drinks

Island Life Diaries: Christina Ravdas

CHRISTINA, WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

Tampa, FL USA

HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN CAYMAN?

Nine years

WHAT DO YOU DO HERE?

Bartend

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE DRINK TO MAKE?

Margarita (also my favorite to drink :)

BEST PLACE TO GO FOR A SUNSET DRINK?

Calico’s!

BEST THING TO DO ON ISLAND?

Boat day to Stingray City and Starfish Point

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING IN CAYMAN?

The people I’ve met and friendships I’ve made.

IF YOU COULD SEND SOMEONE VISITING TO ANY RESTAURANT FOR DINNER, WHICH ONE WOULD YOU CHOOSE?

Morgan’s.

ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE LOOKING TO MOVE HERE?

Keep an open mind and open heart, there’s a lot to learn on our little island.

The Cayman Foodie: Insider Guides with Chelsea Tennant

CHELSEA, HI! TELL US ALL ABOUT YOU AND WHAT WAS IT LIKE GROWING UP HERE IN PARADISE?

I am a born and raised Caymanian with both of my parents coming from the district of North Side.  Growing up here was great as Cayman was a quieter place in the 90's.  We were a generation of kids who played outside by riding our bicycles, swimming in the canals by our house and doing a lot of outside after-school activities. I grew up in Newlands, but my parents made sure that we stayed connected to North Side every Sunday by visiting family and spending the afternoon at Rum Point.

NORTH SIDE IS GORG! WHAT'S THE BIGGEST CHANGES ON ISLAND THAT YOU SEE THESE DAYS ?

The island has continued to develop at an exponential rate especially in the western districts.  I have always appreciated that Cayman has two sides to it; the buzzing city-like atmosphere along Seven Mile Beach and the simple & quiet lifestyle of the Eastern districts.  I am all for development that is modern, sustainable and environmentally conscious, but I am happy for the divide we have as it allows visitors and residents the option of being "in the thick of it" or choosing "to get away from it all”.

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YOU ARE KNOWN TO BE OBSESSED WITH FOOD. TELL US YOUR FOOD HISTORY AND WHY THIS IS SO IMPORTANT TO YOU?

I've been watching the Food Network since I was a kid, but it was in my 20's that I really got into the celebrity chef culture. I have a huge respect for those who work in that industry because I feel it is one of the most difficult jobs out there; standing for 12 hours a day in front of a hot stove with sharp objects seems like a recipe for disaster (pun intended).  From the beginning, my focus has always been to promote the best that Cayman's food & beverage industry has to offer. I have gotten to do this through my website and Instagram account, but additional opportunities have given me more insight into this industry (and personal growth) including hosting a radio show, restaurant consulting and social media takeovers.  Be on the lookout for my next project where I'll host epicurean events that highlight Cayman's best chefs and bartenders!

SEEMS LIKE YOU HAVE A LOT ON THE GO! SINCE YOU'RE AN EXPERT ON FOOD, GIVE US 3 PLACES YOU WOULD GO FOR A ROMANTIC DINNER?

"Blue by Eric Ripert" at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman because it is the most luxurious and creative fine dining experiences you will ever have here or abroad.

"Veranda" at the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort has a romantic décor, seaside dining and a menu that elevates Caribbean cuisine.

"Kaibo Upstairs" is known for their rare rum collection, tasty menu and their peaceful location in North Side. *Note that Kaibo Upstairs is very accessible for anyone located on Seven Mile Beach as Cayman Ferries offers round trip transportation from Camana Bay.

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YOU’RE MAKING US HUNGRY! WHAT ABOUT DRINKS? IF YOU HAD SOME VISITORS, NAME YOUR TOP THREE SPOTS, AND GO!

"Catch" because they have one of the most unique cocktail menus and a shaded, breezy deck overlooking Morgan's Harbour.

"Rackam's" because this seaside bar has incredible sunset views and a popular nightly tarpon feeding.

"Premier Crew" because their Tap Room is an intimate space with excellent happy hour prices and is the only place that allows you to drink and shop in the same location.

WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE GO TO DISH ON ISLAND? IS IT A HIDDEN GEM? IS IT POPULAR?

You can find me at "Chicken Chicken!" almost weekly as I love their wood-roasted and jerk chicken; that herbaceous rosemary sauce and array of delicious sides. You definitely get more bang for your buck at this restaurant so it is very popular with visitors and locals.

WHAT'S UP AND COMING? ANYTHING PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?

Most of the major culinary events happen between October to May, so make sure that you attend: "Taste of Cayman", home to the island's largest food festival; "Cayman Cookout", 4 days of gluttony featuring celebrity chefs and beverage experts; businesses participating in October's "Restaurant Month" for budgeted prix fixe menus; and "Batabano" (Cayman Carnival) or "Pirate's Week" to enjoy some post-parade local dishes including Cayman Style Beef, Conch Stew and more.

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WE'VE BEEN WATCHING YOUR INSTA STORIES, TELL US ABOUT CAYMAN'S FOOD SCENE AND WHAT EVENTS PEOPLE SHOULDN'T MISS OUT ON?

Cayman's food scene is quite diverse because we are home to more than 142 different nationalities.  This makes us quite unique from other Caribbean islands because we have such a high expatriate community and therefore we can offer an array of authentic cuisine. Anchor & Den hosts foodie events constantly and I particularly love their authentic Spanish tapas night, "El Mercat", every Thursday and their all-inclusive brunch at night event "A&D Sessions" every quarter.  Cayman Cabana's "Farm-To-Table Dinner" is a favourite among locals and visitors because it's a (filling!) multi-course meal using local ingredients. 

YOU'RE ALWAYS STYLING IN YOUR POSTS! CAN YOU TELL US YOUR SECRET?

I'm not a huge shopper in general, but when I do shop on island it's mainly to add to my sunglasses collection from the stylish and charitable "Peripheral Life & Style".