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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Caribbean Lobster

The best part of any Grand Cayman vacation is splashing around in the crystal clear Caribbean water. Look no further than Fat Fish Adventures for personalized attention and one-of-a-kind tours. This friendly local company is known for organizing small scale groups and arranging custom private excursions. The knowledgeable staff has years of experience and ensures that the exciting trips are safe for all guests.

The guest’s favorite choice among the many options is The Wave Runner/Jet Boat Lobster Hunting Tour. Imagine powering out to the lobster grounds on wave runners or jet boats and snorkeling around to locate a Caribbean lobster hole. The Fat Fish guides are experts and can assist any guest when it comes to lobster hunting. Return to a special beach bar restaurant and relax while your lobster is perfectly prepared with melted butter, garlic, cheese and all the fixings. It doesn’t get any better than that!

Other tours include Stingray City Jet Boat and Wave Runner Tours, Deep Sea Fishing Tours and Night Fishing Tours. Or chat with the staff and arrange a custom tour designed just for your group. Call the friendly folks at Fat Fish Adventures today and book your day in the sun!

Fat Fish Adventures               telephone:   (345) 327-4973       www.fatfishadventures.com

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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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We all crave comfort food in the fall and wintertime, even if it is 80 degrees and sunny year round in the tropics. Occasionally, nothing will do but a belly full of warm, nourishing food that reminds us of our mother’s fragrant kitchen. It is possible to find something other than conch fritters and margaritas in the Cayman Islands if you know where to go.

A quick tour of our favorite local comfort foods includes a selection of home style dishes in Grand Cayman.

Casa Havana The Field and Forest Mushroom Risotto is a heavenly dish of perfectly prepared risotto topped with Madeira Cream and shaved Parmesan. The generous portions might seem overwhelming at first, but after one bite, you will find a way to finish it. Save a bit of room for Bananas Foster or White Chocolate Cheesecake. In the Westin Casuarina Resort & Spa on West Bay Road. Telephone:     (345) 945-3800     ext. 6017

Chef Ottmar’s Fisherman’s Reef Bar and Grill Skip lunch and work up an appetite for Chef Ottmar’s Herb Crusted Loin of Colorado Lamb.  Served with homemade garlic mashed potatoes, a cabernet-shitake reduction, and homemade bread, this lovely entree will leave you with very little room for dessert. If you simply must indulge your sweet tooth, by all means order Soraya’s Flourless Chocolate Cake. In Morgan’s Harbour, West Bay. Telephone:     (345) 945-5879     www.fishermansreef.ky

Grand Old House 100 years of tradition are behind every meal at this historical waterfront landmark in South Sound. Seafood lovers will adore the legendary Captain’s Thermidor. A succulent mixture of shrimp, scallops, crab claws and lobster are served in a light brandy mustard sauce. Fresh mashed potatoes and a medley of fresh vegetables round out this classic dish. Telephone:     (345) 949-3333     www.grandoldhouse.com

The Wharf Enjoy sensational ocean views while feasting on a luscious meal courtesy of Austrian Executive Chef Christian Reiter, Kick things off with Home Made Lobster Bisque with just a touch of brandy and Port. Follow up with the Pumpkin and Apple Stuffed Corn-Fed Chicken Breast, served with oven roasted potatoes and cognac sauce.  On West Bay Road. Telephone     (345) 949-2231     www.wharf.ky

Decker’s Grille and Lounge Whet your appetite with Mushroom and Cider Smoked Chicken Potstickers, seared in sesame oil and served with a soy-ginger emulsion. The star of the signature main dishes is the Smuggler’s Beef Tenderloin. A prime cut filet of beef tenderloin is stuffed with Caribbean lobster, roasted with sage butter, and topped with garlic mashed potatoes, a red wine glaze, and seasonal vegetables. Across from the Grand Cayman Beach Suites Resort in West Bay Road. Telephone:     (345) 945-6600     www.deckers.ky

Calypso Grill The sticky toffee pudding is so rich, delicious and satisfying that each spoonful is culinary rapture. A moist cake is buried under a toffee sauce that melts in your mouth. Don’t make the mistake of ordering one portion to share with other diners! It deserves to be yours, and yours alone. In Morgan’s Harbour. Telephone:     (345) 949-3948     www.calypsogrillcayman.ky

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Cafe Del Sol

“What do you mean you don’t have a Starbucks here?” Don’t worry; a great cup of coffee can still be found in the Cayman Islands at Cafe Del Sol. Cafe del Sol now has three locations: The Marquee Shopping Center off West Bay Road, Camana Bay next to Books and Books, and in downtown George Town on the waterfront in Aqua World Duty Free Mall next to Harley Davidson.

An addition to fresh brewed specialty coffee and a large collection of fine teas, the menu features a full range of espresso creations, frappes and coffee alternatives such as Mexican Spiced Cocoa. The Caramel Macchiato is worth every wicked calorie, and The White Chocolate Mocha is a heavenly concoction made with espresso, white chocolate, steamed milk and whipped cream.

Smoothies made with fresh fruit come in luscious flavors like banana, blueberry, mixed berry, strawberry-banana, blackberry, melon or mango. Paired with a low fat muffin, a smoothie from Cafe Del Sol makes an ideal on-the-go breakfast.

Stop into the nearest Cafe Del Sol and get your java buzz on.

www.cafedelsol.ky

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Prime

Who knew? The most impressive salad bar in the Cayman Islands is tucked into Prime, a new Brazilian Churrascaria Steakhouse located in Governor’s Square. For $19.00 CI, treat yourself to an all-you-can-eat antipasto bar loaded with healthy, ultra-fresh menu choices. The richly appointed new restaurant features a two-tiered granite island with soups, salads, roasted vegetables, cured meats, cheeses and seafood. Warm woods, soft lighting and an open floor plan make this elegant hotspot special enough for any occasion.

Seasoned restaurateurs Markus Mueri and Neil Bryington are responsible for introducing this exciting dining concept to the Cayman Islands. With many years of success under their belt in Grand Cayman, they are experts in providing the ultimate culinary experience to their Cayman clientele.

If you are in the mood for low calorie choices, typical healthy options include grilled portabella mushrooms, steamed mussels, marinated veggies, fresh corn salad with baby red skinned potatoes, fragrant carrot soup, fresh hummus and mixed green salad.

If you prefer to indulge a wee bit, typical splurge-worthy selections are creamy lobster bisque, fresh rolls with butter, nibbles from the exquisite Charcuterie board, Caesar salad, plump olives, tri-colored pasta salad, rice and beans, and smoked salmon.

Meat lovers can enjoy the total Prime lunch experience for $34.00 CI. The Brazilian rotisserie is the center of attention at Prime, with choice cuts of meat sizzling in clear view of the diners. The charming staff will stop by to hand carve portions of different cuts of meat until you’ve had enough.

Make your way over to Prime and treat yourself to a mouthwatering luncheon worthy of a goddess. You deserve it!

Prime Steakhouse

Governor’s Square, Seven Mile Beach

Telephone:       (345) 623-7272      

Hours Lunch: Monday to Friday 11.30am–2.30pm Dinner: Daily 5.30pm until Closing Sunday Brunch: 11.30am–2.30pm

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Eats Cafe

Sometimes nothing will do but a huge, juicy, diet-busting burger. Eats Cafe on West Bay Road has the yummiest, freshest burgers around with a wallet-friendly price tag. Fresh buns, top grade beef and endless topping options are the reasons Eats Burgers are famous in Grand Cayman. If burgers aren’t your thing, you can choose the Triple Decker Clubhouse sandwich, the scrumptious Garlic Prawn & Fresh Mango Wrap, or the Blackened Mahi-Mahi Sandwich. Sandwich prices are in the $6.95-$8.95 range. If you are starving and feel a huge beef craving coming on, splurge on the Sirloin Steak Fajitas for $13.95.

The eclectic decor is sunny and bright, with modern artwork and big, comfy booths. One visit to Eats Cafe and you’ll see why it’s a popular local hotspot for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Full Service Bar, Air Conditioned and Kid-Friendly.

Eats Cafe

Open Daily 6:30 AM-11:30 AM, Sunday 6:30 AM-12 PM

Telephone: (345)-943-EATS (3287)

www.eats.ky

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