Cayman’s Best… Epicurean Theme Nights
Let’s be honest, Cayman has a lot of food & beverage events going on for such a small island. There are almost too many to count with some being weekly, monthly or quarterly. My favourite epicurean theme nights range from a Caribbean farm-to-table dinner to a wine pairing competition between sommeliers. Check it out!
Somm Stand-Off is for adventurous foodies and wine lovers who are willing to try anything, seeing as both the menu and wine served are unknown leading up to the event. Upon being seated guests will finally see the 4-course menu that Agua’s chefs have planned for the evening. For each course the two competing sommeliers choose a wine they believe best pairs with the meal and it is up to the diner to choose whether wine A or wine B is there favourite. This means that for each course you get two 3oz glasses of wine, making that a total of eight glasses for the evening. The votes are counted after each course and it is announced which sommelier had the most popular pairing each round. The atmosphere is always buzzing as each table will discuss the food, their favourite wine pairing and guesses on the each wine’s varietal or country. Somm Stand-Off runs between October to April and they hold a different round each month. With gratuities included the event will run you about CI$140 so book your spot soon as they always sell out. Learn more about Agua by visiting their page located in my Seven Mile Beach District Guide.
Epicurean Tip: If you have a large group or know people attending that you want to sit with let them know in advance. Also, if there is extra wine leftover servers will be walking around with a decanter and ask if you want a top up.
We may not have left the island much (or at all) in 2021, but Ave at the Kimpton Seafire Resort has been taking us around the world the past few months with their globally-inspired theme nights. With a new destination chosen every few weeks, Ave has enabled us to travel to Spain, Greece, the South of France and Morocco through their creative execution in food, drinks and ambiance. At each dinner you can expect multiple cold and hot appetisers served family-style followed by a buffet filled with a variety of mains, sides and desserts relevant to the theme. Bottles of wine and cocktails inspired the region are available at an additional cost and are meant to complete your dining experience. This epicurean theme night touches on more than just your taste buds as there is always entertainment in the form of live music, dancers or even plate smashing - Opa! With a price of CI$48 for all of the above you’ll understand why it’s one of the best deals on island for a unique night out. Learn more about Ave by visiting their page located in my Seven Mile District Guide.
Epicurean Tip: This epicurean theme night only occurs once per week for a period of 4-6 weeks and always sells out, so make sure to reserve your table in advance.
Cayman Cabana’s Farm-to-Table Dinner
This one is near and dear to my heart because it highlights locally grown produce in a creative farm-to-table meal. Cayman Cabana’s multi-coursed dinner is served family style every Thursday and the long tables allow for free flowing conversations between friends, family and strangers. In the past few years it has become one of the island’s must-do dinners due to the hospitality of owners Luigi and Christina Moxam, a chance to dine seaside under the stars and the abundance of delicious food coming out of the kitchen. The exact menu is unknown before you arrive because everything’s bought the day before, but you can typically expect fresh juice, a local soup, coconut ceviche, loaded flatbreads, plenty of sides, fresh catch and dessert. Learn more about Cayman Cabana by visiting their page located in my George Town District Guide.
Epicurean Tip: They shop at the farmer’s market on Wednesday, so you must book by then to ensure they buy enough for the next day’s dinner.
Chellamella’s Farm-to-Table Dinners
Chellamella is an exclusive farm-to-table experience curated by Chef Jack Barwick, Chef Gaia Tomasin & Ryan Reed. This young trio of entrepreneurs have taken eating local to a whole other level, by creating a dinner that highlights ingredients found in Cayman and Jamaica. Every month you can find them hosting one of two dinners where guests can dine in unique, intimate settings. The first is located at Joel Walton’s farm, Plantation Organics, where diners eat at a communal table with many of the evenings ingredients coming from his land. Farmer Joel will pop by a few times during the meal to explain the challenges of farming in Cayman and the variety of produce he grows, but he’ll also answer any questions you may have too. The second event is a moonlit dinner at the Botanic Park during the full moon. You not only get to enjoy a locally sourced meal by the chefs, but you can explore the park at night and stargaze which is a rare opportunity in itself. Both options include a 6-course meal, a welcome drink and wine service throughout the evening. If you are wanting to experience an innovative, fresh and one-of-a-kind meal then you need to get in touch with Chellamella at www.chellamella.com.
Epicurean Tip: If you want the team all to yourself you can hire them for a private event or cooking class in your home.
Ms. Piper’s opened in Fall 2021 and is located behind the newly renovated Hampton Inn by Hilton on the Seven Mile Strip. The restaurant has the appearance of a Caribbean cottage with screened porches, tropical flora, luxe umbrellas and sits adjacent to the pool. Seeing that the Executive Chef, Damian Manfre, is Argentinian I can guarantee that he brings a level of authenticity to this cuisine that is unmatched on island. Every Wednesday, Ms. Piper’s hosts ‘Argentinian Grill Night’ where a small grill takes centre stage on your table and is able to feed 2-3 people. The grill is a meat lovers dream as it’s filled to the brim with an 8oz skirt steak, 8oz ribeye, quarter chicken leg, chorizo sausage and grilled mollejas (sweetbreads). The meal wouldn’t be complete without their tender domino potatoes, an egg-filled bell pepper and two mouthwatering sauces, homemade salsa and a garlicky chimichurri. You won’t regret trying this unique dining experience where the best part is actually the price - just CI$65 for all of the above!
Epicurean Tip: Make a night of it by ordering an empanada or cheesy provoleta to start, and definitely finish the night with their rich dulce de leche crepe.
This may not be a full scale event, but if you are looking for quality craft cocktails at a discounted rate then you need to visit Next Door in Camana Bay. This sister bar of Agua restaurant literally sits next door and provides an upscale lounge atmosphere that is rarely seen in Cayman. The Aperitivo cocktail menu has classic cocktails including Aperol Spritz, Hugo and Negroni for just CI$9 each. Whenever you order one of these cocktails between 5-7pm daily you will be provided with a complimentary platter of nibbles, such as olives, cured meats, cheese and breads. If you are looking to change it up after a few then take advantage of their 20% discount running at the same time on wines and beers.
Epicurean Tip: Inside or out? You can opt to sit outside on cozy tables to people watch Camana Bay or grab a seat at the bar to watch the mixologists in action.