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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