The old saying would have it that the stomach is the way to a man’s heart. If that’s the case – and who am I to argue? – it’s another reason why my love affair with my Cayman home will never wane.
We are blessed. Not just with fabulous scenery and a superb climate but with some of the world’s most exciting food. It’s fresh from the sea, served on the beach without fuss but bursting with flavour. It’s audacious new culinary techniques from internationally renowned chefs at the very top of their game. It’s street food, barbecue, cocktails, and tasting menus. It’s chilli cook-offs and every mom’s secret Caymanian curry bubbling away on the stove.
In other words, whatever you want to eat, you’ll find it here. Serving everything from conch and cassava cake to cuisines from around the world, there are over 200 restaurants in the islands, including those specialising in vegan, organic and locally-sourced ingredients. We’re known as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean and our food festivals attract more visitors every year. It’s no surprise that holidaymakers return home raving about the Cayman cuisine.
But what about if you’re living here? If you’re working in Grand Cayman on a short-term contract or considering making this your permanent home, are you going to dine out for every meal?
I’m asking that question because when you’re looking for somewhere to hang your hat, a well-equipped kitchen might be high on your wish list. However exciting our restaurants and beachside fish shacks are, there will probably come a time when you want to stay home and cook. Maybe you’ll have friends you want to impress with your take on a seafood ceviche. Perhaps you’re a demon with pizza and love to get the kids involved in making the dough. For some of our clients, a great kitchen is non-negotiable. Others just want to know there’s a café on the corner that serves the island’s best jerk chicken, rice and peas.
So, if you talk to us about property, don’t be surprised if we ask about food. Getting to know you means that we can find the right place for you. If you adore food, but can’t boil an egg, we’ll know where you can eat. We’ll know not to keep talking about the state-of-the-art kitchen. Instead, we’ll tell you how close you are to the kitchen of an award-winning chef.
And all that talking about food has made me hungry. I’ll be back when I’ve sampled a little bit more of the local produce.