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Annell's picks: Seven Mile Beach Restaurants

Annell's picks: Seven Mile Beach Restaurants

“The people who give you their food give you their heart”, and that’s especially true at the restaurants on Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman. Having visited the island with my family on eight different occasions during the last decade or so, I can honestly that I have been blessed with some outstanding meals at various eateries at this great location.  The restaurants here are filled with passion, love and high-quality food. After a day resting in the Cayman sun, there is no better way to prepare for another day’s relaxation than to indulge oneself in a heart-warming meal on Seven Mile Beach. Here are some of my favourite restaurants on Seven Mile Beach, starting with a touch of Italy.

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11 Romantic Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Grand Cayman

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What is more romantic than celebrating Valentine’s Day in a tropical paradise? Grand Cayman, with its palm-tree lined promenades and sun-drenched oceanscapes, sets the scene for a dreamy, Day of Love celebration.

This February offers something special for every couple on the island; from refined experiences like massage workshops to more breezy activities like Seven Mile sunsets, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to discover our 11 romantic ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Grand Cayman this year.


1. Relax into Luxury 

If ever there were a perfect occasion for pampering, Valentine’s Day is it. La Prairie Spa of Ritz-Carlton represents the epitome of luxury treatments in Grand Cayman, boasting glamorous, ‘relaxation sanctuaries,’ and en vogue facial blend ingredients such as caviar and gold. Book into a private couples massage workshop and learn how to perform the art of relaxation on your partner or choose from a wide array of other blissful spa offerings.


2. Cruise the Camana Bay Culinary Scene

Dinner is the bread and butter of Valentine’s Day celebrations; certainly not something to skimp on. Grand Cayman is well-equipped in the arena of gorgeous, gourmet eateries, a generous collection of which are located in Camana Bay. Stroll the palm-tree lined promenades leading to premiere dining destinations such as Agua, a stylish, Peruvian-inspired seafood restaurant on the waterfront. Alternatively, set the scene, à la Lady and the Tramp, by diving into a plate of fresh, homemade noodles with your sweetheart at Pane and Pasta. 

3. Revel in the Roaring 20’s

Nothing says ‘romance’ like the dimly-lit lounge and speakeasy vibes of Next Door. Take your date on a trip of the senses: mellow sounds of jazz, red velvet couches, artisan cocktails -- all whilst cloaked in an intimate sheath of darkness. Treat yourselves to their expertly crafted flavors, aimed to tantalize, with concoctions like the rum-based Deja Vu or vodka-based Violet Death. 

4. Give the Perfect Gift

This year it’s time to step up your game from flowers and chocolates. Head to Rocky’s Diamond Gallery for a gift that is sure to ‘wow,’ or drop a healthy hint upon your significant other. You can’t go wrong with the delicate and trendy island-inspired necklace featuring the map of Grand Cayman. Buy it in sterling silver, 14k yellow-gold, white-gold, or rose-gold. 

5. Ride in Style

You’re not basic, and your Valentine’s Day plans shouldn’t be either. Pack a picnic, your favorite shades, and ride off into the sunset in a Moke, the ultimate island car with a dreamy vintage aesthetic. Ride shotgun or take the wheel, the sunshine on your face and soft Caribbean breeze whipping through your hair. Make stops at the very Instagrammable Lover’s Wall, the bohemian Barefoot Beach, or the charming Botanic Park (see below). Check out Avis for more information on how to rent. 

6. Take a Scenic Stroll

Valentine’s Day isn’t all about night moves. Grand Cayman boasts a wide variety of fanciful daytime activities, a particularly scenic one being the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. Picture you and your Valentine, traipsing hand in hand through the winding, colorful gardens, inhabited by the endangered Blue Iguana and rare native aquatic birds. Managed by the Tourism Attraction Board, the Botanic Park is situated on 65 acres of land in North Side on Frank Sound Road, a perfect stop to make on an East End road trip!

7. Have Dinner…But With a Twist

Kick off your evening with a cocktail in Camana Bay, then hop aboard Cayman Ferries for a scenic 30 minute ride across the sound to Kaibo. You will be greeted by twinkling lights, swaying palm trees, and views of the dark, shimmering sound at night. Relax into a beachy vibe on the main floor or escape upstairs for a more refined dining experience. The Cayman Ferries schedule changes weekly, so be sure to consult their website for departure times. Purchase tickets by downloading the Cayman Ferries app.  


8. Salsa Dance the Night Away

Turn up the heat on your V-day plans by taking to the dancefloor with your enamorado. Cuba Libre morphs from a restaurant into a slick, Habana Vieja-esque club, complete with an old Cuban car and an inviting dance floor. Order a mojito and test out your steps in a sea of dancers, beginners and professionals alike. Still new to the salsa scene? Dip your toes in by taking lessons with Fuego Latino. They will have you swiveling your hips like an expert in no time. 

9. Sip on Sunset

An absolute classic -- Sunset on Seven Mile Beach; but let’s dress it up. First stop is Tortuga Rum, adjacent to Sunshine Suites, where you and your date can pick out the perfect bottle of wine. Be sure to bring glasses and a wine opener as well. Next, cross West Bay Road and hit the sand via Westin’s beach access. Set up shop, the expansive Caribbean sea and setting sun as your backdrop. It’s a simple but gorgeous way to spend a Valentine’s evening.

10. Throw it Back for Movie Night

Keeping it classic, nothing flexes your romantic muscles like an outdoor movie -- on a white sand beach of all places. The Westin hosts an outdoor movie night nearly every Thursday. Beach chairs line the sand, a large blow-up screen takes center stage, and barefoot movie-goers gather at sundown. The movie is free with the purchase of a menu item from Tortuga Beach Grill & Bar, like the delectable tune poke bowl for a main and a piña colada for a bevvy. The casual setting and relaxed vibes makes for a unique, laid-back island date night 

11. Bask in the Beauty of Pedro St. James

An understated yet captivating Valentine's rendezvous -- love with a side of history. Pedro St. James is a sprawling, 7-acre historic site boasting uninterrupted seascapes and authentic Caribbean charm. Attractions of the site include the Thatch and Barrel restaurant, rum-tasting, and the Great House, an impressive three-story stone home built in 1780. After touring the grounds, go for a globally-inspired cocktail with a cliffside vista.

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Cayman's Most Instagrammable Restaurants

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Cayman's Most Instagrammable Restaurants

Here in Cayman, seaside eateries are a dime a dozen. While sweeping ocean panoramas are a definite selling point, we also appreciate a restaurant that can stand alone with its quintessential essence and cleverly-curated aesthetic. A trendy local spot to show off on social media, perhaps? Read on to discover the most instagrammable restaurants in Cayman, sure to impress with their signature design and of course, appetizing menus.

Pizza Joints You Need To Hit To Get A Slice Of The Action

Pizza Joints You Need To Hit To Get A Slice Of The Action

What kind of person doesn’t like pizza?

A weirdough.

Speaking of dough— with your help we’ve gone through the daunting task of rounding up the best on the island (excluding gas station pizza — which we know you love), we’re talking pillowy soft Neapolitan to thin, stringy New York slices.

Check out these unmissable pizza joints in Cayman and get out there to cheese the day, (these pizza jokes can’t be topped). Ok we're done, so without further preamble, read on to get a slice of the action.

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The Charm of Cayman Cuisine

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The Charm of Cayman Cuisine

As the culinary-enthused crowds evacuate our fine shores, hearts full and bellies bursting after the gastronomical extravagance of Grand Cayman’s most loved food festival, Cayman Cookout, we take the opportunity to reflect on classic Caribbean dishes that excite and draw people to Grand Cayman. Gluttons and gourmands from all over the world, every creed, religion, and culture come here to experience Cayman cuisine and the rich food history of Cayman. ..

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Fine Dining in Grand Cayman

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Fine Dining in Grand Cayman

The food offering in Grand Cayman is of exceptional quality and caters to the most discerning of foodie palettes. Discover some of the exceptional establishments delivering the grandest of fine dining experiences to the locals and visitors in Grand Cayman.

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The Best Brunches in Grand Cayman

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Brunch. The word is a whimsical neologism combining the words 'breakfast' and 'lunch'. A pairing as immediately pleasing to the ear, as the pairing of 'eggs' and 'bacon' is to the palette. The idea originated in England in the late 1800s by English author, and presumably heavy-drinker, Guy Beringer, in an essay appropriately titled: 'Brunch: A Plea'.

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In the essay, Beringer explains that the intention of brunch is to share anecdotes of the previous night's shenanigans over a spicy Bloody Mary, a refreshing Mimosa or both. He goes on to explain that a lively brunch affair aims to nurse the Saturday-sin-induced headache and satisfy the sometimes insatiable hangover-hunger for food AND company. This, he argues, can be accomplished with a delicious meal and a generous helping of 'hair-of-the-dog'.

The brunch has since evolved. In Cayman, though still keeping to these old brunch traditions, a brunch now also serves as the go-to manner in which to celebrate special occasions - birthday brunches, mother's day brunches, engagement brunches, the very many 'farewell' or 'welcome back to island' brunches. Then there are also the (slightly) less raucous baby shower brunches and in recent years, the newly popularised divorce-party brunches. What's the dress-code you may ask? Well, it's a Sunday brunch, it should go without saying, that it is to be attended in ones Sunday (very) best!

In honour of the tradition and history of the brunch, we've selected, in no specific order, our tried and tested favourite places to brunch in Cayman:

1. Seven at The Ritz

Elegant and upmarket yet in keeping with the laid-back island-style one comes to expect of our Caribbean holiday. Wash down expertly crafted cuisine with a golden glass of French champagne while taking in the 180-degree views of Seven Mile Beach from the terrace or the glamorous dining room.

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Photo by Cayman compass

Photo by Cayman compass

2. Luca

Italian restaurant, LUCA, offers guest the choice of enjoying brunch in the luxury and comfort of the sleek and sophisticated dining room or on their patio overlooking the infinity pool and the jewel-toned waters of the Caribbean. The brunch menu includes authentic Italian dishes, prepared simply and with fresh ingredients. Enjoy your delicious Italian fare with bottomless Prosecco - the Italian way.

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3. Mizu

For those with a taste for the slightly more exotic, Mizu delights with a brunch menu that showcases delicious Asian flavours and table service - a welcome change from the more traditional buffet-style brunch setup that one comes to expect on the island.

The menu includes Sushi, dim sum, rice and noodle dishes like fried rice, Nasi Goreng, Singapore fried noodles and Kung Pao. Traditional Japanese rice wine or 'Sake', well-drinks and house wines are all included in the all-you-can-eat brunch price. Mizu offers a five-star experience on a cheap and cheerful budget. The interior is reminiscent of an upmarket new york nightclub with impressive light features set atmospherically low, high-shine sequinned pillows and a striking Japanese graffiti mural that acts as a talking piece and draws the eye in. All-in-all an all-around enjoyable experience and a sure-favourite on our list.

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4. Ave at Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa

Come with the whole family or sneak away for a romantic dinner at Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa’s Ave restaurant to experience fresh local seafood and produce infused into coastal Mediterranean recipes. Our Executive Chef Massimo De Francesca has crafted an approachable menu featuring seasonal plates that appeal to your whole party...

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5. Ferdinand’s at The Westin Grand Cayman

With free-flowing sparkling wine, a Margarita Bar and a wide variety of mouth-watering Caribbean and international food stations, Westin Grand Cayman's Ferdinand's has safely secured its spot on our list. Every Sunday, guests are invited to enjoy a lavish feast of breakfast items, pasta options, cured, slow-cooked or braised meats from the carving station, dim sum and sushi, a selection of hot dishes and near sinful desserts. Come indulge in classic Caribbean cuisine in the casual-cool interior or on their outdoor patio while taking in the breathtaking sea views, every Sunday from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm.

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Photo by Cayman compass

Photo by Cayman compass

6. Anchor & Den

Taking the cake, both literally and figuratively, is the Anchor & Den Brunch at the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort. Their signature Boulangerie Brunch includes globally-inspired dishes and bottomless glasses of bubbles served in a Nautical-themed dining area which is at once playful and contemporary. Each Sunday, the area is transformed into a treasure trove of unique food stops - a chocolate display, raclette cheese station, pop-up cocktail bar, fresh juice bar, gelato and sushi stops and a charcuterie carving station, to name but a few. It is, in our opinion, impossible NOT to have a good time at this brunch.

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The Best Places To Get Local Food in Cayman

The Best Places To Get Local Food in Cayman

As the avid traveller knows, if you want to eat well, eat local.

There are many reasons to support local food establishments and farmers and enjoying locally sourced foods. Not only does it taste better, but it is also healthier. While local produce is allowed to ripen naturally, and so retains its nutrients, food that travels long distances is often picked before it’s ripe and chemically treated to survive the long journeys.

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From the locals: Cayman Cookout round-up

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From the locals: Cayman Cookout round-up

When you come to  Cayman cookout, you'll experience the world’s most talented chefs, culinary influencers, wine and spirit experts coming together at The Ritz-Carlton with a backdrop of beautiful seven mile beach. You'll meet world renowned chefs, hosted by Eric Ripert, José Andrés,  Emeril Lagasse and too many others to name. Make sure you get a picture with them.

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From the locals: What to expect at Taste of Cayman 2019

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From the locals: What to expect at Taste of Cayman 2019

‘Mystery bus tour invite’ popped up in my inbox one sleepy Monday morning peaking my interest and distracting me from my video editing timeline. Full of intrigue, I clicked to find details of a Taste of Cayman media bus tour to sample some of the culinary offerings we’ll see at this year’s festival. Free food & drink and an afternoon out of the office - why not?