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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Sunless Tan

For those of us who want a gorgeous tan without sun damage, consider a visit to Spa Esprit in The Strand Plaza on West Bay Road. Spa Esprit is an oasis of calm and pampering in this busy, high end shopping plaza and offers a full range of beauty treatments and spa services. One of the hottest new services at Spa Esprit is the Spray Tan Treatment. Instead of baking in the sun all day or struggling to apply streaky self tanners, book a relaxing appointment at Spa Esprit with one of the beauty specialists. In just minutes, you will have a beautiful, evenly applied golden tan that will look like you spent the day on Seven Mile Beach. Your skin will be soft and moisturized, and you will have zero guilt! This treatment is one of Grand Cayman’s best beauty bargains at only $50.00.

If gettin’ golden isn’t your thing, inquire about the wide range of luxury treatments offered at Spa Esprit, such as the Salt Glow, Rose Mud and Massage Package.  Be sure to say hello to Frances Griffin, the owner of Spa Esprit and a one of Grand Cayman’s most popular stylists. Originally from England, Frances has decades of styling experience and has operated Spa Esprit since 1993. She recently remodeled the salon, making it an even more delightful spot to rejuvenate your body and spirit. Call Spa Esprit today to get your next beauty fix.

Spa Esprit           The Strand Plaza         West Bay Road      

Telephone         (345) 945-4334        

email  spaesprit@candw.ky          www.spaesprit.com

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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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Boredom is a key factor in most failed workout plans. If you are looking for a unique, challenging and enjoyable way to stay fit, consider a Water Fitness Group Fitness Class at Fitness Connection. 

Located off South Church Street in South Sound, Fitness Connection is a full service fitness centre with energizing classes for the whole family, from babies to adults. Adult classes are held both in and out of the water. Landlubbers can choose from yoga, Pilates, group fitness classes, and personal training. The water fitness classes are wildly popular and work every muscle group in a safe, challenging and effective class environment. Considering one of these classes offered at Fitness Connection:

WATER FITNESS- Group Fitness Classes
A total body workout, utilizing a combination of exercises and training methods to give you a fantastically challenging class.

AQUA CIRCUIT
An exhilarating workout, taking you through a variety of intensities with resistance work and cardio intervals.

AQUA RESISTANCE
A toning class which uses different aqua-resistance equipment to overload and help you to achieve your health and fitness goals.

DEEP WATER ABS & BACK
A low impact workout to tone and strengthen the core muscles in your back and abdominals.

Contact Fitness Connection today to learn how their programs can help you acheive your goals.

Fitness Connection             located off South Church Street, in South Sound 

Telephone          (345) 949-8485           www.fitness.ky 

Fitness Connection

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Cheek Glow

The Body Shop    West Shore Centre    Telephone:        (345) 945-5169            bodyshop@candw.ky

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International Design Group Ltd is known locally and internationally as the top interior design firm in the Cayman Islands. Many of the most luxurious homes in Grand Cayman have been appointed by IDG. The IDG showroom is a 4,000 square ft wonderland of fine furniture, fabrics, artwork, lighting and accessories sourced from all over the world.

The IDG Showroom in Seven Mile Shops is has an exquisite collection of exclusive designer furniture and home decor items. The overall “IDG look” is classic, contemporary elegance with a hint of glamour. A little known resource in Grand Cayman is the IDG Warehouse, on Dorcy Drive next to the Airport Foster’s Grocery store. The warehouse has top quality home decor items at discounted prices. Normally, access to the IDG Warehouse is arranged by appointment only, but this weekend it will be open to the public for a fabulous sale.

Saturday, November 22nd and Sunday, November 23rd from 9:00 AM to 6:00PM, there is a floor sample sale at the IDG Warehouse. This is a clearance sale with items up to 70% off! EVERYTHING MUST GO. Plan on getting there early to snap up world class decor items for a fraction of the cost. Instead of dreaming about the perfect signature decor piece for your home, scoot down to the IDG Warehouse Sale and make the dream a reality! If you can’t make the sale, call IDG to arrange a private appointment at the warehouse. You won’t be disappointed. I could pick out furniture blindfolded in IDG…it’s that gorgeous.

IDG Warehouse      Dorcy Drive next to the Airport Foster’s  Telephone   (345) 745-4311  

IDG Showroom       Seven Mile Shops      Telephone  (345) 943-6464                        

www.idgcayman.com   

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The key to looking great in a bikini is muscle tone. Get a beach body fast with the Group Power class offered exclusively at World Gym in Grand Cayman. Group Power is a 60 minute barbell class that works every major muscle group in an uplifting, motivating group setting. World Gym has fantastic instructors who lead the class through lunges, squats, presses and curls. You choose the intensity level by selecting weights that work for your fitness level. Group Power is comfortable enough for newbies and challenging enough for gym rats.

World Gym is known in Grand Cayman as a top quality training facility. World Gym has Cybex equipment, free weights and expert personal training staff. A full range of other group fitness classses are offered such as Step, Core Conditioning, Centergy, Spinning, and Box n’ Bosu. Apex training, spa services, tanning beds, steam room, boxing memberships and free motion equipment are also options for World Gym Members.

In addition to annual memberships, daily and weekly passes are available upon request.

Don’t wait for 2009 to begin your fitness resolutions. Stop in World Gym soon and get in shape fast!

World Gym   Islander Complex Upstairs, Seven Mile Beach

www.worldgym.com/grandcayman  Telephone  (345) 949-5132 

World Gym

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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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