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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Off The Peg

Look out, ladies! One of the best sales of the year is happening right now: The January Sale at Off The Peg, Cayman’s premier boutique for women’s clothing, jewelry and accessories. Tucked in between a dry cleaners and a local eatery, it’s easy to overlook Off The Peg. Step inside and you’ll quickly see why OTP is considered “George Town’s hidden treasure.” The sale is going on through Monday, January 18th, 2010. The sale is taking place at the warehouse, and you’ll need to look at the shop window for directions. (Sounds like a treasure hunt to me!)

The 60% off Everything Sale is hot! The sale is always jam-packed due to the 60% discount off all merchandise! OTP offers excellent value year-round, so the additional deep discounts make this sale irresistible. OTP specializes in smart work clothes, flirty dresses, handbags, sweaters, party frocks, tailored linen blouses, funky jewelry, and must-have handbags. I buy loads of work clothes at OTP, since they sell many items that can be washed and tossed in the dryer. No ironing or dry cleaning required! The OTP fashion advisors are experts at helping clients discover their own individual style. Many times I have tried a new look on the advice of an OTP staffer with great results.

Off The Peg does a huge re-stock every single week, and the merchandise turns very quickly. I’ve learned over the years that if you see an cute outfit at OTP, you’d better grab it or it will be gone the next day.  

Ladies, come early, and get ready for some serious retail therapy at Off The Peg!

Off The Peg   

Located off Elgin Avenue across from the new Walker’s Building

Telephone (345) 946-5050                        www.offthepeg.ky

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Champion House

If you’re looking for a delicious meal, but you’re on a new 2010 budget, consider a visit to Champion House II. This classic Cayman Islands restaurant has fantastic food, great prices, a reputation that spans years, and a friendly staff that will happily tend to all your culinary requests.

The chefs at Champion House II have come up with a “Recession Stimuli” menu to give loyal diners some great dining options, without busting the budget:

Fresh Red Snapper Filet: CI $12.00

Fresh Tuna Filet: CI $12.00

Strip Loin (Angus): CI $13.00, T Bone Steak (Angus): CI $13.00

Lobster Tail: CI $20.00

Add Soup or Salad for only $3.00, and all orders get a free slice of Caymanian Heavy Cake (which is a slice of heaven!) Don’t forget the famous Breakfast Buffet, Lunch Buffet, and the Evening Seafood Buffet.

The Seafood Buffet at Champion House is Everyday 5PM-10PM

For more information about this wonderful spot, visit http://www.championhousecayman.com/

Call today 345-949-7882.

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Cayman Sports

Cayman Sports is offering special deals and new group classes for the new year. The fabulous Beach Fit series is available for 4 weeks for only CI $160.00! Classes starts January 4th, and run Monday through Thursday 6:00 AM-7:00 AM at Camana Bay Beach, Seven Mile Beach.

Cayman Sports also has the following classes to jump start your fitness goals for 2010:

BABY BUGGY FIT: for new Moms and their babies, this class integrates the stroller and the baby into an invigorating workout around Camana Bay.

AQUA FIT: a challenging low impact workout in the pool.

ROOF TOP YOGA: easily Grand Cayman’s most gorgeous workout! Stunning Seven Mile Beach location with amazing views.

Also ask about early morning yoga at the Crescent at Camana Bay, and Personal Training Services

For more information, and a full schedule, please visit www.caymansports.net

Or contact Warren at warren@caymansports.net or call 345-946-3348

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Instead of staying home in front of the TV and picking at leftovers on Monday, December 28th, why not treat yourself to a luxurious meal at The Brasserie? This classic Cayman Islands restaurant is known for using organic & local produce, and has innovative menu items, as well as beautiful decor and a relaxing environment. The friendly staff will make you feel at home. What a lovely way to prolong the holiday feeling and ease your way into the short work week.

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Portofino

Instead of slaving over the stove for your Cayman Christmas, why not try a different type of day? Sleep in, open your gifts, lounge around, sip coffee, go to church if you like, but instead of the usual potato peeling, ham glazing, turkey stuffing, and pie baking, just relax! The chefs at Portofino Italian and Local Restaurant are busy all week gathering up the most delicious things you can imagine for a lovely Christmas buffet. All you have to do is make reservations! Dine by the Caribbean sea, and enjoy a wide selection of delicacies prepared by some of Grand Cayman’s finest chefs. Portofino is located in the East End district of Grand Cayman. Yes, it’s a little bit of a drive, but there will be absolutely zero traffic on Christmas Day (everything is closed except the restaurants & hotels) and it’s a beautiful drive!

Check out the delish 2009 Christmas buffet menu:

Soup Course: Roasted Pumpkin Soup

Salads: Mixed Garden Salad, Avocado Salad, Chicken & Mango Salad, Gravlax of Norwegian Salmon, Mussels with Relish, Caprese Salad, Peel & Eat Shrimp

Carving Corner: Roast Rib Eye Steak with Gravy, Traditional Christmas Turkey with Cranberry Sauce

Hot Buffet: Seafood Lasagna, Turtle Stew, Chicken Tikki Masala, Curry Goat, Jerk Pork Ribs, Sauteed Snapper with Lemon Butter Sauce, Sauteed Veggies, Fried Potato Wedges, Saffron Rice, Rice & Beans

Desserts: Christmas Pudding, Fresh Fruit Salad, Yule Log, Ice Cream and Toppings

Adults: CI $26.95 + 15% Gratuity, Kids CI $14.95 + 15% Gratuity. The time frame is 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Christmas Day, December 25th, 2009.

Portofino 345-947-2700

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Tee Shirt

We don’t have a Walmart, a Target, or any other mega retailer in Cayman. So where’s a girl to go to shop for stocking stuffers? Sure, we have a few larger stores to get the predictable items, but we all get a little desperate at this point in December for unique gifts for the special people in our lives. I’ve got an idea for you: The Pirates Week Store. I can almost hear my readers asking “What? Where?” and it’s true! I didn’t know this little gem of store existed until today either! The Pirates Week Store is a treasure chest of goodies at GREAT prices, and there are lots of things that are just perfect for stocking stuffers or for that buddy at the office, a teacher, or anyone you’d like to give a little something to around the holidays. They have playing cards, treasure boxes, piggy banks, adorable and unique souvenirs, and many fun Cayman items.

The store is the biggest retailer of the beautiful Cayman Islands flag, and they stock it in three different sizes, at the best prices in town! Grab a few of these for visiting in family-they make lovely going away gifts and they pack well. Everyone wants to take away a bit of Cayman magic when they leave our islands, and our flag is a terrific gift idea.

The best affordable gift I’ve seen this season at a SHOCKING price is the official Pirates Week T-Shirt, priced at only $2.00! What can you buy in the Cayman Islands for $2.00, except a cup of coffee? Grab these while ya can! Get ‘em for gardening, the gym, car-washing, sleeping, whatever! These are a steal!

The Pirates Week store is on Shedden Road, right next to KFC upstairs. Telephone; 345-949-5078

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Jewelry Collection

If you are looking to accessorize your holiday outfits this season, there’s a gorgeous new store to visit: Topaz. You can grab something sparkly without breaking the bank! It’s a very unique store, and different than anything in Cayman. All the jewelry is set with genuine semi-precious stones, straight from the mines of Sri Lanka. The jewelry is handmade, and the difference is subtle and noticeable in the way it wears and feels. Some of the pieces are chunky and bold, and some pieces are as delicate as lace; but it’s all got an exotic feel and look that is just lovely. What I just adored is that since the pieces are handcrafted, no two are identical, so you will own your own little unique masterpiece when you purchase from Topaz.

Garnet and Sterling

This all sounds pricey, doesn’t it? It’s not! The owners buy and import directly, so the prices are amazing! I picked up a stunning pair of Peridot and 14k yellow gold earrings (OK, they were supposed to be a Christmas gift but I kept them for myself) that are were just $75.00 US! That is what a decent pair of branded costume earrings cost these days, so why not spend your money on semi-precious gemstones and jewelry that will stand the test of time? They have a wide selection of chains, necklaces, bangles, bracelets and rings with Blue Topaz, Garnet, Citrine, Peridot and Amethyst set in sterling, as well as a limited selection in 14k Gold. There is a also a beautiful collection in Agate, Onyx, Lapis, freshwater pearls, Pink Coral and crystal, as well as a lighthearted collection in glass beads. Prices start at $30.00 US.

Everything has a sexy, special look to it, and the staff will help you select something that works for your face shape and hair, etc. The store is elegantly appointed and cozy; it’s not the “cruise ship” shopping experience. Take your time and try on some of the larger pieces-I fell madly in love with a mesh necklace like you see Beyonce and other stars wearing: 14k and loaded with shimmering Peridot for only $320.00 US. (Hint,hint, Santa, if you are reading this!)

Pop in to this elegant store soon and get something for yourself, or a gift for someone special. You’ll be thrilled with the selection, quality and value at Topaz. At the 4-way stop across from George Town Hospital, in the Serendipity Building, 78 Hospital Road.

Telephone: 345-949-7661

Monday-Saturday, 10:00AM-7:00PM

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Funky Monkey

Wishes do come true: my favorite boutique in Cayman, Funky Monkey just added 600 square feet of shopping heaven! YES! Funky Monkey blasted into the Cayman Islands last year and has been blowing breath after breath of fresh fashion air at us ever since. They have the hippest, hottest fashion trends in both men’s and women’s apparel and they constantly introduce new lines and designers. The new space showcases an expanded men’s section with several red hot new lines like Archaic (an Affliction Brand), Stone Rose & Havana 9, added to the super trendy Ed Hardy & True Religion brands.

Prices are good, as usual. Archaic has mens jeans & tees, with men’s jeans starting at CI $99.00. Sinful has ladies jeans and beautiful bejeweled tees, with ladies jeans starting at CI $128.00. (I just shopped designer jeans in the US and $128.00 is not a bad price!) Body Language has ladies dresses and tops for the holidays made of silk or chiffon and embellished with stones and other pretties, all starting at CI $82.00.  Banana Moon sunwear from Monaco has two piece bathing suits starting at CI $70.00 (again, a good price if you compare to other Seven Mile Beach shops for quality swimwear) and men’s dress shirts for CI $120.00. The best part is, the styles are unique. Time & again, I find myself shopping at Funky Monkey and getting compliments off-island about my cool cothes-imagine that!

Added Space

With more retail space, new brands, and room for even more sexy and fun inventory, Funky Monkey continues to influence the face of fashion in Cayman. Funky Monkey is located in the lower level of Governor’s Square across the parking lot from Cost U Less. If you can’t find something to try on, ask chic owner Jodi for some assistance. She always helps her clients to find something just right to wear-to the beach, the gym, the cocktail party, or the big night out. She’s got the best stuff! Tell her the goddess sent ya!

Jeans

Funky Monkey
Governors Square

Telephone:    (345)-943-8659 

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BeachFit

What’s your plan for getting into that sexy New Year’s Eve gown? Are you searching the internet for a crash diet or hoping to squeeze in some extra cardio sessions in December? That might be tough, with the Cayman holiday season in full swing. Inboxes are full of evites for fun things most evenings, our favorite stores all have special shopping nights, everyone has office parties, and family gatherings. Just keeping weight stable seems like a major accomplishment at this time of the year.

But wait…there is an emergency plan…if you dare. It’s called BeachFit.  This does not include a boring gym-this class is held on beautiful Seven Mile Beach! The class begins at 6:00 AM, Monday-Friday. It’s a challenging and very effective class that blasts off calories and fat. The best thing about it is, you are totally done by 7:00 AM! You can conquer the rest of your day with your workout already under your belt.

The full month BeachFit courses begin in January 2010, but for now BeachFit is running a special December Shape Up special that will run for the 3 weeks up to Christmas. The cost is $90.00; only $7.50 a class! This price is for the December trial period ONLY, so take advantage of this special offer now! There are no drop-ins. The BeachFit team carefully designs the classes with the headcount planned in advance, so all participants must be pre-registered.

Classes meet at Dart Beach. If you are driving, park at Royal Palms and walk next door.

Don’t miss your chance to get fit the BeachFit way! You will be motivated and challenged to achieve your results-and you’ll have a great time. Get outside and enjoy the beauty of Cayman, and get a beautiful beach body to be proud of.

To find out more, call Lori: 938-5674

This update comes to us courtesy of Cayman Active. For a full calendar of fitness events in the Cayman Islands, visit http://www.caymanactive.com/ . Be sure to sign up for Cayman Active’s monthly newsletter to stay on top of sports, health and fitness and health in the Cayman Islands

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