Grand Old House

The Grand Old House is known for elegant dinners, the fantastic wine list, breathtaking sunsets, and a classic Carribean “Great House” venue. They are now “lightening up” considerably with a terrific and diverse Mix & Match salad menu that has proven to be very popular with the corporate crowd, the locals, and many visitors. Here’s how it works: you choose your base salad (like the “Chic to be Greek Salad”) and if you desire, you toss on a yummy protein (like New Zealand Lamb Chops). Some of the base salads are quite robust on their own and can stand up quite nicely without a thing added in, like the Caribbean Lobster Salad or the Thai Beef Salad.

BASE SALADS: Organic Salad with Cottage Cheese, Local Vine Ripened Tomatoes & Buffalo Mozzarella on Basil Gazpacho, Organic Vegan Salad, Grand Old House Caesar Salad, “Chic to be Greek” Salad, Caribbean Lobster Salad, or Thai Beef Salad

SALAD ADD-ONS: Free Range Chicken Breast, Mahi-Mahi, Snapper, Filet of Yellow Fin Tuna, New York Strip Loin 6 Oz, Black Tiger Shrimp, or New Zealand Lamb Chops

Open for lunch, Monday-Friday 11:45 AM to 2:00 PM, Open for Dinner, nightly 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Telephone: 345-949-9333      www.grandoldhouse.com     info@grandoldhouse.com

Pop over soon and enjoy the great atmosphere, and leave without feeling stuffed! Grab a buddy, a date, or even dare to dine alone. You might spot me munching on the Organic Vegan Salad and taking in the sweeping views of the beautiful Caribbean Sea; I’m worth it!

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It’s time to come out of hiding! The “Big Chill” is over! Yes, Cayman has been cold, like much of the globe. The glorious sunny weather has finally returned, the tourists are finally smiling again, and it’s high time we all celebrate with a fabulous meal. What better spot than The Brasserie? This lovely hidden getaway tucked into a busy corporate office park feels like a fine Caribbean private residence, with beautiful heavy furniture, lazy overhead fans, and spectacular gourmet food. The chefs are dedicated to using local seafood and produce when at all possible, and organic products when feasible. They create innovative cuisine at all times. They have a special way with meats, especially pork, and are known for their zesty salads. (Beet Root Carpaccio…need I say more? YUMMY!)

The “Secret Pleasure” series has been a delight for locals and visitors alike. The menus have showcased the Brasserie’s playful yet sophisticated touch with fresh ingredients. There is always a lovely wine selection and a light dessert to top things off. If you do have to return the the office, you won’t feel stuffed, just satisfied.

Gather a colleague or a travel buddy, if you’re vacationing here, and head over to The Brasserie for Monday’s Secret Pleasure. You won’t be disappointed!

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I purchased some of these sausages at the Market at the Grounds, the local farmer’s market held here in the Cayman Islands. I was thinking they would be a good alternative to the supermarket variety. I had no idea that my family would go completely WILD for these amazing, gourmet, perfectly seasoned masterpieces.

David comes from a long line of butchers in Ireland. He moved to the Cayman Islands six years ago where he met the love of his life, Miss Jackie, and the rest is history. David worked for The Cracked Conch, The Westin Casuarina, Mezza, and The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman. He had owned a restaurant prior to living in Cayman, and he wanted to be the captain of his own ship again. His dream was to produce his own locally made sausages.

Today, his dreams have become a reality. Caribo Sausages is a well-known brand in the Cayman Islands, and the company supplies many of the top restaurants here. However, they have an extremely loyal following with local households…like mine! The flavors are a fusion of global, European, Caribbean, and distinctly Caymanian.

Caribo’s extensive sausage menu includes choices such as Seafood, Pork/Cranberry-Stilton, Jerk Chicken, Hot Italian, Chorizo, Beef & Cheddar, Bratwurst, British Bangers, Jerk Pork, Korma Curry Chicken, Cuban Style Sausage, Lamb Merguez, and Hickory Smoked Maple Ham Steaks, and many more. If you like, you can choose a 3 pound “Selection Pack” and sample to your heart’s content!

David tests, samples, and researches every new product extensively before introducing it. (I will post any updates if he is hiring any “tasters”!)

Caribo’s delivers, too! Just give them a call to order your tray for home, office or beach party deliveries. They freeze beautifully. Minimum order: 6 lbs. Otherwise, Call 324-1207, or 946-1999 or visit them at The Grounds Market Place at The Stacey Watler Agricultural Pavilion in Savannah (at the Farmer’s market) Saturday’s 7:00 AM to 12:30 PM. If you get the chance, introduce yourself to David & Jackie and talk to them about how they make their product. They are two of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, and you’ll be amazed at the dedication they have to their product. And if they are giving out samples, by all means, get your hands on one! De-lish!

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Seafood Paella

Tuesday nights aren’t usually the most thrilling evening of week, unless you make a trip to Cafe Mediterraneo for Tuesday Night Seafood Paella. The marvelous Cafe Med Paella is tenderly prepared with long grain rice, fresh vegetables, garlic, onions, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, lobster, shrimp, scallops, squid and fresh-caught fish.

Paella is named for the special two-handled pan also called the “Paella” in which it’s prepared and served. The pan is wide and shallow, and perfect for catching the flavors of this traditional Spanish meal. In Grand Cayman, no one knows Paella better than Cafe Med. The popular signature dish is a fusion of Latin and Caribbean flavors. Choose a bottle of wine from the Cafe Med cellar and it won’t feel like the middle of the week for long!

Only CI$55.00 per couple!

Boun Appetito!

Cafe Mediterraneo      West Bay Road, Galleria Plaza        Telephone (345) 949-8669

For full review visit www.caymangoodtaste.com

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The Best of Cayman

It’s that time again where Caymanians, local residents, and tourists from all over the world will be able to vote for their favorite places in the Cayman Islands! This will be The 3rd Annual Best of Cayman Awards, and the polls will be open through the 31st of January. Last year, over 20,000 people from all over the world voted for all the BEST places in Cayman!

It’s easy. Just visit www.bestofcayman.com and vote for your favorite spots. If you are considering a visit to our lovely islands, this website is the perfect place to begin your research! Read up on the best places to eat, drink, shop, play and relax in the Cayman Islands. This exhaustive site has reviews, video clips, classifieds, news, local weather, menus, local events, and just about any other information a visitor or resident might be looking for in The Cayman Islands. Keep www.bestofcayman.com bookmarked in your favorites to keep up with everything happening in Cayman.

Don’t forget to pop by the site soon and vote for your fave Cayman hotspots!

www.bestofcayman.com

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The Brasserie

We don’t really need a reason to go to The Brasserie, one of Grand Cayman’s most elegant and beautiful restaurants. Locals know that The Brasserie, known as “The Island’s Secret Pleasure”, has some of the finest food and drink in The Cayman Islands. Tucked into Cricket Square, The Brasserie is known for their fresh-caught fish caught on their own fishing boat, as well as succulent salads, decedent desserts and fine wines.

The Brasserie offers a tempting Happy Hour every Friday evening from 5:00-7:30 PM. The “De-Stress Happy Hour” includes:

• Complimentary tapas platters
• Complimentary seated chair massage for shoulders and neck in the patio room, provided by BodyWorks
• Specials on authentic Sangria and select wines   

If you decide to stay for dinner to further de-stress, take 10% off your bill.

Aah, the weekend! Kick it off in style at The Brasserie.

Visit www.brasseriecayman.com for detailed information including menus and directions, or call (345) 945-1815  

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The Cracked Conch

In the Cayman Islands, the best weather of the year starts at the end of November. While North Americans bundle up in sweater and mittens, Cayman folks are spending as many evenings as possible outdoors. If you are looking for a glorious alfresco dining experience, plan an evening at The Cracked Conch in West Bay, across from the Turtle Farm. The large restaurant was completely remodeled after Hurricane Ivan with a tiki bar, a stunning upscale cocktail lounge, indoor and outdoor dining, and one of the largest patio areas in the Cayman Islands. In spite of it’s size, the Cracked Conch has a cozy, tropical vibe with tiki torches and the sound of crashing waves in the background.

The seafood is ultra fresh, and the menu is a fusion of Caribbean and international flavors. If you are feeling virtuous, a tempting healthy meal is easy to manage at Cracked Conch. Start with the Marinated Conch Salad, a divine ceviche made with fresh local conch and peppers. Fill up on the Oriental Mesclun Salad, with melt-in-your-mouth local papaya and a homemade ginger-sesame dressing. For your entree, choose the fresh caught Steamed Wahoo, a steamed mild white fish served on bed of warm ratatouille.

The Cracked Conch serves lunch, dinner and an all-day menu. The beef, pasta and vegetarian selections are just as tasty as the signature seafood dishes. The Cracked Conch is elegant enough for a special occasion, and relaxed enough for a weeknight. Visit soon and enjoy your night under the Caribbean stars.

The Cracked Conch                         North West Pointe Road in West Bay, across from the Turtle Farm      

Telephone:     (345) 945-5217       

book reservations online at www.crackedconch.com.ky

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Yoshi Sushi

Sushi can either be a low calorie meal or a diet disaster. The key to keeping your sushi dinner healthy is to avoid the mayo sauces, the cream cheese filled “California Rolls” and stick with the fish and rice basics. Start with steamed edamame beans for a protein packed, fat free appetizer, or fill up on a cup of miso soup.

In Grand Cayman, the hot spot for terrific sushi is Yoshi, on Seven Mile Beach. Yoshi has a reputation for fresh, beautifully prepared sushi and a stylish crowd, so be sure to make reservations before venturing out. Low slung seating, orchids and rich woods create sumptuous environment to enjoy some of the Caribbean’s best sushi. Chef Yoshi is a meticulous sushi chef with a flair for preparing dramatic sushi boats and platters. The lively bar is a fun place to grab some sake and a plate of sushi, and make some new friends.

Don’t miss the The Yoshi Delight Salad. It’s a good-for-you treat with mixed greens, cucumber, crabmeat, avocado, and tofu topped with Yoshi’s Special Dressing.

Read a full review of Yoshi at www.caymangoodtaste.com . This website is the Cayman Island’s most comprehensive online dining guide.

Yoshi Sushi       Seven Mile Beach across from the Westin     

Telephone    (345) 945-5749   

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Abacus

The current economy is squeezing most of us when it comes to weeknight wining and dining. We must be clever when it comes to procuring the finer things in life. One way to indulge your pallet without breaking the bank is to visit Abacus for a cocktail on Wednesday evenings. With every glass of wine or cocktail, enjoy two “amuse bouche” bites on the house.

The nibbles are sure to be top-notch at Abacus, a new restaurant located in Camana Bay. Elegantly decorated, Abacus is the place to mingle with the “in crowd” and enjoy Caribbean classic flavors prepared with a contemporary twist.

Stop by any Wednesday 5:00PM-8:00 PM for “The Ultimate Threesome”: two amuse bouche bites with the purchase of a cocktail or glass of wine.

Abacus                  On the Paseo, Camana Bay           Telephone:    (345) 623-8282   

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All smoothies are not created equal. For a smoothie that will nourish your body, lift your spirits and tickle your taste buds, make your way over to Roots Delight in Industrial Park. The lovely Miss Janel is the owner of this combination dance studio and smoothie/snack bar. The homemade healthy soups and delicious from-scratch veggie burgers are worth the trip but the menu standout is the heavenly smoothies. No franchise-style sugary mixes at Roots; the smoothies are made of fresh tropical fruits and juices. Most regular customers ask Janel to come up with a custom blend made just for them. My recent smoothie was an outrageously yummy explosion of creamy banana, strawberries, and fresh juice. There was even a hint of peanut butter blended in for protein. If you prefer, you can choose one of the popular blends off the menu.

BluAna Blueberry, Banana, and soy

Gingersnap Pineapple. Banana, Ginger and Soy

Banaya Banana, Papaya and Soy

Pablo’s Bubblegum Strawberry, Banana, Carrot, Ginger and Soy

PBS Peanut Butter, Banana, Strawberry and Soy

Berrylicious Strawberry, Blueberry, Pineapple and Soy

Mango Medley Mango, Pineapple, Banana and Soy

Pop over and see Miss Janel soon. The smoothies at Roots Delight are one of the best tasting treats in all of the Cayman Islands.

Roots Delight                 Across from The Airport Post Office in Industrial Park

Shop #27 Cayman Centre, Airport    (345) 323-7223   janelcharles@hotmail.com

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