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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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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Boogie Nights

The best dance party in the Cayman Islands is Boogie Nights, held the last Friday of every month at The Wharf. The Wharf Restaurant is one of Cayman’s premier waterfront restaurants, located in the heart of George Town on West Bay Road. Boogie Nights is a classic seventies dance party that kicks off at 9:30 PM, and be sure to arrive early so you don’t miss a minute of the fun. The dance floor fills up with revelers wearing bell bottoms, silky pantsuits and Farrah Fawcett wigs. Hosted by KISS 106.1 FM and The Wharf, Boogie Nights is packed with people of all ages and is equally popular with visitors and residents.  DJ Ben Maxwell handles loads of requests with ease. and keeps the boogie tunes spinning.

Don’t miss the Halloween Party on October 31st. Since Halloween falls on a Friday night this year, the “BOO-gie Nights” party will be an absolute blast!

THE WHARF

West Bay Road
Telephone: (345) 949-2231
Facsimile: (345) 949-0397
Website: www.wharf.ky
Email: thewharf@candw.ky

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No visit to the Cayman Islands is complete without a trip to an authentic Caribbean jerk shack. “Jerk” refers to a method of meat preparation that transforms everyday chicken or pork into the most succulent, juicy treat you can imagine. Jerked meat appears on many restaurant menus in the Cayman Islands and across the Caribbean. It’s worth visiting an actual jerk pit to soak up the entire experience.

First off, there is the tantalizing smell. Even if you aren’t hungry, as soon as you pull up to the jerk stand, you will take in the heavenly scent of spicy meats roasting on the grills. Most jerk stands offer the standard fare of jerk chicken or pork, steamed fish, and festival. Festival is a Caribbean version of a hush puppy that is so tasty that the little nuggets of fried dough rarely survive the trip home with me, even though my house is less than a mile from my favorite jerk stand.

Once your meat is plucked off the sizzling coals, it will be sliced up and placed in a foil packet with extra hot sauce. Usually a few slices of white hardough bread are offered as side dish. Hardough bread is a dense, sweet white sandwich bread perfect for sopping up the extra juices in a jerk dinner.

You will appreciate the affordable price (usually under $10.00 for dinner per person) and the staff, who are invariably some of the nicest folks you will come across in the Cayman Islands.

Seymour’s Jerk Centre

In the parking lot of Roy’s Boutique on Shedden Road, George Town,Grand Cayman

Monday-Thursday 11:30am-1am, Friday 11:30am-3am and Saturday 11:30am-1am

Telephone (345) 945-1931

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Casanova

What’s for lunch today? Same old thing? How does savory Peppered Steak served with warm Parmesan Risotto sound? This luscious entrée is only $10.00, either dine-in or carry out, at Casanova Restaurant. Casanova is a lovely Italian Piazza perched by the Caribbean Sea right in the middle of downtown George Town. Adored by locals for years, Casanova is special enough for a ten year anniversary but recently it’s become the place to scoop up an affordable and delicious lunch. The Express Lunch menu changes daily and is available Monday-Friday. This week’s menus included Chicken Milanese with Penne in Tomato Sauce, and Grilled Pork Chop with Fresh Herb and Balsamic Sauce served with Mashed Potatoes and Vegetables.

Tony Crescente, owner and native Italian, prides himself on offering the authentic taste of his homeland to his guests. Tony’s lunch and dinner entrees are prepared from recipes handed down through the generations.

 If you have the chance to dine in, by all means enjoy the beautiful ocean view and the friendly, attentive staff.  The staff will always make you feel as if your table is the only one in the room.  Everyone has a ready smile, and the wonderful accents make any woman feel special. There’s nothing like a resounding “Ciao Bella!” to make you feel like an Italian movie star. If you would rather pick your meal up to go, call your order in to (345) 949-7633.

Buon Appetito!

CASANOVA RESTAURANT
65 North Church St.
Downtown on the Waterfront

Telephone (345) 949-7633

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Taste of Cayman

Don’t miss out on the 21st annual Taste of Cayman on Saturday, November 22nd, 2008. Sample different cuisines, enjoy live entertainment and bring the kids for fun and games.

Over 30 of Cayman’s finest restaurants will showcase their best dishes, featuring both local and international cuisine. Nibble on everything from mouth-watering Greek dips to Jamaican jerked chicken and pork. Japanese teriyaki steak, Caymanian rum cakes, fudge, conch fritters and marinated conch are just a few of the choices for visitors. The restaurant showcase starts at 5pm at the new Camana Bay’s Towne Center, complemented by drinks from the fully-stocked cash bar.  

Entertainment includes local bands and DJs playing calypso, soca, rock, reggae, country and pop. Kids can enjoy carnival games, storytelling, arts and crafts, bouncing castle, face painting, and clowns.
The proceeds from the night’s event will benefit the Lighthouse School, the Pines Retirement Home, and many other local charities.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be richly fed, entertained, and to help local charities.

For further information about Taste of Cayman 2008, contact the Cayman Islands Tourism Association, via telephone (345) 949-8522 or email Kim Pisano at kimpisano@cita.ky

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