Patrick

Eagle Rays Bar and Grill Eagle Rays, a wonderful place to dine on the East End, is named by many passengers as one of the best restaurants on the east end.  Ron Hargrave, owner and head chef of the very popular Tukka Restaurant, is the creator of Eagle Rays.  Recently Passenger Picks caught up with Ron, a native Aussie and long-time Cayman Islands resident. PP:  Ron, we’re hearing about all kinds of exciting things at Eagle Rays!  Tell us about them. RH:  Well first of all, Eagle Rays is our Dive Bar & Grill at Compass Point Dive [...]

Casanova Ristorante By the Sea This month we’re all about Casanova Ristorante By the Sea, our Passenger Pick of August 2023!  We know that fabulous restaurants abound in Cayman, but sometimes you just want a great Italian meal.  You know the type—the one that begins with a glass of perfectly chilled prosecco and a platter of Italian antipasti:  Italian cured meats, a variety of cheeses, a few olives and artichokes.  Then comes the hard decision.  Which entrée?  Salmone alla Griglia?  Or Pollo Rustico?  But maybe your hunger wants nothing but Pizza!  Well, fear not, friends!  If you have [...]

Lloyd’s Smokehouse and Grill Lloyd’s Smokehouse and Grill is our Passenger Pick of the Month! You’re already familiar with the fantastic food at Casa 43 Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Bar, which Lloyd runs with Max, his business partner. During COVID Lloyd’s personal catering business came to a grinding halt, but Lloyd found a way to move forward by beginning a BBQ takeout and delivery business to feed hungry people, to pivot his kitchen, and to survive while creating and birthing his long-held passion – BBQ. This idea grew and became very popular. When the former Edoardo’s location at [...]

Agua Restaurant Agua Restaurant & Lounge has just moved to an exciting new location!  After eight and a half years in Galleria Plaza, Agua owners Walter Fajette and Cristiano Vincentini, felt it was time for a change.  On April 28, Agua closed its doors at the Galleria Plaza and in June reopened in a new location at Camana Bay, in the space formerly occupied by Ortanique restaurant.  As this month’s Passenger Pick of the Month, we wanted to learn more about the new digs, as well as the story behind Agua, so recently we caught up with owners [...]

The Caribbean Club We are catching up with Danielle Wolfe, the Manager of The Caribbean Club, who with her unique staff provides some of the most outstanding customer service on the island! PP:  Being voted the top boutique hotel on the island by our Passenger Picks survey, as well as consistently rated five star by Trip Advisor is quite a distinction. DW:  I am quite honored to receive this recognition.  I believe there are many important elements to consider when giving great customer service.  Our Guest Services staff treats everyone like family and our Housekeeping staff takes care [...]

Casa 43 Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Bar by Frances Daniel Casa 43 Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Bar has, in 8 short years, become a Cayman Islands institution and one of THE must-visit restaurants if you live here and or when you visit.  We recently chatted with owners Lloyd Brown and Michael “Max” Hillier about Casa 43 Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Bar. PP:  We’ve known you guys a while, but refresh our memory.  How did the two of you decide to open a Mexican restaurant on Cayman? Owners:  We have been friends for a long time and when given [...]

Casa 43 Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Bar Casa 43 is rapidly becoming known as one of Cayman's best restaurants; so you definitely want to put it on your list to visit while on Island. Owners Lloyd Brown and Max Hillier met playing golf, and common friends (who are restaurant owners) suggested they start a restaurant. That small seed took root and blossomed into the realization of their dream with a now very popular restaurant along Seven Mile beach. As this month’s Passenger Pick of the Month, we wanted to learn more about the story behind Casa 43, so [...]

Catch Restaurant & Lounge Nestled in the lee of Morgan’s Harbor, Catch is the inspiration of restauranteurs Walter Fajette and Cristiano Vincentini.  United by their love of alfresco dining and the beautiful waters of the Caribbean Sea, Walter and Cris opened the restaurant in December 2014 with the sole mission to serve only the Islands’ freshest catch. Years ago, Cris and Walter became great friends while working together at Calypso Grill, and then in 2010 achieved their dream of creating Agua, a very successful restaurant along Seven Mile beach, that recently moved to Camana Bay.  So Catch is [...]

Cayman In A Nutshell One of the Cayman activities that more and more passengers are talking about is the Cayman In A Nutshell tour.  We can’t think of a better way to get an overview of Grand Cayman than to experience the best spots with one of the most experienced tour operators on the island.  Well, as this month’s Passenger Pick of the Month, we wanted to learn more about the story behind the Cayman In A Nutshell tour, so recently we caught up with Ronnie Anglin, creator of this popular excursion. PP: Ronnie, tell us about the [...]

Cimboco A delightful combination of colors, action, aromas and flavours, Cimboco is a modern- day mix of all fun things Caribbean, all set in intimate and fun surroundings.  This Café features savory and delicious pastas, fire roasted roti, pizzas, and rustic sandwiches, homemade breads and desserts - but each day the Chefs offer enticing specials highlighting the best available produce and seafood 'on Island'.  As this month’s Passenger Pick of the Month, we wanted to learn more about the story behind Cimboco, so recently we caught up with Manager Catherine Murray. PP:  We’ve been coming to your restaurant [...]

Cobalt Custom Charters Coming up on the two-year anniversary of their humble beginning, the team at Cobalt Custom Charters find themselves feeling both excited and grateful. So, recently we caught-up with Travis Martin (Lead Boat Captain) and Graeme Brown (Operations Manager) to learn more about their exhilarating venture. PP: When we first met you guys well over a year ago now, you were just getting started. A team of three with a new boat, a big dream, and a huge challenge in front of you. So how is it going? GB: We’re doing very well, but there are [...]

Coming Back To Cayman - August, 2020 To all who love the Cayman Islands: In our August 2020 edition of Coming Back to Cayman, we’ll treat ourselves to thoughts of the never-ending beauty of the Cayman Islands!   The heat and humidity of summer have settled in where I live, so am moving my thoughts to the natural beauty of Cayman—its beaches, the ocean, its caves, its gardens, and so much more.  As we eagerly wait for the “all clear” announcement for travel to Cayman, let’s reflect on the beauty that we long to see. Beaches:  Seven Mile Beach [...]

Coming Back To Cayman - July, 2020 To all who love the Cayman Islands: In our July 2020 edition of Coming Back to Cayman, we’ll look at safety, safety, safety!  We all know that Cayman stopped cruise ship travel and air travel to their island earlier than most destinations out of an abundance of caution.  It wasn’t our favorite news when it happened, but now we appreciate their cautious nature which has contributed to the low case count, hospitalizations, and death rate on Cayman.  Cayman has certainly maintained its focus on the safety of its citizens, and this [...]

Coming Back To Cayman - March, 2022 To all who love the Cayman Islands: We have waited for this season, haven’t we?  It’s time to refresh our weary hearts, to renew friendships, to revisit the land of our dreams.  Cayman Islands, here we come! On January 20, 2022, the beautiful Cayman Islands entered Phase 5 of the reopening plan.  And in March, 2022 Delta resumed flights into Grand Cayman!  Before we pack our bags and head to the airport, though, let’s slow down and carefully read the guidelines regarding this phase.  We’ve probably become experts at double-checking details [...]

Coming Back To Cayman - May, 2020 To all who love the Cayman Islands: Like your heart, mine is weary.  The Coronavirus-19 pandemic has changed just about every part of my daily life.  Shopping for groceries.  Meeting friends for coffee.  Going to a job that I love.  Knowing what my paycheck will be.  Going to church on Sundays.  Masks.  Gloves.  Hand sanitizer.  Take-out from restaurants.   Meals at home.  Jobs have been lost, furloughed, or postponed.  First-responders both work and worry overtime.  Friends can’t visit loved ones in nursing homes.  Life has been shockingly different lately. In spite of [...]

Dive Tech Remember the movie “Back to the Future”?  Marty cruised back in time using Doc Brown’s “Flux-Capacitor!”  After experiencing the past, he had a better understanding of his future. In a way, Dive Tech has gone Back to the Future!  Their Future!  Back to where it all began years ago at Cobalt Coast Resort. Recently we caught up with Joanna Mikutowicz, Owner and Manager of Dive Tech, and asked her about their exciting return to Cobalt Coast. “The best part is the additional room, which allows us to have everything in the same space: tanks, compressor, training [...]

Eden Rock Diving Center The Cayman Islands provide some of the world’s best diving and snorkeling.  Passenger Picks customers tell us that Eden Rock Diving Center is a great place to begin a Cayman diving or snorkeling experience.  If the beauty of Eden Rock and The Devil’s Grotto, with their coral reefs, caves and curtains of silverfish and tarpons sounds appealing, consider one of Eden Rock Dive Center’s guided snorkeling or one or two tank dive tours. One of the best Cayman activities that all ages and stages can enjoy is to learn how to dive!  We decided [...]

Experiencing Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park Using the Five Senses by Frances Daniel with collaboration from Val Kegel Visiting Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park can overwhelm even the most well-planned traveler simply because the Park consists of 65 fabulous acres!  Spending just 15 minutes on the website will certainly help.  Both an overview of the Park’s attractions and a printable map are on the Nature page.  The Events page provides information about major activities held at the Park throughout the year. However, some visitors to the Park might not have had the time or the opportunity to formulate [...]

Ezona’s Aquatic Charters Ezona and her husband, Captain Stacy, have been taking couples, families, and corporate parties on excursions and fishing charters for many years.  Ezona had the opportunity to get into the business years ago and knew what had been missing all these years on the water with guests was the personal touch that she, her family and team bring to every charter and fishing trip.  She understood that guests wanted to know about the stingrays they were swimming with and the fish they saw when they snorkeled and that they wanted a truly personalized experience for [...]

Fidel Murphy's Long ago Fidel Murphy’s established itself as one of Cayman’s best restaurants, becoming a second home for many who moved to the Cayman Islands from across the pond. Its friendly atmosphere, reassuring Guinness on tap, and familiar comfort food has always made it a popular choice of visitors and residents. As this month’s Passenger Pick of the Month, we wanted to learn more about the story behind Fidel Murphy’s Public House, so we caught up with owner John Dunne. PP: Chef John, this place has a really warm, comfortable vibe. Just recently we had lunch here. [...]

Fidel Murphy’s Public House Fidel Murphy’s Public House at Queen’s Court Plaza, Seven Mile Beach, has been a part of Cayman’s food landscape for 27 years, and it continues to be the perfect spot where both residents and visitors can enjoy a hearty meal in a warm, friendly atmosphere.  Fidel Murphy’s is this month’s Passenger Pick of the Month, so we’ve touched base with owner John Dunne to find out about an exciting all-inclusive event on March 16th.  Irish John and his Canadian wife Caitlin run the business together.  Their Cayman-born children Mac (8) and Tadhg (4) round [...]

Lobster Pot Situated on the waterfront on North Church Street with a spectacular view of George Town harbour, the Lobster Pot restaurant has long been a favourite of locals and visitors alike.  As this month’s Passenger Pick of the Month, we wanted to learn more about the story behind the Lobster Pot, so recently we caught up with restaurant general manager Niels Schulze-Gattermann. PP:  Niels, how long has the restaurant been in existence? NSG:  The Lobster Pot was established in 1965 and is the longest established restaurant on the Island.  Operated by the same family for over 40 [...]

Lobster Pot Restaurant & Wine Bar Situated on the waterfront on North Church Street with a spectacular view of George Town harbour, the Lobster Pot restaurant has long been a favourite of locals and visitors alike.  As this month’s Passenger Pick of the Month, we wanted to learn more about the story behind the Lobster Pot, so recently we caught up with restaurant general manager Grant Sam. PP:  Grant, how long has the restaurant been in existence? GS:  The Lobster Pot was established in 1965 and is the longest established restaurant on the Island.  Operated by the same [...]

Next Door Next Door, a boutique bar in Camana Bay in George Town, is our June, 2022 Passenger Pick of the Month.  We already know that Next Door is a great place for anyone who enjoys a delicious cocktail or drink in a nice environment because it comes to us from the same amazing team that brought us Agua Restaurant & Lounge.  In fact, Next Door is next door to Agua, a familiar location to many visitors to Cayman.  Recently, we connected with Walter Fajette and Cristiano Vincentini for an update on their new cocktail bar with “two [...]

Pedro St James National Historic Site (‘Pedro Castle’) Step back in time and experience the history and heritage that blossoms at Pedro St James!  Known by locals as ‘Pedro Castle’, this Great House is the oldest surviving stone structure in the Cayman Islands.  It is also the “birthplace of democracy”, and home to Cayman’s many cultural and historic tales.  It was built using slave labour in 1780 by a wealthy Englishman, mariner and plantation owner, William Eden.  At a time when most people lived in small thatch houses, this spectacularly built 3-storey home earned its name as ‘Pedro Castle’. [...]

Red Sail Waverunner Safari Tour A Cayman Must! What passenger’s really like about this Red Sail tour is that it’s limited to smaller groups of people which allows for a more intimate experience (max 5 machines).  Guests can choose to ride their own Waverunner, or share one with a partner. The tour guide gives great instruction on how to safely use the Waverunners, and also briefs you were he or she will be taking you to find the best snorkel sites on the island.  Their goal is to set you up for vacation fun with an action packed [...]

Taco Cantina Nestled on the quaint and quiet End End is Taco Cantina, the fantastic new Mexican restaurant from the inspiration of restauranteur Chef Ron Hargrave. Don’t let this modest Mexican eatery fool you, Taco Cantina has a lot to offer any foodie, and is full of Mexican fun!  Chef Ron, an Aussie, would not have it any other way.  Many years ago he moved to Cayman, and subsequently opened his first restaurant on East End, known as Tukka. Now, after many successful seasons with the popular Tukka, then more recently the addition of Eagle Ray’s Dive Bar [...]

Taco Cantina There is a great Mexican restaurant on 7 Mile Beach, called Taco Cantina!  But wait… it’s not a new restaurant…Taco Cantina is the very popular restaurant that relocated from the East End. And Taco Cantina is as good as it’s ever been, maybe even better, if that’s even possible.  A creation of Chef Ron, it has a lot to offer any foodie, is full of Mexican fun, and the Aussie in Ron would not have it any other way.  Many years ago he moved to Cayman, and subsequently opened his first restaurant on East End, known [...]

The Falls Steakhouse The Falls Steakhouse has established itself as one of Cayman’s best restaurants.  As this month’s Passenger Pick of the Month, we wanted to learn more about the story behind The Falls, so recently we caught up with owner, Dianne Parsons. PP:  The Falls has been a flagship restaurant in Cayman for years, and your reputation brings hundreds to your restaurant.  What is your secret? DP:  We have a legacy of serving the finest cuts of beef in a friendly and professional manner, providing our friends and guests an exceptional dining experience.  We like to say, [...]

Tukka Restaurant and Bar Located just footsteps from one of the most gorgeous ocean views in Cayman, looking out on the Wreck of the Ten Sails, passenger’s rave about the friendly and fun atmosphere Chef Ron and his wife Lana have created.  Tukka native fusion Restaurant is celebrating its ninth birthday and is named by many passengers as one of the best restaurants on the island.  Recently Passenger Picks caught up with the creator of Tukka, owner and head chef Ron Hargrave, a native Aussie and long-time Cayman Islands resident. PP:  Ron, November starts off with Cayman’s Pirates Week [...]

Villas Of The Galleon Right in the middle of the world-famous Seven Mile Beach is the wonderful, spacious and relaxing Villas Of The Galleon.  We wanted to learn more about this extraordinary property, so we caught up with Lisa Ebanks, Manager of Villas Of The Galleon, who with her unique staff provides some of the most warm and caring customer service on the island. PP:  Lisa, we’ve come to love your property!  You’re right in between the Ritz Carlton and the Westin, and yet Villas Of The Galleon has such a calm, relaxing almost pastoral feel. LE:  Thanks!  [...]

Shipwrecked by Frances Daniel with collaboration from Val Kegel Well, shiver me timbers!  Matey, batten down the hatches!  Blimey!  Now we’re all SHIPWRECKED!  But wait—don’t panic!  Being shipwrecked in November on Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, or Cayman Brac is like finding paradise!  You and your family can experience the 42nd Annual Pirates Week Festival which will begin in Cayman Brac (November 1 – 3), continue in Grand Cayman (November 7 – 11), and conclude in Little Cayman (November 15 – 17).  Arrrrrr pirates really going to be there?  Certainly!  So search the internet for some pirate lingo, and [...]