CA Coast: San Francisco

CA Coast: San Francisco

Get excited loyal readers!  We are hoping to be back to the a-new-post-five-days-a-week style... starting today!  Hopefully you liked my first set of travel posts on Grand Cayman, (didya??) because this week, you'll be traveling the culinary attractions of the California Coast.

BARNEY'S GOURMET HAMBURGERS

3344 Steiner Street

Marina District

San Francisco, CA

website

ph - 415.563.0307

After a morning on the plane and a three hour time change, we were very hungry for lunch when we made it to San Francisco.  A close friend (and bridesmaid!) of mine suggested we start in the Marina District, a darling area that is less traveled by tourists.  We welcomed the tip and headed there first after driving through Chinatown.  We stumbled upon Barney's and thought it looked good, so we headed in.  There was a small patio out front and we requested outdoor seating, so we were a little confused when they led us through the restaurant toward the back.  But surprise, surprise, there was a beautiful patio in the back!  We were thrilled.  The tables were a little close (and secured to the ground), so we were cozy with our neighbor, but luckily our late lunch kept things from being overly cramped.

We started with some fries, that actually came ahead of time, like an appetizer.  If you would prefer them served with your meal, request it!

Spicy Curly Fries, served with home-style Ranch dressing

I went into the place figuring I would order a burger.  I mean, Barney's Burgers... what else would you get?  But we were both blown away by the amount of alternative burgers -- turkey burgers, chicken breast burgers, and multiple veggie burgers too.  I guess I was feeling like Plain Jane, though, because the standard veggie burger was calling my name.  And it was great! 

Barney's Veggie Burger, Served with fresh red onion, tomato, lettuce, and pickle.

And here's what The Mr. ordered... also worthy of a "Yum."  I mean, it makes my water just looking at the picture!

California Burger, Jack Cheese topped with roasted Ortega chili, crisp bacon, and sour cream

The Final Verdict:  Pretty day outside?  Need a place to eat a satisfying lunch?  Want to do some shopping before or after?  Go to Barney's in the Marina District!

THE SLANTED DOOR

1 Ferry Building #3

The Embarcadero

San Francisco, CA  94111

website

ph - 415.861.8032

Located in the restored Ferry Building across from The Embarcadero, The Slanted Door has a beautiful view in a busy setting on San Francisco Bay.  We were eating out with friends, and I usually like to put away the camera when taking pictures of the food makes me feel awkward.  :)  But before I did, I snapped a picture of our drinks...

The Slanted Door has a wide variety of cocktails, wines, and beers to choose from.  If you are looking for one, I think you'll find something you like.

As for food, it was great!  I'm not sure if this is how all guests traditionally order, but we ordered a sampling of appetizers and entrees and shared them amongst ourselves.

Here was our order:

*Vegetarian Spring Rolls with tofu, shiitakes, cabbage, mint and peanut sauce

*Steamed Dumpling wrapped in banana leaf with shiitake mushrooms, dried shrimp and pork

*Grass-Fed Estancia Shaken Beef, cubed filet mignon, sausalito springs' watercress, red onions and lime sauce

*Braised Halibut with lime, cilantro, lemongrass and kaffir lime 

*Massa Organics' Brown Rice

I don't think anyone in our group of four disappointed with any of our choices.  My personal favorites were probably the Vegetarian Spring Rolls and Braised Halibut, but all of them were delicious.  Don't expect a cheap bill at the end of a meal like this, but do expect to enjoy every bite.

The Final Verdict: This a great restaurant in a beautiful spot.  It feels like "the place to be" when you're dining, and the food and drinks don't disappoint either.  You'll find that you can quickly create an expensive bill, but at least you'll be pleased with what it bought.

Baked Brie with Roasted Garlic

Baked Brie with Roasted Garlic

Serves 4 (as an appetizer).

Isn't this pretty? I love when I make something and think, "Not only does that look good, but it tastes good too." Oftentimes, I put less priority on the way it looks and more on the way it tastes. So I get excited when both happen.

Source: Taste of Home magazine

1 whole garlic bulb

1-1/2 t. plus 1 T. olive oil, divided

1 T. minced fresh rosemary (or 1 t. dried rosemary, crushed)

1 round loaf (1 lb.) sourdough bread

(1) 8-oz. round Brie or Camembert cheese

Serve with: sliced French bread, crackers, apples, grapes -- whatever pleases you!

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Remove papery outer skin from garlic (do not peel or separate cloves).  Cut top off bulb.  Brush with 1-1/2 t. olive oil; sprinkle with rosemary.  Wrap in heavy-duty foil.  Bake for 30-35 minutes or until softened.

Meanwhile, cut top fourth off loaf of bread; carefully hollow out enough of bottom of bread so cheese will fit.  Cube removed bread; set aside.  Place cheese in bread.

Cool garlic for 10-15 minutes.  Reduce heat to 375 degrees.  Squeeze softened garlic into a bowl and mash with a fork; spread over cheese.  Replace bread top; brush outside of bread with remaining olive oil.  Wrap in heavy-duty foil.  Bake for 45-50 minutes or until cheese is melted.  Serve with your desired accompaniments.  

Bed of Roses

Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts

If you remember, I read the first book in this series, Vision in White, on my honeymoon.  It's fluff, it's girly, and it's not deep, but they're fun books to read.  Great summer beach reads.  Fun vacation books.  Don't expect to widen your mental capacity.  But if you love weddings, if you're planning a wedding, or if you're about to embark on a season of wedding attending, you might just enjoy this book.  Don't feel like you need to read Vision in White before Bed of Roses.  Sure, it's the ideal route, but it's not necessary.  #1 focuses on the wedding planner; #2 the florist.

From Amazon.com:

Love blooms in the second novel in Nora Roberts's celebrated Bride Quartet series.

As little girls MacKensie, Emma, Laurel, and Parker spent hours acting out their perfect make believe "I do" moments. Years later their fantasies become reality when they start their own wedding planning company to make every woman's dream day come true. With perfect flowers, delicious desserts, and joyful moments captured on film, Nora Roberts's Bride Quartet shares each woman's emotionally magical journey to romance. 

In Bed of Roses, florist Emma Grant is finding career success with her friends at Vows wedding planning company, and her love life appears to be thriving. Though men swarm around her, she still hasn't found Mr. Right. And the last place she's looking is right under her nose. 

But that's just where Jack Cooke is. He's so close to the women of Vows that he's practically family, but the architect has begun to admit to himself that his feelings for Emma have developed into much more than friendship. When Emma returns his passion—kiss for blistering kiss—they must trust in their history…and in their hearts.

Truck Stop Potatoes

Truck Stop Potatoes

Serves 10.

Do you ever have one of those recipes that you look at over and over again, always wanting to make it, but you never do. This was one of those recipes. I'm so glad I finally got around to preparing it because now I want to make it again.

Source: Best Comfort Food magazine

2 lb. small red potatoes, coarsely chopped (about 6 cups)

1 c. chopped onion

8-oz. sour cream

1 c. shredded Monterey Jack (2 oz.)

1 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 oz.)

1/2 t. salt

1/2 t. cayenne pepper

3-4 vine-ripened tomatoes, chopped

1/2 c. sour cream (optional)

Chopped tomato, chopped avocado, and sliced green onions (optional)

Preheat oven to 35o degrees.

In a large saucepan, cook potatoes and chopped onion, covered, in a large amount of boiling water about 20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.  Drain and return to saucepan.  Stir in sour cream, the Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, salt, and cayenne pepper.  Stir in chopped tomatoes.  

Spoon mixture into a 2-quart rectangular baking dish.  Bake, uncovered, for about 30 minutes or until heated through.  Cover and let stand for 10 minutes before serving.  If desired, top with the additional sour cream, fresh tomato, avocado, and green onions.

A Note From The Little Lady: The original recipe calls for one can of drained tomatoes rather than fresh.  If you're in a pinch, feel free to used canned, but otherwise, I think fresh is always better.

CoverGirl LashBlast and ShineBlast

BzzAgent Challenge: CoverGirl Lash Blast and Shine Blast

It's so fun to be a BzzAgent!  You get to try new products and respond with your opinion, each time working your way toward a higher status.  Do you want to be a BzzAgent?  Check out their website, where you can sign up for free!

This time around, I was assigned to BzzCampaign CoverGirl Blast, trying out two new products from CoverGirl - LashBlast and ShineBlast.

LashBlast is an eyeshadow.  It's not a powder, but more of a soft solid that you essentially "draw" on your eyelids.  One side is a smoky brownish maroon, and the other a bright green.  Here it is in its packaging:

I was a little hesitate about the colors.  The green is really bright in this product.  I was also a little nervous about the style of application.  I ALWAYS use powder eye shadows.  I have tried soft solids before and have never had much luck.  They always tend to crease and the application just isn't easy for me.  But it's my job as a BzzAgent to try out new products, so that is exactly what I did.

I started with freshly clean eyelids:

And added the green first, as directed:

Some parts were darker, some were lighter.  It didn't go on very evenly.  So I used my finger to smooth things out.  

Next was the darker shade, and the diagram and directions on the packaging told me to apply it to the crease of my eyelid.  So, that's what I did:

Once again, I wasn't totally impressed with the application.  I used my finger to blend the colors, but the overall product feels greasier than I'd prefer.  I think I'm just a powder girl.  I mean, it looks good above, but by the end of the day, it didn't seem to hold up as well as my typical routine.

Next up was the ShineBlast, and I had more faith in this.  

Here it is before I ripped off the packaging:

Warning: Super close up!  Not sure how I feel about my lips this magnified:

And then I applied the ShineBlast.  It's thick, but not too thick; sheer, but still adds a bit of color.  It's good for when you want something feminine on your lips, but don't want to go as far as full out lipstick.  A great day-to-day, any hour lip shine.  And it feels good on your lips too!

Take a look for yourself:

Wondering what the two products look like together?  Your wish is my command!

Yep, another close-up.

Bacon & Cheese Baked Grits

Bacon & Cheese Baked Grits

Serves 4.

Grits have only recently entered my life, but I like them. And I think I'll keep them around for a little while.

Source: Everyday Food magazine

4 slices bacon, finely chopped

1 jalapeno, finely chopped

4-1/2 c. water

1 c. quick-cooking grits

salt and pepper

1-1/2 c. grated sharp cheddar cheese

In a medium saucepan, cook bacon and jalapeno over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until bacon is browned, about 8 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer bacon and jalapeno to a small bowl. Remove pan from heat and carefully add 4-1/2 c. water.

Bring liquid to a boil over high heat and whisk in grits. Whisk until mixture begins to thicken, then reduce heat to low and gently simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, 25 minutes or until creamy. Season with coarse salt and ground pepper.

Whisk in 1 c. grated sharp cheddar cheese and 3/4 of the bacon mixture. Pour into a 2-quart serving dish and top with 1/2 c. cheddar and remaining bacon mixture.

A Note From The LL: If you'd prefer, cook the grits in milk instead of water. I think it offers a creamier end result.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars

Serves 12-16.

I've been making these for a few years now and they never seem to disappoint. I mean, look at them. Do you feel disappointed?

Source: Cooking Pleasures magazine

Crust:

1-1/2 c. graham cracker crumbs

5 T. unsalted butter, melted

3/4 c. miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Filling:

10 oz. cream cheese, softened

1/4 c. sugar

1 egg, room temperature

1 t. vanilla

Dough:

5 T. unsalted butter, softened

1/4 c. packed brown sugar

3 T. sugar

1 t. vanilla

dash salt

1/2 c. all-purpose flour

1 c. semisweet chocolate chips

Topping:

1/4 c. semisweet chocolate chips, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9x9" pan with foil, leaving extra foil extending over edges. Spray foil with nonstick spray.

In a medium bowl, stir together graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until crumbs are moistened. Stir in miniature chocolate chips. Press into bottom and 1" up sides of pan. Bake 6 minutes or until set; cool on wire rack.

Decrease oven temperature to 325 degrees.

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and 1/4 c. sugar at low speed until smooth. Beat in egg and 1 t. vanilla until just blended. Pour filling into crust.

In same bowl, beat 5 T. melted butter, brown sugar, 3 T. sugar, 1 t. vanilla, and salt at medium speed 1 minute or until blended. Beat in flour at low speed just until incorporated. Stir in 1 c. chocolate chips. Drop teaspoonfuls of dough over filling. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown and set through.

Cool. For topping, drizzle melted chocolate across evenly.

A Note From The LL: I'll make things easy on you. Use an 8-oz. block of cream cheese and call it a day. The 2 oz. don't make enough of a different to include them. Lazy? Skip the chocolate drizzle too. There's quite a bit of chocolate already packed into these bars. But, by all means, if you like to follow directions 100%, go for it.

Menu: Memorial Day Cookout

It's Memorial Day weekend! Hopefully you have something fun planned. Hopefully you are getting together with friends and/or family. Hopefully you are lighting the grill and cooking out.

Need some help planning your menu?

Here are some of my suggestions...

Something Cold to Drink:
Beer Margaritas - These are so good, so easy, and truly welcome in the summer months.

Starters:
Beer Dip - Serve with mini pretzels. It's addicting!
BLT Dip - Serve with crackers. Something a little lighter, a little fresher, but just as tasty.

Main:
Whiskey Hamburgers - Don't worry, the small amount of alcohol in these won't affect the kids. ;) But by all means feel free to omit. Just leave it in for the adults -- it adds great flavor!

Side:
Strawberry Jell-O Pretzel Salad - One of my all-time personal favorites.

Side:
Broccoli Slaw - Something crunchy and fresh to balance out the meal.

Side:
Oven Fries - Because what's a burger without its fries?

Desserts:
Berry Cobbler - For the fruit lovers. And it's a light recipe too!
Heavenly Brownies - For the chocolate, all-or-nothing dessert lovers. You won't be disappointed.

Have a great weekend!

Louder Than Words: A Mother's Journey in Healing Autism

Louder Than Words: A Mother's Journey in Healing Autism by Jenny McCarthy

I picked up this book at Blockbuster of all places. I didn't even know they sold books, but, alas, they do. It was way marked down (all the books were), and I had been wanting to educate myself since I'm starting a new job this summer and will be working with a little girl on the autism spectrum.

We were flying to Vegas the next week, and I ended up reading the whole book - start to finish - while on the plane. I couldn't put it down. My props to Jenny -- I didn't expect this out of her. It was well-written, easy to read, and educating -- not necessarily in the "Wow, I know all the ins and outs of autism" but in the "Wow, I learned a lot about a family's experiences dealing with autism."

For as fast as one can read this book, I'd recommend it to everyone. Whether or not you are in any way connected to autism, it is a rapidly growing section of our population, and I think everyone would benefit from educating themselves in even the smallest ways.

Stolen from Amazon.com:

“Emotional, devastating…a story of hope.”—People

“Honest, informative, down-to-earth, and sometimes painful… Mothers everywhere thank her.”—The Chicago Sun-Times

“Surprisingly fun to read, realistic, and engaging… a good introduction to the ups and downs that autism brings to everyday life.”—autism.about.com

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet Potato Fries

Serves 4.

Fries that are good for you! The seasonings are both sweet and savory, and the fries smell great while baking.

Ever-so-slightly adapted from: Carrots 'n Cake

2 large sweet potatoes

3 T. olive oil

1 t. cinnamon

1/2 t. paprika

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Chop potatoes into fries. Place potatoes in a large Ziploc bag and season by adding olive oil, cinnamon, and paprika. Shake the bag to coat fries evenly.

Spread on a baking sheet that has been coated with non-stick spray. Bake for 35-45 minutes, flipping and stirring about every 10 minutes.

Honey Cumin Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Honey Cumin Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Serves 4-6.

Warmer weather is here (and has actually been here for a while this spring) and we are taking full advantage of the grill. The thing I love about grilling is that you can typically prepare things ahead of time, and simply toss it on when you're ready to eat. I made this marinade the day I brought the pork home from the grocery store, even though I knew we wouldn't eat it for another day or two. It makes the day-of that much more enjoyable.

Source: Pink Parsley Catering

2 pork tenderloins, about 1 lb. each

1/2 c. soy sauce

6 T. honey

2 t. lime zest

2 t. ground cumin

1 t. chile powder

1 t. garlic powder

1/2 t. salt

3 T. canola oil

Glaze:

4 T. honey, warmed

2 t. ground cumin

1 t. chile powder

Season pork tenderloins with salt and pepper and then place in a large Ziploc bag. Make marinade by combining remaining ingredients and pour over pork. Massage marinade into pork through the bag, and refrigerate several hours.

Heat grill to medim heat. Remove pork from marinade, and brush both sides with honey glaze. Grill until a thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the meat reads 160-165 degrees F, turning once. Remove from heat, cover with foil, and allow to rest 15 minutes before slicing.

A Note From The Little Lady: True confessions: I completely forgot about the glaze. The bad news is I can't tell you how it was. The good news is I can assure you the pork was still fantastic without it. I'll definitely try to remember it next time, as I'm sure it offers a tasty carmelized "crust."

Skeen Burgers

Skeen Burgers

Makes 8 burgers.

Yummy, yummy, in my tummy. I loved these burgers. And they do not taste like they are a Cooking LIGHT recipe. They were juicy, flavorful, and something new. The Mr. thought they were a little too soft inside (even when cooked through), so if that concerns you, up the amount of beef, but keep the other measurements as-is.

Source: Cooking Light Magazine

2 lbs. ground beef

1-1/4 c. (about 20) crushed round buttery crackers, such as Ritz

1/2 c. applesauce

1-1/2 t. hot pepper sauce

1/4 t. garlic powder

1-oz. pkg. onion soup mix

8 hamburger buns

Toppings: ketchup, red onion, lettuce, tomato, etc.

Preheat grill.

Combine first 6 ingredients. Divide mixture into 8 equal portions, shaping each into a 1/2"-thick patty.

Place patties on a grill rack that has been coated with cooking spray; grill 5 minutes on each side or until done.

Place buns, cut side down, on grill rack; grill 1 minute or until toasted.

Prepare buns with desired toppings; top with hamburgers.

Jalapeno-Baked Fish with Roasted Tomatoes & Potatoes

Jalapeno-Baked Fish with Roasted Tomatoes & Potatoes

Serves 4.

This is a fantastic recipe. It's easy to prepare, cooks quickly, and pleases the crowd! The spicy, flavorful tomato mixture complements the mild fish perfectly. We licked the serving dish clean!

Source: The Way The Cookie Crumbles

4 medium (1 lb.) red-skin boiling or Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced 1/4" thick

1 T. olive oil

salt

1 (15-0z) can diced tomatoes, with juice OR 3 fresh vine-ripened tomatoes, chopped

1 large garlic clove, peeled and cut in half

1/3 c. (loosely packed) coarsely chopped cilantro, plus extra for garnish

1/4 c. sliced canned pickled jalapenos

1 T. jalapeno pickling juice

4 (4- to 5-oz. each) skinless fish fillets, such as tilapia

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Scoop the sliced potatoes into a microwaveable baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, and spread in an even layer. Cover with plastic wrap and poke a few vent holes in the top. Microwave on high for about 4-5 minutes, until potatoes are tender.

Meanwhile, in a food processor, blender, or using an immersion blender, puree the tomatoes (with their juice), garlic, cilantro, jalapenos, and pickling juice. Leave some texture.

Remove potatoes from microwave and lay fish fillets in a single layer over potatoes; season with salt and pepper. Pour the tomato mixture evenly over the fish.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the fish flakes easily. Serve each fish fillet with potatoes.

Grand Cayman: Part 3

Grand Cayman: Part 3

And for the final installation of my Grand Cayman recap, here are my picks for Overall Experience.

#1. DECKERS

website

ph - 345.945.6600

email - deckers@candw.ky

Decker's was kind of a last minute decision. We were mainly picking places on the water, and Decker's is not only opposite the beach, but it looks like a restaurant you could find anywhere. But then, when you walk in, you realize there is a lot more to it than originally meets the eye. A double-decker bus (hence the name) makes up the bar, and the largest fan in Grand Cayman (and probably one of the largest in the world!) keeps patrons cool and comfortable.

Here's the double-decker bar:

The Mr. got the mixed grill - a daily special - that consisted of grilled steak, fish, and chicken. And you know what he raved about most? The vegetables and accompanying sauce!

I got the lobster ravioli, which was equally fantastic. A flavorful, rich sauce, and a whole lobster tail too!

Final Verdict: Don't let the exterior of Decker's fool you. It's quite the place to eat. The food is amazing, the live music is perfect background music, and I can almost guarantee that you'll be pleased.

#2. COCONUT JOES

website

ph - 345.943.5637

Coconut Joes is basically just a bar and grill. And I wasn't expecting it to be much more than that. We ate here our very first night in Grand Cayman. We had traveled all day and were excited to check out our first restaurant while honeymooning, but we didn't feel like getting too dressed up and diving into anything too fancy. So we picked Coconut Joes. And I'm so glad we did!

The Mr. ordered grouper, and look how beautiful it is:

And to think we got this at bar and grill! Wow! And it tasted as good as it looks!

I got the "BIG" Salad. Crunchy, crisp lettuce in a tortilla bowl, topped with cajun grouper and plenty of toppings. One of the best salads I ever had. Maybe I was just excited to be on vacation. But I will tell you, it was so good!

Oh, and those Sols are $3 Mexican Night specials...

Final Verdict: Everyone needs an inexpensive, casual option once in a while. Most of the time, I like to mix it up between fancy places and comfortable, laid-back places. Make this one of your laid-back choices. You'll love it!

#3. AL FRESCO

website

ph - 345.947.2525

Seven Mile Beach

We had Al Fresco delivered to our condo through a local delivery service. Once we realized that some of the best "tables" were right outside our condo on the beach, we figured we'd dine there and have the food brought to us! What a smart choice. We were content as can be eating on the beach. And Al Fresco didn't disappoint either.

Here's what I ordered: The Seafood Pizza.

And The Mr. got the Cajun Red Snapper with rice, veggies, plantains, and even a slice of banana bread!

Final Verdict: I can't review the actual restaurant of Al Fresco, but I've heard good things about it. The food was great and if anything, do what we did -- order out!

#4. YOSHI SUSHI

website

ph - 945.943.YOSH

Seven Mile Beach

Another beach picnic! Mango Roll, California Roll, and egg rolls made up our dinner tonight. We loved the whole meal!

Final Verdict: Again, I can't attest to the restaurant, but we loved the food!

#5. EATS CAFE

website

ph - 945.943.EATS

Falls Shopping Center

Seven Mile Beach

EATS has been around for a long time. It's changed its look recently (and my personal opinion is that it's a little too modern now), but it still serves great diner food. I didn't get any pictures of the food this time around, but I had an excellent Ole Guacamole Bacon Burger and The Mr. had the Crispy Buffalo Ranch Grill - a chicken sandwich. We both left full... and happy.

Final Verdict: EATS is a great place for lunch (or dinner), but I hear their biggest draw is their breakfast. Plus, it's a Grand Cayman must-do. Go for breakfast, or if you're like The Mr. and I and aren't huge breakfast-eater-outers, go for lunch. I'd recommend it as a dinner spot last, unless you really just need to grab something fast.

Grand Cayman: Part 2

Did you catch Monday's post about atmosphere? Today's we're touching on Drinks & Nightlife.

#1. CALICO JACK'S BAR & GRILL

ph - 345.945.7850

Seven Mile Beach

Calico Jack's is located at the north end of Public Beach on Seven Mile Beach. It's a fun little place to party, and one of Grand Cayman's liviest hot spots. Keep in mind that Grand Cayman is not known for its nightlife. If anything, it's known for not having a nightlife. People enjoy the food, and typically wind down after dinner. But if you're looking for an opportunity to dance on the beach, under the stars, and with drink in hand, head over to Calico Jack's. You'll find it's crowded in the afternoon, evening, and past midnight.

Here's what Calico Jack's looks like from the water:

You don't typically see signs like this at a bar:

We joined the celebration of Canada Day on July 3rd. There was a big beach bonfire and s'mores ingredients for the party-goers:

Remember how I said we celebrated the full moon at Kaibo? We celebrated again at Calico Jack's. While Kaibo's party was held over the weekend closest to the full moon, Calico Jack's celebrated on the actual evening of the full moon. They had neon lights, live music, and even a fire dancer.

Final Verdict: Calico Jack's is a fun place to visit for an afternoon cocktail or multiple at night. It's a fun place to be. You should check it out.

#2. ROYAL PALMS BEACH CLUB

website

ph - 345.945.6358

Seven Mile Beach

Royal Palms is in the middle of Seven Mile Beach. It was too far for us to walk from our condo, but definitely worth checking out for one evening. I had read wonderful reviews about it. Royal Palms is actually #1 to most people who have been to Grand Cayman. I think Calico Jack's became our #1 due to its convenient location.

Royal Palms also draws a slightly older crowded. Gone are the party people. Instead, you'll find a range of ages, all there to enjoy the live music and beach bar.

The night we were there was the 4th of July. While everyone at home was celebrating with burgers and fireworks, Grand Cayman was carrying on as usual (although a few places lit a few fireworks). So, on July 4th, a local band, Los Tropicanos, played:


And people danced!

Final Verdict: Depending on your location, Royal Palms could be your favorite place. There's always something happening and the mood is always happy. Even if you don't want anything to drink, you'll enjoy the food, atmosphere and all-around popular vibe.

#3. SUNSHINE SUITES GRILL

website

ph - 345.949.3000

email - frontdesk@sunshinesuites.com

Sunshine Suites Resort

Seven Mile Beach

The Mr. and I were on a hunt for a Painkiller. Before getting married, The Mr. had collected a few mugs from various locations already, and now I guess you could say we are collecting them. When I found out that the grill at Sunshine Suites had Painkillers, we opted to stop by for one after dinner one night.

Sunshine Suites is a bright, simple resort across the street from the ocean. It's tucked away and displaced from the noise of West Bay Road - the main drag on Seven Mile Beach. Since returning to the states, we have heard that the locals like the grill at Sunshine Suites because it's never too crowded and the food is good. I can't attest to the food, but we liked the drinks. Although, after one Painkiller, you'll want to leave. Your tolerance might not be able to handle another... and neither will your wallet.

Here I am, enjoying my Painkiller!

Final Verdict: Go to Sunshine Suites if you want a Painkiller. Or if you want a quiet, removed place to enjoy a casual, inexpensive meal. If you could care less about either, you may not find much to scream about at Sunshine Suites.