arteccentrix gallery

If you are feeling blah lately, stop in to arteccentrix gallery in Governors Square to lift your spirits. Even if you aren’t in the market for fine art at this exact moment, you’ll find yourself feeling refreshed and inspired by the beautiful array of fine artwork. It’s like going to a mini-museum! The gallery is full of bright colors, and there is some stunning three dimensional artwork. I fell in love with some ravishing sculptures made from solid Caymanite; a rare semi precious stone. ( I am still scheming about how to fit the sculpture into my budget; it is fabulous.)

Artist Al Ebanks

If you can find your way in before April 22nd, it’s worth seeing Cayman artist Al Ebanks’ ”Beyond” Exhibition. Al is a local Caymanian artist who has gained immense popularity and respect in Cayman and abroad. His work is on display in galleries in Chicago and Miami as well as many private collections in Cayman and in the US. Al’s style has been described “a fresh twist of Abstract and Impressionist Art”. His work is powerful, complex and delightful to behold in person, and it’s worth a trip to arteccentrix this week to have a look at the collection.

It’s worth stopping in arteccentrix anytime. Owners Nickola McKoy-Snell and Maurice Snell keep an ever-changing variety of exciting local artwork in the gallery. They plan on expanding the inventory to include more international artists as the gallery matures. Nickola is a talented artist herself, and feels fulfilled now that she is immersed in the art world full time. (With a laugh, she recalled recently that she found herself doodling and drawing in her previous career, since being an artist has always been her true calling.) The couple have a passion for highlighting local artists, and making beautiful fine art available for all of us here in Cayman. Make sure you pop in soon. It’s not a stuffy place at all; the owners are friendly and you’ll learn a lot about art. And you’ll feel cheered up-I sure did!

arteccentrix gallery is open Monday-Friday 10:00-6:00, and Saturday 10:00-4:00PM.

Telephone 345-927-2076    nickola@arteccentrixgallery.com

www.arteccentrixgallery.com

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Monday

It’s not a three day weekend, but you can make it feel like one with a luxurious dinner at The Brasserie. Tonight’s menu (Monday, March 15th, 2010) features fresh-from-the-garden tomato soup, beet risotto (how good does that sound?), local seared Mahi on a bed of seasoned Beluga lentils or a perfectly grilled pork chop, and a decadent dessert. The lovely meal is accompanied by Italian Riesling or a Merlot from Chile depending on what you are in the mood for.

CI $75.00 per couple plus tip. If you prefer, choose something from the a la carte menu, Either way, extend the weekend feeling a bit longer by indulging in a terrific meal at The Brasserie. The chefs continue to bring the best in organic produce and fresh caught fish to Cayman diners.

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Dog Show

The 19th Annual Humane Society Dog Show is Saturday, February 19th from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Camana Bay. This fantastic event is a great day for dog owners, dog lovers, and anyone who enjoys being outdoors on a sunny day. There are always a ton of cute dogs, adorable kids and lots of laughs. All proceeds benefit the Cayman Islands Humane Society, and they need our help right now! It’s only $3.00 per category, per dog to enter your pup into one of the events. 

Check out these fun-filled events:

EVENT SCHEDULE

9:00-9:15 Best Neutered Male & Female

9:15-9:30 Most Personality Male & Female

9:30-9:45 First Time Entries

9:45-10:00 Junior Handlers (owners under 10 yrs old)

10:00-10:15  Puppies (under 1 yr) & Seniors (over 8 yrs)

10:15-10:30  Best Rescued

10:30-10:45  Best Costume

10:45-11:00  Best Trick

11:00-11:15  Obstacle-large dogs

11:15-11:30  Obstacle-small dogs

11:30-11:45  Terriers-Toys

11:45-12:00  Sporting Dogs-Hounds

12:00-12:15 Non-Sporting-Working

12:15-12:30  Cross Breeds

12:30-12:45  Cayman Dogs

12:45-1:00  Best in Show (Qualifying Dogs Only)

The entrance is at the Limestone gate off the Galleria Roundabout. Pre-registration is 8:00 AM, but pre-registration is not required. Just show up with your doggie (on a leash, please, and do bring bags for clean up too!) and get ready to compete! Or just turn up to watch the fun and to support a fantastic organization. The Humane Society saves the lives of many animals, supports spay & neuter programs, and exists on the financial support of the community. See you there!

Contact Cathy Richardson at 925-8180 for more info or if you can volunteer tomorrow.

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Cayman Flag

Are you itching for some authentic Cayman food? Look no further than Guy Harvey’s Island Grill in downtown George Town. Every Sunday, from 11:00AM-3:00PM, you can enjoy local Caribbean food in a peaceful and friendly atmosphere, and let someone else do the cooking!

The lovely menu features Soup, Scrambled Eggs, Potato Salad, Coleslaw, Caprese Salad, Conch Fritters, Curried Goat, Jerl Chicken, Pork Chops, Cod Fish and Ackee, Fish Cayman Style, Fried Dumplings, Rice and Beans, White Rice, Callaloo, Plantains, Steamed Veggies, Key Lime Pie, Creme Brulee, Casava Pie, and Bread Pudding.

The Flavors of Cayman Brunch is only CI $25.00 per person. If that sounds like too much food, you can order off of the regular menu as well.

For more information:

Guy Harvey’s Island Grill        55 South Church Street   345-946-9000

http://www.guyharveysgrill.com/

Just a reminder, the 5k DOG JOG is Sunday, February 14th, 2010. Read more at http://caymangoddess.com/island-fitness/fitness-events/the-5k-dog-jog-on-february-14th.html/

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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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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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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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Reefathlon

Cayman cycling enthusiasts already know about the upcoming event at The Reef Resort that combines cycling, relaxing, and meeting new friends: “Reefathlon” at the Reef Resort is taking place on Sunday, November 22nd, 2009. Anyone looking for a tremendous way to get in some exercise and relaxation will enjoy this event. 

The folks at the Reef resort have created their own version of a triathlon that includes cycling, and replaces “swim” and “run” with “snorkel” and “leisurely stroll around the beach”. (We like the way the Reef thinks!) There has been recent resurfacing of roads in the vicinity of the Reef resort, so there are first class class roads, perfect weather, and no traffic. Perfect conditions for cyclists!

Cycling

For anyone that decides to make a weekend out of it, rest assured that you are in for a treat. Reef takes relaxation to a whole new level in the Cayman Islands, and the staff at The Reef will ensure that your stay there will be an absolutely ideal break from the hustle and bustle of the typical Seven Mile Beach vacation. The Reef takes the racing end of it very seriously, however. The race manager, Craig Merren, is a three time Olympic cyclist and the first Caymanian cyclist to win Gold and Silver medal at the CARIFTA games.

The 19 minute time trial starts at 7:00 AM on the day of the event, which is Sunday, November 22nd, 2009. There is a chance to win $1,000 for the person who breaks the course record! For more information about the event, visit http://www.reefathlon.com/.

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