Appleton rum consists of duty fees. Duty on wine is CI$27 for a 12-bottle case; champagne is 25% of the total landed cost; over-proof liquors are CI$14.25 per litre; liqueurs are CI$12 per litre and duty on beer is CI$1.50 per litre. Liquor store opening hours are usually Monday through Saturday, 10am-7pm, and they are never open on Sunday. Supermarkets in Cayman are not licensed to sell wines or spirits. * Please note, the duty on liquor will be going up just around Christmas 2009. We will upate the prices in February 2010 to reflect the new fees.
Local Beer
Cayman has two beers that are brewed locally, Caybrew and Old Dutch. Caybrew has been awarded a top international accolade for beer quality. The beer is best described as being a refreshingly smooth, full-bodied premium lager with a crisp, clean hop character. Caybrew is available at liquor stores Island-wide. Old Dutch is more of a pale ale and is brewed at Hammerheads.
Wine
Most liquor stores sell wine, but there are really only a handful of places on the Island where you can buy good, but not necessarily expensive wine. Jacques Scott, Vino Veritas and Tortuga Liquors are three worth mentioning. Jacques Scott has a number of stores around the Island and the branch on the intersection of North Sound Road and Shedden Road in George Town probably has the widest selection of wines on the Island. They have a good selection of fine wines on display and also have very reasonably priced wines for the more budget-conscious. Vino Veritas, on the other hand, has no retail outlets, but operates from their climate-controlled cellar in George Town. Vino Veritas hand-picks wine from vineyards worldwide and sells it by the case (mixed cases are fine), often at less than CI$18 a bottle. They also have a large selection of French wines. When ordering wine from them, call and chat with Iain, their wine expert, who will recommend a mix of wines that fit your taste and budget and will then deliver them to you. As far as we know, Vino Veritas is the only wine merchant which will import your own wine collection for you, if you decide to bring it with you. Call (345) 526 8466 or visit www.vino.ky. Tortuga Liquors while famous for their rum and rum cakes, also have six liquor stores around Cayman selling wine and spirits.
Wine Making
You can now make your own wine in Cayman. Cayman Corker, located at 137 North Sound Road just down from the Humane Society, has a fully-equipped wine-making room and an expert wine maker who can provide guidance as you make your own wine or beer. You can choose anything from soft or bold red wines, to dry or fruity whites. They sell all the equipment, and wine kits starting at CI$110 will yield 28-30 bottles of wine. Their home-brew beer kits make about 51 12-ounce bottles of beer for less than CI$1 a bottle. Contact Cayman Corker on (345) 945 2555.
The Bar Scene
Only the most popular bars are mentioned, and since this scene is so fickle, these can change in a season!
Abacus (SMB) Smart inside bar and restaurant; outside there are sofas under the stars. Located in Camana Bay. Live music on Fridays. Champagne specials on Wednesdays.
Aqua Beach (SMB) Nightly drink specials, with all-you-can-eat ribs for CI$18.95 every day and all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet Monday through Friday11am-2pm for CI$19.50. Bar menu available until 11pm. Cosy outdoor setting with palm trees.
Bamboo (SMB) Loud, chic, expensive. Live music Saturdays. Very busy on Friday nights after 9pm and popular with a diverse crowd, often over age 40. Great sushi.
Brick House (RB) Relaxed pizzeria atmosphere with a great outdoor patio space. Live music on Fridays.
Coconut Joe's (SMB) Open-plan bar under a huge Poinciana tree. Popular with the 20+ crowd that work in the tourism industry.
Deckers (SMB) Outside bar with great atmosphere. Good signature cocktails and a diverse crowd.
Lone Star (SMB) Loud, smoky, Texas-style bar. Divemaster hangout. Popular with the 20+ crowd. American-style food.
Macabuca (WB) Great bar overlooking the sea in West Bay. Very busy on Friday and Saturday nights.
Macumba (SMB) is a non-smoking bar that has comfortable settings, a VIP section and an outdoor smoking patio. Different events every night, including karaoke, Salsa Night, House Party, Lover Night, 80's and even jazz with a local band.
Marriott Beach Resort (SMB) La Plage every Saturday with DJ Alexi 9pm-12am. Great new venue on the beach. Lounge under the stars and have a signature cocktail while listening to the latest beats.
The Office (GT) Small and atmospheric. Packed almost every night, especially on Fridays. Popular with an incredibly diverse crowd.
The Ritz (SMB) Definitely the new "in" place on Friday nights. Gets busy late (after 10pm) with an over 30's crowd.
Royal Palms (SMB) Casual outside bar. Live music Friday and Saturday nights.
Nectar (SMB) Said to have the longest list of martinis on the Island. Includes a sushi bar and a non-smoking bar.
Senor Frogs (GT) Salsa lessons at 8pm on the second Friday of every month. Friday happy hour 4pm-7.30pm. Buffet and drink specials.
Sunset House's My Bar (GT) Absolutely packed on Fridays from happy hour onwards. On the water; it's a great place to watch the sunset with a good mix of people.
The Wharf (GT) Boogie Nights every last Friday of the month and the Ultimate 80s every second Friday of the month. Tuesday is salsa night, with free lessons 9.15pm-10.15pm. Dinner is served from 6pm-10pm nightly
Specialty Bars
Listed below are a few popular bars with a twist. Each has a little something different to offer besides fun and drinks.
The Attic (SMB) A perfect way to chill-out or play some pool after a long day at work. Free pool Monday through Friday 5pm-7pm, and drink specials during happy hour. They also have great beer pong tables (drinking game) which are almost always in use.
Havana Club (SMB) A cigar lounge offering up a taste of Cuba. Enjoy a drink, cigar and some Cuban cuisine.
Jillian's Billiards Lounge & Bar (SMB). Non-smoking place with private billiards room and 8 billiard tables. Mondays is corporate billiards league night. Friday there is a happy hour from 5pm-8pm followed by a Latin DJ until 1am. Saturdays there is a live jazz band from 8pm-12am.
Jolly Roger (GT) What could be more unique than having an evening cocktail on a pirate ship? This is a lovely sail parallel to Seven Mile Beach (weather permitting) every evening except Sundays. Friday's sunset cruise is always busy, so booking early is advised. The cruise features an open bar with a set price of CI$30 for residents; dinner is also available for an additional charge.
CBlu Bar (GT) Located on the waterfront next to Rackhams is a great place to enjoy a drink while watching a sunset, enjoying the sound of the sea or feeding the visiting tarpon each evening. With oversized seats and chill-out music, this is a great new tapas lounge to start your evenings off right.
Vivendi Cabaret (SMB) Dinner and a show! Broadway style dancing, operatic performances and daring feats of skill. The spirit of the cabaret is captured at Vivendi in two different shows: one a Broadway dance and the other a Cirque du Soleil style show. Twenty-five professional artists from Cuba perform every night except Sundays. For information call (345) 943 7469.
The Club Scene
As Cayman is on the small side, there are only a few clubs of note, making these two hotspots always busy and the only places to frequent late at night.
The Next Level Nightclub (SMB) Every night is different, from a mix of locals and expats on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays, to Latino night on Thursday, to local Reggae night on Wednesday. There is a split-level with an intimate VIP lounge and a variety of private and semi-private seating areas to accommodate parties from five to 40.
The O Bar (SMB) A popular nightlife spot for a diverse crowd. There are two levels inside; the first floor features corner couches and nooks as well as the bar and is open from the beginning of the evening. At 10pm the upper level bar opens, providing a cosier, more lounge-like atmosphere.
Note: Please be aware that due to religious beliefs, Sunday is a day of rest, so all bars and restaurants close at 12am on Saturday and Sunday nights. Also as of 30th October 2009 the Island-wide smoking ban comes into effect. This means that all bars, restaurants and public places must be smoke free. The exception is cigar bars.
FOOD & DRINK EVENTS
Monday
The Dog House: Bottomless pasta special; ask your server about featured pasta dishes for only CI$15.
Fidel Murphy's: All-you-can-eat fish and chips with a Heineken or Amstel, CI$12.95.
Macabuca: All-you-can-eat BBQ, CI$15, and drink specials.
The Next Level Nightclub: Monday Night Meltdown with all-you-can-drink from 10pm-1am, Ladies CI$15, Men CI$25.
The Brasserie: Monday's Secret Special is a three-course meal, including a bottle of wine, for CI$75 per couple plus gratuities.
Tuesday
The Brick House: Buy one, get one half-off on dine-in pizzas.
Cracked Conch: Four course menu with three glasses of champagne, CI$65.
Deckers: All-you-can-eat lobster night, 5pm-10.30pm, CI$49.95.
The Dog House: All-you-can-eat chicken or beef fajitas for CI$15.
Fidel Murphy's: Steak night with one glass of wine, CI$13-CI$22.
The Next Level Nightclub: Transforms into Reworked Tuesdays with DJXS and DJ Billy Corduroy, drink specials and no cover charge.
Wednesday
Abacus Restaurant: Steel drum band coupled with Veuve champagne specials, CI$60 per bottle, CI$10 per glass. Happy hour 5pm-8pm and free canapes with any Veuve purchase.
Fidel Murphy's: Lunch carvery buffet Wednesday through Friday, all-you-can-eat for CI$10.95.
Industry Chill: is held at Royal Palms on Wednesday nights. DJ Alexi plays a wide variety of mixed house style music. Both older and younger working individuals mesh well here. It is a wonderful place to socialise and listen to some great music.
Macabuca: Karaoke night with CI$0.25 wings.
Stingers: Caribbean luau for CI$24.95 (adults), CI$11.95 (kids), includes an all-you-can-eat buffet with a fire show, luau and live music.
Wednesday Night Drinking Club (WNDC): The WNDC is a great way to meet new people (usually a mix of tourists, locals and students). It costs CI$25 to join and includes a t-shirt, wristband and drink specials. Meets every Wednesday at 7.30pm at The Attic and typically visits three local bars and ends up at the O-Bar at 11pm. Transport is provided for free.
Thursday
Aqua Beach: Open Mic Night, bucket specials on Heineken for CI$12 from 9.30pm. All budding musicians and singers will love it!
The Brick House: One pound prime rib dinner with baked potato and seasonal vegetables for CI$19.95.
Cracked Conch: Seafood feast, CI$39.95.
Deckers: Live music by Hi-Tide, 7.30pm-10.30pm.
Industry Inside Out: Watch the Cayman surf team practise their skills on the flowrider wave at the Brick House at 8.30pm (be sure to ask about lessons on Saturdays). There are specials on Jagermeister and DJ Billy Corduroy plays fresh and classic beats from 9pm-12am.
Luca: Every Thursday night from October to May Luca get a fresh shipment of stone crab flown in by air. They are phenominal. The supply usually lasts until part way through Saturday night.
Friday
The Dog House: French onion soup all day, free happy hour buffet and CI$2 Tortuga rum specials.
Deckers: Live music by Hi-Tide, 7.30pm-10.30pm.
Guy Harvey's Grill: Nightly specials for CI$9.99 after 7pm.
Solana: Buccaneer's feast.
Stingers: Happy hour, specials on drinks and games, along with music to keep you entertained after work.
(Editor's Note: Most bars have a Friday happy hour, typically 5pm-7pm.)
Saturday
The Brick House: Watch the Cayman Islands Surf Team put on a heart-stopping show. Get in on the action for CI$20 with your own 30-minute session afterwards.
Deckers: Live music by Hi-Tide, 7.30pm-10.30pm.
Fidel Murphy's: Karaoke night from 9pm.
The Next Level Nightclub: Xclusive Saturdays with DJXS and 2-for-1 drinks before 10pm. Bottle service specials on Ceroc Vodka.
Stingers: Poolside BBQ with live music.
Sunday
Aqua Beach: All-you-can-eat BBQ, CI$18.
Cracked Conch: Brunch, CI$26 (adults) and CI$12 (kids), 11am-2.30pm.
The Dog House: The place for NFL Sundays, featuring food specials from different NFL cities each week.
Fidel Murphy's: All-you-can-eat carvery, 6pm-9pm, CI$13.95.
Luca: Brunch 11.30am-2.30pm. Unlimited buffet and Prosecco for CI$44.95.
Mezza: Brunch from 12am-3pm. Order from an a la carte menu and bottomless bubbly for CI$40.
Prime: Brazilian champagne brunch, CI$29, or add CI$12 for unlimited champagne.
The Ritz-Carlton and The Westin each have a fantastic Sunday brunch. Reservations are required.
Extras
Cayman Kayaks
For an alternative night out that does not involve drinking at a bar you can try kayaking in the bioluminescent bays of the North Sound at sunset with Cayman Kayaks. It is hugely popular and we highly recommend it. Call Tom on (345) 926 4667.
Kaibo Beach Bar & Grill
A really nice thing to do is to take your boat and have dinner on the other side of the Island. 'Upstairs' at Kaibo is held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, CI$39 for 3 courses plus a glass of wine; Caribbean BBQ is served every Tuesday night with live music; 'Luna del Mare' takes place once a month on the Friday closest to the full moon where dinner is served "Arabian-style" on the torch-lit beach. They also have a gourmet Supper Club once a month with a 5 course meal, different wines and a DJ for CI$75. These evenings are incredibly popular and book up fast. Call Daniel on Tel: (345) 947 9975) or email him on Kaibo@candw.ky and ask to be put on his email list. They run a water taxi for any pick-up or drop-off on the North Sound.
Taste of Cayman, Food & Wine Festival at Camana Bay
This food and wine festival is held annually in January and draws greater crowds with each passing year. Sample local and international cuisine from more than 30 restaurants and enjoy games, local entertainment and prizes. See the local press for details.
Westin Wine Dinners
Held six times per year from October through June, the dinners feature gourmet cuisine with superb wines. Space is limited, so reservations are essential. For information and a dinner schedule, call the Westin on (345) 945 3800.
Caymanian Dishes
When you move to Cayman you must try the local cuisine - we think it is delicious! Here are a few examples to give you an idea:
Ackee: The ackee fruit is bright red and when ripe, bursts open to reveal three large black seeds and bright yellow flesh that tastes and looks like scrambled eggs. It is particularly popular as a breakfast food. Ackee fruits are poisonous if the seeds are eaten or if consumed before fully mature. Never open an ackee pod; it will open itself when it is ripe and no longer poisonous.
Turtle stew: Turtle on the menu in Cayman is the meat of the green sea turtle. It is a very rich, flavourful meat and has a texture much like chicken. The turtle is slow cooked in its own liquids and seasoned. For the health conscious, turtle meat is cholesterol free and is an excellent source of omega 3s.
Cayman Style Beef: Cayman Style Beef is very similar to Cuban Ropa Vieja. The beef is slow cooked until the fibres separate and it becomes unbelievably tender. It is a spicy dish that is definitely worth trying.
Fish Rundown: A slow cooked stew made with coconut milk, breadfruit, cassava or yam (whatever starch the chef prefers), snapper (or again, whatever fish the chef prefers) and cornmeal dumplings all cooked until the flavours meld.
Cayman Style Fish: The fish is lightly breaded and fried and then it is tossed in a light tomato sauce cooked with onions and sweet peppers.
Conch Stew: In this dish the conch is first pounded and scalded to tenderise. It is then slow cooked with coconut milk and 'pie' - flat flour dumplings. This is a very thick, rich and comforting stew.
Festival: A Jamaican fritter made with corn meal and sugar and a little bit of water and then deep-fried.
Heavy Cake: A cake made from cassava or yam, spices and coconut milk. It is a very dense, sweet and spicy cake.
On the Good Taste website - Grand Cayman restaurants - are listed all the restaurants with photos, write-ups, reviews, menus, map location, and there is even have an intelligent menu search so if you are interested in having stewed turtle for dinner you can see exactly who does it and how much it costs.
Go back to the Pets section
Go forward to the Shopping and Services section
|
