One Holiday - Five Countries
On Boxing Day,
December 26th,
visitors can
participate in the
annual “Dashing
Through the
Sand” run along
Seven Mile
Beach.
5
CAYMAN ISLANDS
During the winter season, the Cayman Islands offers visitors a tropical
paradise infused with the holiday
spirit. Frequently heralded as the culinary capital of the Caribbean, the
Cayman Islands’ unequaled culinary
scene coupled with the warm and hospitable nature of Caymanians, known
as Caymankind, provides visitors with
an unparalleled Caribbean vacation.
Once the weather turns cold up
north, visitors can see yards covered
with white sand, a tradition mimicking
the snow-covered grounds of colder
regions, as well as red Christmas Blossoms decorating the windows. On the
tables, visitors to the Cayman Islands
can see the diverse cultural background and heritage of Caymanians on
display during the holiday season. The
three islands are home to more than
150 different nationalities and many
diverse cuisines, with celebrations
ranging from feasts to light festivals.
Essential to a Caymanian holiday is
the Christmas Beef, a dish made from
locally-sourced beef, slow cooked to
develop a rich brown crust, which is
served with savory sweet potatoes or
yams. This is often accompanied by
sorrel, a unique brew of dried sorrel leaves, cloves, ginger and sugar.
Caymanians also enjoy a twist on the
traditional fruit cake, made with tropical fruits of the Caribbean to give it a
distinct flavor unique to Cayman.
Throughout the month of December, locals and visitors to the
Cayman Islands are able to take part
in a range of events. The season kicks
off with the Parade of Lights, a display of various sized boats decorated
in Christmas lights, during which
Santa Claus appears, a craft market
opens, and concludes with a spectacular fireworks show. Visitors can
also attend the annual lighting of the
Singing Christmas Tree, a 25-foottall tree decorated with 5,000 lights.
The Christmas Evening Market is
a month-long event where locally
grown fruits and vegetables, baked
goods, and arts and crafts are for
sale. On Boxing Day, December 26th,
visitors can participate in the annual
“Dashing Through the Sand” run
along Seven Mile Beach.
Gourmets can delight in the farmto-table fare at The Brasserie by Chef
Dean Max, enjoying the fresh seafood
caught each day by the restaurant’s
own deep sea fishing boat and their
abundant kitchen gardens, as well as
the finest produce gathered from local
growers. Another favorite is Michael’s
Genuine Food and Drink, from James
Beard Award winning Chef Michael
Schwartz. True epicurean artistry
can be enjoyed at Blue by Eric Ripert
at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman.
Those looking for more exotic fare
can venture to Blue Cilantro, where
Chef Shetty presents the best cuts of
meat and fish, and freshest and most
fragrant vegetables, herbs and spices
to create a meal bursting with flavor
in this Indian fusion restaurant. The
more casually-inclined will appreciate the laid-back atmosphere at island
favorite Cracked Conch, which boasts
spectacular ocean views and the best
conch fritters around.
WINTER 2013 | FOOD TRAVELER 141