Island Life Diaries: Cory Scruggs

HI CORY! TELL OUR READERS WHERE YOU ARE FROM!

I was born in Atlanta, Georgia & grew up in Cape Town, South Africa

ONE CONTINENT TO THE NEXT! WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO MOVE TO THIS ISLAND?

I was working a desk job in Fort Lauderdale and desperately looking for a change. I got a call from a friend of mine living in Grand Cayman and he pitched the idea of bartending on an island in the Caribbean. Within a month I was working behind a bar in the beautiful Cayman Islands.

THAT’S QUITE A CHANGE! CAN YOU TELL US WHAT ISLAND LIVING IS LIKE?

It’s summer all year long, but that doesn’t take much time to adjust to. The pace of life is a lot more relaxed here compared to big-city living. And let’s not forget, there’s no tax!

WHAT STRUGGLES, IF ANY, DID YOU COME ACROSS WHEN YOU MOVED HERE?

My struggles on island were minimal. It was a bit of a shock realising everything closes on Sundays. The people make it so easy to settle in… #CAYMANKIND

WHAT ABOUT YOUR FAVOURITE THING TO DO ON YOUR DAY OFF? DETAILS!

I love to go to the beach! Also, the service industry is a very tight-knit group so it’s always fun to visit friends where they work and catch up. Did I say BEACH?!

WHERE IS A GOOD PLACE TO GO FOR DINNER?

I work for an amazing fine-dining restaurant called Agua. Our menu is a combination of Italian and Peruvian-fusion, and of course the cocktail bar must be mentioned. Alternatively, I really enjoy Bacaro. It’s geared around Sicilian tapas-style dining and it’s right on the water. Kick back with a charcuterie board and a bottle of wine… or 2, and you’re laughing!

WHERE WOULD YOU TAKE YOUR FRIENDS FOR A NICE DRINK… OR 2 BY THE OCEAN? 

Our sister restaurant Catch! It’s right on the water with an incredible view and equally-matched beverage program. 

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT CAYMAN?

The island has an incredible sense of community. It’s a great place to make friends and meet people from all over the world. It’s such a melting pot of cultures, there’s something for everyone here. And don’t forget, we only have 2 seasons: hot summer and less-hot summer!

WHAT ABOUT THE WORST THING? WE GUESS EVERY PLACE MUST HAVE ITS UPS AND DOWNS?

Hurricane season is always an interesting period. Thankfully, I haven’t experienced anything worth noting in the 7 years I’ve lived here. 

BEST TOUR ON ISLAND? WHERE WOULD YOU SEND THE TOURISTS?

Stingray City and Snorkel Tour with Captain Marvin’s Tours

BIG ADVICE FOR SOMEONE WHO JUST MOVED HERE?

Give the island some time, it will grow on you. Appreciate it for what it is, and don’t get frustrated for what it’s not.  

Island Life Diaries: Agata Kalicki

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?

I was born in Poland, then lived in Germany for 18 months at 7, and finally moved to Canada at 9. You can decide which part of that was the growing up bit!

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO MOVE TO CAYMAN?

It was November in Canada, and my then boyfriend had got a job here. I shouldn’t have bothered with him so much, but Cayman sounded amazing in the face of a Canadian winter. I didn’t actually move here until July of the next year, but just knowing the move was coming made it bearable. 

WHAT DO YOU DO HERE?

I’m a co-owner at a Vegan restaurant called Bread and Chocolate in George Town, but have become pretty hands off as I’m in the second year of homeschooling my son, Xero. 

WHAT THE BEST THING TO ORDER ON YOUR MENU?

BBQ Jackfruit sliders. No, the Island Bowl. Or the beet burger. And now we have the Impossible Burger too. It’s like choosing a favourite child, except it’s food, so it’s even more difficult!

CAN YOU RECOMMEND ANY OTHER RESTAURANTS IN CAYMAN FOR VISITORS LOOKING FOR VEGAN MEALS?

Bandido’s, Yoshi’s, and Southern Spice should cover the basic food groups. For an occasion: Gilbert at Cracked Conch does absolutely amazing tasting menus with a bit of notice. Plus he’s vegan himself, so there’s some extra love involved. 

WHERE'S YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO GO FOR COFFEE?

Bay Market has nice coffee, and the offspring can run around while I actually get to enjoy it. There isn’t a whole lot of opportunity to meet friends in the daytime. 

BEST BEACH IN CAYMAN?

There’s really nothing that compares to Seven Mile Beach early in the morning, although now that I’m a West Bayer, I like the dock at sunset. Still not Seven Mile though.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS LOOKING TO MOVE TO THE ISLAND?

Go for it! I mean, worst case, you’ll end up back home after a short, unsuccessful vacation. More likely, you’ll come and find a new home, discover fun new ways to spend your weekends, teach your liver some serious endurance, and find awesome friends from all over the globe. And then you’ll turn around and it’ll be 15 years after you came for just 1. 

FAVOURITE PLACE TO SHOP FOR CLOTHES? WHAT ABOUT SOUVENIRS?

I like Carey’s Karma Closet because recycling!, and they have the kid’s closet too. To be honest, I don’t shop for clothes much on island.  My mom shops for the kids like it’s her full time job, and they have older cousins for hand-me-downs, so I’ve bought them nearly nothing clothes-wise. I’m not buying me anything until the fat goes away, and considering I’m a food hog, that’s not happening any time soon!

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”.

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.

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.

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".

Island Diaries: The sweet life with Katie Bondy

KATIE! I'VE HAD THE PLEASURE OF KNOWING YOU FOR QUITE SOME TIME, TELL THE READERS WHY CAYMAN? WHERE ARE YOU ORIGINALLY FROM AND HOW DID THIS PLACE BECOME HOME?

Where I'm originally from?! It's a bit of a trek, but I was born in Fort Lauderdale and lived there until I was 5. My family moved to Windsor, Ontario and I grew up most of my life, school, first jobs, etc. there. When I was 25 I quit my 9-5 job with the Government, broke up with my boyfriend (at the time) and decided I wanted to bartend in the Caribbean. I definitely watch the movie Cocktail on repeat! Funny enough, I went to highschool with two girls that moved to Grand Cayman! It took me two whole weeks to down size my Windsor life, pack and move to Cayman. After a few years on this glorious rock, my then boyfriend decided we should take a break and try "real" life back in Canada. It took four years, and our honeymoon trip back to Cayman and we decided to move back. We've been back now for three years. 

YOU’RE LIFE IS LIKE A LOVE SONG, BABY! WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING (BACK) IN CAYMAN? 

The sense of community! I love walking down the road and people you know honk as they drive by. I love walking on the beach with my dog and running into others. I love walking into my favourite bar for a glass of wine and run into old friends, or even make new friends! There is no way to be lonely on this island!

SO WHAT DO YOU DO ON ISLAND? WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

I am an Assistant Food & Beverage Manager for the largest restaurant group on island. I also love my job, which makes my island life even better. Watching visitors and locals enjoy their nights out and lunches in Camana Bay is a great job!

ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY. TELL US WHAT YOUR DAY OFF ROUTINE LOOKS LIKE!

I do enjoy my playtime! My days off always include my husband Eric and my big dopey, beach loving Labrador! We usually start our mornings off with a beach run and swim. We love having a nice quiet lunch on the water. Morgan's, Waterfront Urban Diner or Karoo are all dog friendly! To end our day, we love having a sunset drink at Calicos, catching up with friends and cheersing to another beautiful sunset in the Caribbean!

YOU MENTIONED YOU LEFT ISLAND AT ONE POINT AND DECIDED TO MOVE BACK, WHAT MADE YOU CHANGE YOUR MIND?

We moved to my husband's native prairies to take a break from island life in 2012. I am officially and unequivocally NOT a winter girl. We missed the sun, sand and water the most. We missed being barefoot and seeing friendly faces wherever we went. I missed jerk chicken, rum runners, and swimming in the ocean. Once we came back for a visit, we knew Cayman was where we were meant to be.

IS THERE A SECRET ABOUT CAYMAN YOU CAN SPILL TO US? RESTAURANT, PLACES TO RELAX, ANY GOODIES TO SPILL FOR THE READERS? 

Well, then it's not a secret! But yes, we love sitting in the adirondack chairs on the water at Morgan's, with a nice bottle of wine. The breeze there, looking over the bay, it's all very screensaver-esk. In the mornings it's nice to go get a coffee at the Marriott and sit in the swings around the courtyard. It's awesome to feel like you're on vacation, even if you live 10 minutes down the road. Every three months or so, we take an island drive and stop at dive bars along the way. The South Coast Bar has my favourite conch fritters and jerk burger! The beer is cold, the bartender is friendly and a few dollars on the jukebox gets you a solid mix of Country, 80's music and Reggae.

SINCE YOU'RE A DOG LOVER, YOU HAVE TO SHARE THE BEST PLACES TO TAKE YOUR DOG! READY AND GO!

Just Northwest of The Kimpton is a nice quiet area of beach for Dude to roam and play in the water. Dude enjoys a good spa day and plays with other pups. He's enrolled in doggy daycare with Love Your Dog and occasionally heads to Cay 9 Resort and Spa. Lastly Rackam’s. Dog friendly and he LOVES watching the tarpon swim around. We are constantly making sure he doesn't dive off the dock into the water to tackle a 30 pound tarpon.

WHAT WAS THE HARDEST/EASIEST THING ABOUT MOVING TO CAYMAN?

The hardest is getting used to "island time". It's very endearing in lots of ways, and us Westerners could learn a lesson or two about this time keeping. However, when it comes to waiting for the AC repair man, or in line at the bank, you do miss the luxuries of quick service back home. The easiest is there is always friends to help you out and make sure your transition is just as good as theirs was. After you drop your bags, you have a drink in your hand, unlimited hugs from friends and meeting new people. 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO'S MOVED OR LOOKING TO MOVE HERE?

Do your research. I used to recruit for a living and no matter how many times I explained the cost of living here, people were usually pretty broke for the first couple of months. Save, and ensure that you do your research about setting up costs. You have to be able to adapt and adjust to the lifestyle too. If you're the type of person who has a hard time adjusting their routine and appreciating a slower lifestyle, than this may not be for you for the term.

An Insider's Guide to Island Living: Julian Foster

JULZ FOSTER! PLEASE TELL OUR READERS A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR CAYMANIAN CHILDHOOD - WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO GROW UP IN PARADISE?

I actually split my time growing up between Florida and Cayman. Summers and Christmases were spent here running around with my cousins and working at Foster's. We'd spend weekends out at Cayman Kai eating mangoes, snorkelling, playing on the sandbars, fishing, and just enjoying life in the sun! 

FOR THE LOVE OF WORK, TELL US WHAT DO YOU DO ON ISLAND? 

I'm the Marketing Senior Manager for Foster's. It’s an amazing position because not only do I get to be part of such a great organization, but my team and I are constantly crafting connections between brands and our customers. We have fun exploring the infinite ways to creatively tell stories that matter to people and encouraging them to step outside their food comfort zone to try something new. Plus, we get to see and hear from the people that make Cayman such a special place every day.

YOUR INSTAGRAM IS GORG. WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO TAKE SUCH WONDERFUL PICTURES? 

Everything, really. I’ll raise my hand and be the first to admit I spend too much time on my phone, but I make it a point to stop and just look around. There is so much beauty around us that it’s easy to spot a cool angle or a colour that brightens your day. Capturing beauty isn’t some hard to master technique; if you’re feeling what you’ve captured, then it’s Insta worthy.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Images available as premium postcards at select locations across the island with more locations being added all the time. You can purchase them directly through Julian by reaching him on his Instagram handle @iamjfoster

YOU'RE CLEARLY A DOG LOVER, TELL US ABOUT YOUR CUTIE AND WHERE'S YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE FOR DOG WALKS? 

My sweet boy! I fell in love with Remy at an event for Jeep and the Humane Society a couple of years ago, it was love at first sight. He loves long walks down the beach in South Sound or North Side, chasing leaves and tennis balls, and giving me the side eye when he hears me calling him but pretends to not. He’s also super into laying around the house [just like his dad]. 

AN ISLAND BOY MUST HAVE A FAVOURITE SPACE TO HANG OUT ON HIS DAYS OFF? TELL US YOUR TOP 3 PLACES YOU ENJOY AND WHY?

Would you judge me if I said my couch? Outside of that though... I’m always up for a snorkel with the turtles at Spott’s, a coffee at Bay Market (so delicious and affordable!) or a drink at Seafire. FAVE THING THOUGH - spending the weekend up at Cayman Kai. It's like a whole other world out there - so relaxing and peaceful. 

BRUNCH SHOULD NEVER BE MISSED, NAME YOUR FAVES!

Ritz, Kimpton or Marriott! The Ritz’ food is top notch and the free flowing Moët seems to make all your troubles go away [at least until Monday]. The Kimpton has stellar views, my favorite dessert station, and delicious handcrafted cocktails. The Marriott’s vibe is unmatched and no matter who you go with you always have a great time. 

WHAT ABOUT A GOOD COCKTAIL, OR COLD BEER? WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO HANG OUT FOR THE PERFECT SUNSET? 

There are so many options! Da Fish Shack, Coccoloba, Sunset House, Tillie’s. 

LASTLY AND OF COURSE, TOURISTS NEED GUIDANCE. AS A CAYMANIAN, WHERE WOULD THEY NEED TO GO, NO QUESTIONS ASKED? 

No questions asked? Stingray City, Botanic Park, Blowholes, Cemetery Beach and The Crystal Caves. Hit those spots and you'll get to see an amazing mix of the beauty this island has to offer.