I have a Caymanian lady who cooks just about every week at one of my homes for my guests and I have never heard anything but praise for her. She shops for the food, arrives about 4PM, cooks, serves, clears and cleans and then leaves by about 8:30PM. Her meals are typically "Cayman Style" fish with lobster meat, plantains, rice & beans, salad and a key lime pie. She can also prepare a more simpler dish for finicky children (spaghetti usually works).

I also recommend a local caterer ( Mise En Place) who does most of my weddings at the Castle (click the photo above). In addition to catering weddings, they also do large family dinners, beach BBQs and events at our villas.

Lastly, I also have the name of a private (formally educated & very experienced) chef who can prepare a private meal on his evening off as well. This is always a much higher level of service with wait-staff as well. Because this is more expensive, it may only be truly appreciated by adult parties who want to enjoy their food and wine at leisure and not have to get behind the wheel of an unfamiliar car on a unfamiliar island and drive on the left-hand side of the road as well!

•  In the East End of the island just a mile & a half south of Portofinos is Vivine's Kitchen, which is a casual island style home-cooked meal prepared by Vivine Watler. Lunch only, except Wednesday night she has a seafood buffet.
• Just south of the Castle in east end (across the street from Ocean Frontiers) is a new place called Arlaine's. She prepares lunch daily and is open in the evening for both eat-in or carry-out. Menus is typically fast food.

Portofino's Restaurant- Located just one mile south of Morritts in the east end, this oceanfront restaurant is very versatile and charming. The menu is both Caribbean and Italian, and if you wanted something made to order--they will try most anything for you as well. They are also keenly aware of food allergies (we know personally), so don't hesitate to speak up. The manager (Shakur) and some of the staff are Indian, so if you have a craving for an Indian dish, just call the day before so that he can put it together for you. Portofino's offers both indoor and outdoor seating and has a decent wine list as well. The Sunday brunch (11:30 - 3PM) is a favorite for our guests staying at Northside and East End villas for planning the rest of their week over a great lunch/drinks with the warm ocean breeze. Shakur can also arrange for catering or take out as well 947-2700.

I don't eat much on the west side of the island, but when I do; these are the restaurants I enjoy going to:

Bamboo (in the Hyatt)- This is a great (eclectic) sushi bar with awesome music & food. After dinner you can walk on their beach or sit down around their pool on a padded lounge chaise. Their food ranks in the top 5 restaurants for 7MB for me. The Hyatt also has some cute shops for window-shopping afterward too. View of ocean/pool. Great bar next door at Hemmingway's too.

Calypso Grill - Is my absolute favorite restaurant on the whole island. It is a long trip from the East End, but worth it actually. It is built on a dock in Morgan's Harbour at the top of 7 Mile beach. The menu is very large and they have just about anything you could possibly want .Open Tues - Sun;  Lunch & Dinner. 949-3948. Reservations strongly suggested.

Castaways Grill- Located a little closer to you in Grand Harbour (Right behind Hurleys Grocery Store) is a new restaurant that makes fresh pasta meals and oven-fired pizzas, as well as other elegant fare. There is an outdoor covered patio for al fresco dining, as well as an adjacent ("Davey Jones Locker")sports bar/restaurant (best on the island) for the big game. It is closer by-- and if you are running to the grocery or liquor store for something anyway-- this is a great choice. Also on the property is the world famous "Black Pearl" skateboard park and a wave machine for surfing!

Other very good restaurants I have been to..

see www.caymanrestaurants.com for more choices