Insider Guides: Growing up in Cayman with Alyssa Gilbert

HI ALYSSA, WHY DON’T YOU TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF?

I’m Alyssa Gilbert. I’m 19, from West Bay and was raised as an only child with a half-sister. My family works in legal, government, and IT related fields. My hobbies include shopping, going to the beach, filming videos, reading, and my new favourite: going to afternoon tea.

WE LOVE TEA! SO WHAT DO YOU DO NOW?

Currently, I’m a fashion student at London College of Fashion studying fashion media (styling and creative direction), and creating fashion related content for my Youtube channel, xoallyy 

SO WHERE ARE YOUR TOP 3 PLACES TO GO SHOPPING FOR THE BEST FASHION?

My favorite places to shop in cayman are NKY in Camana Bay, Funky Monkey at Governors Square, and Kirk Freeport for my accessories.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CAYMAN?

My favourite thing about Cayman is by far the beach. It’s the only place that I feel at peace and could stay there for hours on end. Not to mention it’s the only place I can get my color back after living in London for a while!

WORST THING ABOUT THE ISLAND? PET PEEVE?

My least favorite things about Cayman at the moment are the lack of untouched land, the ridiculous amounts of litter everywhere, and the pesky mosquitoes in the afternoon.

CAN YOU NAME 4 OF YOUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANTS FOR US?

My four favourite restaurants on island are Ragazzi, Casanova, Papagallos and Copper Falls. I LOVE Italian food, and Copper Falls is on a whole other level of deliciousness!

WHAT ABOUT THOSE HIDDEN GEMS? TELL US ABOUT SOME COOL PLACES!

Some “hidden gems” that I enjoy going to for some peace and quiet are the side beaches in East End (through a path of trees on the side of the road) and Boggy Sands. For some good eats, I like Di Kit-Chin Jerk Stand and Grape Tree Cafe.

FAVOURITE LOCAL DISH AND WHERE CAN YOU FIND IT?

My favorite local dish is Cayman Style Beef with rice and beans and you can find it in my grandmother’s kitchen, Island Taste restaurant, and anywhere else that sells local cooked food.

WHAT ABOUT A COCKTAIL, WHERE WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO GO FOR SUNSET DRINKS?

My favourite place for sunset drinks is Royal Palms because you have a perfect view of the sunset over the ocean from the bar, and there are 2 for 1 drink specials (which is always a win!)

Insider Guides: Brittany Kelly

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF, BRITTANY!

I’m a born and raised Caymanian. My Caymanian roots run deep. My father was born in Jamaica to a Caymanian mother and my mother was born in the US to Caymanian parents. They both moved to Cayman full time in their teens and met while working at Foster’s Food Fair and then got married and had me. 

WHAT DO YOU DO HERE IN CAYMAN?

I’m a film writer & producer. I work in Cayman and the US and I’m currently based in LA. I just wrapped on two feature films in South Florida. In Cayman I produced the Frank E Flower’s short film Tocsin. This short was made with an all Caymanian crew, which was a really exciting and proud moment for me. To have so many talented local individuals working and collaborating on one project was amazing. 

THAT IS AMAZING! SO WHERE WOULD YOU SEND PEOPLE HERE IF THEY ARE INTERESTED IN THE FILM INDUSTRY?

There are so many talented individuals working in the film industry in Cayman. The thing about Cayman is that it’s so small, so everyone knows or knows of everyone. If you’re looking to get involved in the film industry I recommend going to local film screenings, talking with the filmmakers, camera crew and actors (they don’t bite!) I would also recommend the newly found record label GoldFyr, where local Cinematographer Samuel Lancaster is holding film lessons and they also provide film equipment rentals.

TOP 3 PLACES FOR BREAKFAST?

Anchor & Den Brunch at The Marriott: I am obsessed with this brunch. Their food never disappoints, their atmosphere is so serene and the staff is so lovely. 

Over The Edge: For me, it is a bit of a haul to get there, but the view and their delicious Ackee & Codfish makes the drive worth it. 

Kirk’s Supermarket: They have a full spread and it’s so easy to grab and go. Their cornmeal porridge is pretty delicious as well. 

SO WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE FOR A TRUE CAYMANIAN DISH?

There’s a place in Savannah behind the Wendy’s and Rubis called Chill Spot. I love their oxtail and pepper steak. 

FAVOURITE PLACE TO BE IN CAYMAN AND WHY?

I love being at my grandma’s house. It’s right near the airport, so we can hear the planes landing. She has a lot of large mango and breadfruit trees. Just watching the sunset through those trees reminds me of how beautiful life is on this tiny island. 

WHERE WOULD SEND PEOPLE FOR DIVING? FISHING? SNORKELING?

For fishing and a good time out on the water I would send them to Get Bent Charters. For a simple snorkel I would recommend Smith’s Cove on a calm day or anywhere on the waterfront on a day with no cruise ships in. 

ANY ACTIVITIES PEOPLE SHOULD TRY WHEN THEY'RE HERE?

If you’re interested in local culture and history, check out The National Gallery, The Museum, Pedro Castle and The Botanical Gardens. I’m obsessed with the bioluminescence kayaking tour, it’s absolutely stunning to experience. And Brunch, always brunch.