Grand Cayman: Part 1

Grand Cayman: Part 1

The votes were cast, and the results were tallied. Welcome to my first attempt at including a travel section! To stick with the overall theme of my blog, I am mainly going to focus on the food and drink of the destinations I highlight. If you want additional information about accommodations, activities, etc., feel free to ask about it in the comments section. I have a to tendency to over-research vacations, so I probably have an answer for you... or could at least point you in the right direction.

Without further ado...

The Mr. and I traveled to Grand Cayman for our honeymoon last summer. We stayed in a beautiful condo on 7 Mile Beach and enjoyed exploring the sights, sampling the eats, and sipping the drinks.

This week's posts will touch on three areas of Grand Cayman's culinary scene: Atmosphere, Drinks & Nightlife, and Overall Experience.

The following fall under my top-rated picks for ATMOSPHERE.

#1. KAIBO
website
Ph - 345.947.9975
Email - kaibo@thebeach.com

Kaibo is a magical place right on the beach. It's beautiful, tranquil, and you'll leave feeling satisfied physically, mentally, and emotionally. We were lucky enough to experience a Full Moon Party at Kaibo, which they host, you got it, once a month. Due to my researching habit noted above, I discovered the party ahead of time, and made reservations before even arriving to the island, as I read that it booked up quickly. That night we dined on the beach, under the stars, and our table was lit by the full moon above. As we were finishing up dessert, they released floating fire lanterns (don't worry, they are safe for the environment!). The whole evening was accompanied by relaxing, almost mesmerizing, music spun by the DJ.

We started our meal with the Mixed Ceviche, an almost salsa-like appetizer served with tortilla chips. For a couple that just started eating sushi (and for The Mr., only vegetable at that!), ceviche was one of those, "We're in Grand Cayman. We'll try it," decisions. And I'm glad we did. Lightly marinading, it was light and flavorful, a perfect start to our meal, and very much "the thing to do" being that we were on an island in the middle of the ocean.

The Mr. got the Crispy Coconut Curry Grouper; I tried it; we both loved it. And that doesn't surprise me considering it's the best-selling dish at Kaibo.

I had my eye on the grouper as well, but when The Mr. ordered it, I decided to get something else: the one time on the island I ordered.... chicken. It was good, but I was in the Caribbean. I should've ordered fish.

Final Verdict: GO TO KAIBO. It's an experience. Take the advertised water taxi if you're coming from 7MB. And check the website before you go. If possible, plan your visit around one of their many parties and activities. Besides the Full Moon parties, they have weekly Caribbean Barefoot Beach BBQs on Tuesdays, Hot Buttr'd & JAM parties every holiday Monday, and events for most other holidays and island happenings.



#2. CRACKED CONCH: MACABUCA TIKI BAR
website
Ph - 345.945.5217
Email - contact form
West Bay

Sitting at the Macabuca Tiki Bar at Cracked Conch made me feel happy. And carefree. It was a beautiful evening, there was live music, and I was with the love of my life. Oh, and all the bright colors definitely played into it as well. The bar has a thatched roof, the drinks taste like island cocktails should, and everyone there is content. It's one of my best memories of our honeymoon. It was one of our last nights, and it was perfect.

We started with the Conch Platter - Fritters, Spicy Cracked Conch, and Ceviche. Our reasoning? When in Rome...
Feeling a bit on the wild side, I ordered the Turtle Sandwich & Fries, mainly because I had never seen that before, and figured I never would again. It tasted a lot like BBQ pulled pork. Sorry to all the turtle lovers out there.
The Mr. ordered the BBQ combination plate, a special that day. He loved it.

Final Verdict: Definitely visit, but go when it's still light out so that you can experience Macabuca Tiki Bar for all its bright colors. Have a drink, order the Conch Platter, and stay for dinner if you want something casual and basic. If you're looking for a fancier dinner, head up the actual Cracked Conch restaurant, or check out something else nearby.

#3. RUM POINT: THE WRECK BAR & GRILL
website (closest thing to one, at least)

Is there really anything better than after spending a morning at sea, climbing off a boat, wading to shore through the ocean, and eating a rejuvenating lunch at a restaurant with your feet in the sand? I don't think so.

Rum Point is what many would call a tourist trap. What started a secret gem quickly turned into a busy, crowded beach full of cruise-goers. You'd be missing out if you didn't visit Rum Point, but I'd strongly recommend going on a day when the port is empty of cruise ships.

We were lucky enough to be treated to a boating day with a good friend of the couple who owned the condo we stayed at. Lewie was a fantastic host, taking us to Stingray City (again, a great thing to do on a non-cruise ship day), sandbar, and Rum Point. It was a blast.

For lunch, we got greasy (but amazing!) burgers and fries. And, after a day of cocktails in the sun, they tasted ever-so-amazing.

Want to visit Rum Point without driving all the way around the island? Red Sail Sports offers a Rum Point Dinner & Catamaran Sail from Safehaven Dock on 7MB.


Rum Point from the boat: ...and... Feet in the sand:



Final Verdict: If you go to Grand Cayman, you have to go to Rum Point. It's just one of those must-do things that every destination has. Catch it on a day when cruise ships are absent, and you'll appreciate you did.


#4. RISTORANTE PAPPAGALLO
website
ph - 345.949.1119
email - pappa@candw.ky
West Bay

Pappagallo is almost like a hidden paradise. It's enchanting and secretive, and when you're there you feel worlds away from the rest of the island. By the time we arrived, the sun had set (we were on the beach for that!) and so the photo ops were too available. Don't rely on just my one picture below. Check on Pappagallo's website, as you will get a much better feel for the place.

Pappagallo came highly recommended from the owners of the condo we were staying at, and we even got some special treatment because of it.

For an appetizer, we had the Fresh Mozzarella, served with fresh tomatoes and onions drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette. As our entrees, I ordered the Lobster Ravioli and The Mr. ordered grouper, again, off the daily specials menu. I always love rich pasta dishes, and The Mr. loves his grouper, so we were both happy as clams.

Final Verdict: If you have a reason to celebrate something special, make reservations at Pappagallo. You'll experience great service and great food in a magical setting.


#5. BREEZES BY THE BAY: TROPICAL GRILL & RHUM DECK
website
ph - 345.943.8439
George Town

Breezes is a classic island restaurant. It's bright; it's cheerful; it's right by the water; and it's located in the midst of George Town, the capital of Grand Cayman and home to cruise ship drop-offs and tourists left and right. They have happy hours, live music on the weekends, an extensive drink list, and satisfying food.

We ate at Breezes in the afternoon. We had already eaten lunch, and had dinner reservations set somewhere else, but I was starving. I don't know what came over me but I needed to stop browsing the shops, sit down and eat something. So we came across Breezes and did exactly that. And I was refueled. :)

The Mr. and I split an empanada appetizer that came with two different dipping sauces. It was mildly spicy and the perfect size to satisfy our growling tummies without spoiling our appetite for dinner.

Final Verdict: I wouldn't make a special trip to Breezes, but it's a fun place to grab a drink or snack while exploring the "downtown" area of George Town. It's a nice break from the action, yet you'll still feel like you're enjoying the hustle and bustle of the "city."