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".

Insider Guides: Capturing the island's beauty with Aldington Scott

TELL US YOUR STORY GIVE US SOME HISTORY ABOUT YOU AND WHERE YOU CAME FROM!

I was born in Jamaica, but moved to Cayman back in 1991. Literally the words “Beautiful Cayman Islands” back then was the game changer for me.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CAYMAN?

I just love how everyone knows one another. Well, that and the fact that I can wake up and step right onto the beach!

WE'VE BEEN FOLLOWING YOU. YOUR DRONE SHOTS AND PHOTOGRAPHY ARE INCREDIBLE! WHAT MADE YOU GET INTO IT IN THE FIRST PLACE?

Well, I see people all over the world that just don’t know about the Cayman Islands. So when I started photographing I just wanted tourists to see what I see and come visit this beautiful place.

TELL US 3 OF YOUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO GRAB THAT PERFECT SHOT?

I have a lot of favourites but Spotts Beach is one where I can swim with turtles and sharks. Pedro St. James has a massive hole by the edge of the bluff. Sometimes it’s dry, and sometimes it’s filled with water and creates this gorgeous pool. Stingray City never gets old as I can photograph the most beautiful stingrays.

WHAT IS YOUR INSPIRATION TO PHOTOGRAPHY?

My inspiration is Cayman. Not to be fancy, but just to capture something that people don’t get to see often or usually found on the internet.

BETWEEN WORK AND PHOTOGRAPHY, YOU MUST GIVE YOURSELF A LITTLE YOU TIME... TELL US WHERE YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR DAYS OFF?

I would say just being home with my family. Or to be with my friends on the beach.

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE FOOD WITH US, GIVE US YOUR TOP 3 SPOTS TO GRAB SOME DELICIOUS LOCAL FOOD.

This one is tough… Mango Tree, Cracked Conch, and Fish Shack. It’s all about the seafood!

An Insider's Guide: Cortez Vernon

CORTEZ! TELL US YOUR STORY! WHERE YOU FROM, HOW LONG YOU'VE BEEN HERE AND WHY YOU MOVED HERE!

I'm originally from a small district just outside of Montego Bay Jamaica. It just happened that a company here saw my website at the time and thought it was creative enough for them to give me a call and offer me a job, this was back in 2005. I took the offer and have been here since.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CAYMAN?

I love the amalgamation of the many different cultures/people. I love meeting new people and being here just makes it so much easier with CaymanKind.

YOU ARE FAMOUS FOR YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY! TELL US HOW YOU CAME TO BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER, AND WHAT YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT IT? 

I'm a graphic designer and used to do lots of corporate brochures and print work so my employer at the time bought me a camera to get some headshots and I just got addicted after that. 

THAT’S AMAZING! ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER! YOU MUST KNOW SOME PRETTY GREAT PLACES TO SHOOT PHOTOS, TELL US WHERE YOU LOVE TO SHOOT!

There are countless amazing places on island to shoot, I love nature so I tend to explore to find them. My faves are the botanical park because of the wide variety of different plants/trees, Camana Bay for a bit more modern look and of course any one of the many beaches.

AND WHAT ABOUT YOUR DAY OFF? TELL US WHERE YOU SPEND YOUR TIME?

This is a tough one because I love trying new places like driving to East End and finding a random isolated beach and just decompress. I love Camana Bay to get some food and check out the latest movie, or, randomly choosing something touristy to do like parasailing or going on a Helicopter ride.

ANYONE WHO LIVES IN CAYMAN KNOWS WE HAVE THE BEST FOOD IN THE CARIBBEAN. TELL US WHERE YOUR 3 FAVOURITE RESTAURANTS ARE?

Cayman Cabana, Over The Edge, Mizu or Yoshi's for some sushi!

WHAT ABOUT THE TOURISTS? WHERE WOULD YOU SEND THEM FOR SOME ACTIVITIES WHEN THEY VISIT?

My top three would be Helicopter tour, Crystal Caves and the Bioluminescence tour.

YOU MUST KNOW THE BEST PLACE FOR LOCAL, TRADITIONAL FOOD? WHERE WOULD YOU TAKE THESE TOURISTS FOR THE ULTIMATE LOCAL FOOD EXPERIENCE? 

Cayman Cabana, Wellys Cool Spot, and Over The Edge

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.