Cayman Islands Soul Magazine 2017 (3rd Edition)

WELCOME TO THE

Photo by: TAB Website

EXPERIENCE OUR

ISLANDS’ SOUL 2017 THIRD EDITION (SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER)

CONTENTS 4

OUR

ISLANDS PLACES OF INTEREST

FEATURES 7 CAYMAN SPIRITS CO. DISTILLERY Take a tour of the only distillery in the world that ages their rum, seven fathoms under the sea.

8 ANNUAL EVENTS The festivities never stop in the Cayman Islands. See what’s happening in the next four months.

12 EVENT CALENDAR There’s always something to see and do in the Cayman Islands.

Find out what’s happening in September – December.

16 2018 FIRST EDITION EVENTS AT A GLANCE 17 CAYMAN BRAC HOMEMADE ROUND BREAD Learn about Cayman Brac’s very own Pioneer Bakery, home of the famous round bread.

18 LOCAL CUISINE Bring a piece of Cayman into your kitchen with this local recipe.

19 WHERE TO EAT Find out where the locals go for traditional Caymanian dishes.

20 OUR HISTORY How the Cayman Islands got its name.

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THE SOUL OF OUR

CAYMAN ISLANDS Dear Visitors and Friends, The Cayman Islands experience — our inviting and gracious hospitality, world-class diving and snorkelling, white beaches and warm Caribbean Sea with its many shades of blue — is something enjoyed by all. For those of us who call Cayman home, it is essential that we take pride in our unique heritage and share our Caymanian courtesy with every guest we meet.

For those of you who are our guests or business partners, we trust that you will grow to love the Cayman Islands as we do. To assist you in becoming more familiar with us, we designed this reference guide to answer basic questions about the Cayman Islands and to provide you with a ‘snapshot’ of our home.

We hope that you find it useful and look forward to your continued support.

With warm regards, The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism

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OUR

ISLANDS THINGS TO DO

GRAND CAYMAN | Locked Inn Cayman – Escape Rooms 2 – 6 people enter a themed room with 45 minutes to find clues, decipher codes and solve puzzles in an attempt to make their way out.

Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Wednesday: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm Friday: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm Saturday: 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm Large Groups/Special Events: Alternative hours by request.

Location: 18 Fort Street, 2nd Floor, Grand Cayman Telephone: (345) 926-4915 Email: info@lockedinncayman.com Website: lockedinncayman.com

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CAYMAN BRAC | Snorkelling If you want to experience what lies below the water's surface you might enjoy visiting Buccaneer Beach.

This site is great because there is so much variety for snorkellers. A small protected pool is home to small fish flitting about, but there is also a reef filled with fish, turtles, rays, and sometimes sharks. This snorkelling site is located in West End, in the western part of Cayman Brac. If you are in need of scuba gear, have no fear. ‘Brac Scuba Shack’ offers snorkel rentals for USD $5 or USD $30 to ride along on one of their snorkelling excursions. Just choose your snorkelling adventure with this family-owned shop.

Brac Scuba Shack hours: Monday - Sunday: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Location: 17 Channel Road, Cayman Brac (South West End) Telephone: (345) 926-2584 Email: info@bracscubashack.com Website: bracscubashack.com

LITTLE CAYMAN | Flat Fishing Southern Cross Club Fish, Dive & Kite Resort has the only full service fishing facility on Little Cayman.

Southern Cross Club’s professional guides will make sure you have incredible opportunities to hook a number of dream species. Some of these fish can be caught as close as the shore right in front of the resort, where tailing Bonefish, Permit and Jacks regularly break the calm waters. The Southern Cross Club has a full complement of rental equipment for fly-fishing and spin casting.

See contact details below for more information about this activity and the rates.

Location: Southern Cross Club Fish, Dive & Kite Resort 44 South Hole, Little Cayman Telephone: (345) 948-1099 Email: info@southerncrossclub.com Website: southerncrossclub.com/rates/ flats-fishing-compliment

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FEATURED

ATTRACTION

CAYMAN SPIRITS CO. DISTILLERY Go get a behind-the-scenes look at Cayman Spirits Company’s unique tour. Inside the custom-built 5,000 square foot facility you’ll see a 1,200 gallon Vendome copper pot still, the 30-foot-tall Gun Bay Vodka tower, and their original Christian Carl pot still they use to perfect Seven Fathoms Rum.

CAYMAN SPIRITS CO. DISTILLERY

The tour concludes in their tasting room, where you’ll sample fresh batches of Seven Fathoms Rum, Gun Bay Vodka, and Governor’s Reserve Rum. Plus, you can try their seasonal "Distiller's Special" – a rare creation only available at the Cayman Spirits Company Distillery.

Tour Details: Duration: 30 – 40 minutes Price: USD $15 per person; discounts available for groups of 5 or more.

Location: 68 Bronze Road, George Town, Grand Cayman Tour Times Daily: 11:00 am, 1:00 pm & 3:00 pm Refer to distillery tour scheduler at the website below to reserve a tour time.

Special tour times are available for groups of 5 or more. Advanced booking is strongly recommended to secure your tour time.

For more information about tours see further contact details below.

Telephone: (345) 943-4RUM Email: tours@rum.ky Website: caymanspirits.com/tours

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FEATURED

ANNUAL EVENT

CAYMAN ISLANDS NATIONAL FESTIVAL – PIRATES WEEK

PIRATES WEEK FESTIVAL FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3 – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19 This year’s 40th celebration comes with a big change, moving from an eleven-day to a five-day festival combining the annual district Heritage Days. With all five of Grand Cayman’s district representatives in one place, guests will have the chance to explore the Cayman Islands all in one day during the largest Heritage Day event in the islands’ history. Visit your favourite booth and vote for your favourite district.

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ALL-ISLANDS FESTIVITIES: CAYMAN BRAC - PIRATES WEEK FESTIVAL FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3 – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5 The Cayman Brac festivities will feature a bonfire, welcome party, heritage displays, a parade and fireworks. Specific events include: • Happy Hour • Pirates Party Kick-Off Dance • Heritage Day Events (Demos, Craft Stalls, Live Music, Traditional Teas Party • Float Parade • Happy Hour and Finale Party • Pirates Farewell Lunch For full details on Cayman Brac events visit piratesweekfestival.com/events/ cayman-brac-events

GRAND CAYMAN - PIRATES WEEK FESTIVAL THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9 – MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13 The Grand Cayman festivities will feature five fun-filled days of music, street dances, competitions, games, traditional dishes and drinks, parades, kid’s and teen activities, sporting events for all ages, a pirate invasion and spectacular fireworks displays.

Specific events include: • Mike Lockwood Memorial International Swim Meet • Pirates Week Happy Hour • CUC Pan in De City (Steel Pan Competition) • Pirates Week Kick-Off Party • Pirates Week 5K Run • Food Festival • ‘Teen Up’ Street Dance • Adult Street Dance • Miss Festival Queen Competition • Fireworks (Opens & Closes festival) • Pirate Star “Homeland Edition” • “Pirates Platter” Breakfast at Paradise

• Pirates Pooch Parade • Caybrew Cardboard Boat Race • Pre-Landing Entertainment • Landing Pageant and Float Parade • Pirates Week Song Competition • “To Hell and Back” 10K Run/Walk • Children’s Fun Day • “Soaked” Pirates Week Wet Fete • 5K Sea Swim • Combined Heritage Day • Sentencing of the Pirates • “Illumination” Night Parade • Float Parade

For full details on Grand Cayman events visit piratesweekfestival.com/events/grand-cayman-events

LITTLE CAYMAN - PIRATES WEEK FESTIVAL FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17 – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19 The Little Cayman festivities will feature a pirates welcome party, a parade, a firework display and farewell BBQ. Specific events include: • Kick-Off Dance • Costume Competition and Pirates Dance • Pirates Farewell Lunch For full details on Little Cayman events visit piratesweekfestival.com/ events/little-cayman-events Contact the Pirates Week Office and visit their website for further information on all events.

Telephone: (345) 949-5078 Email: info@piratesweekfestival.com Website: piratesweekfestival.com

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FEATURED

ANNUAL EVENT

CAYMAN RESTAURANT MONTH CAYMAN RESTAURANT MONTH SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1 – TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31 Participating restaurants include:

If you’ve always wanted to try a particular restaurant in Cayman or love to dine out but your budget doesn’t allow you as many nights out as you’d like, Cayman Restaurant Month 2017 is your chance to revisit your favourite restaurant or branch out and try something new.

• Agua • Ferdinand’s (Westin) • Ave (Kimpton) • Rackams • Beach House (Westin) • Grand Old House • Catch • Wharf • Cimboco • Vivo For more information about Restaurant Month, contact the Cayman Islands Tourism Association at the details below.

Cayman Good Taste is proud to be the main sponsor for this event, which gives you the opportunity throughout the month of October to eat out at some of Cayman’s best restaurants for the best possible prices.

Telephone: (345) 949-8522 Email: info@cita.ky Website: caymangoodtaste.com/cayman-restaurantmonth

Participating restaurants have created delicious 2-course and 3-course lunches and 3-course dinners (with wine pairing available at select restaurants) starting at just USD $12 for lunch and USD $30 for dinner.

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10

EVENT

CALENDAR SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER EVERY WEDNESDAY Farmers & Artisans Market Discover an array of local purveyors – offering products and experiences found only in Cayman – at Camana Bay’s weekly market. Come early for the widest selection of fresh produce and farm goods, then browse an eclectic selection of artisanal products and handicrafts. The festivities pick up throughout the evening as more artisans join and the market is infused with entertainment, including art and cultural demonstrations as well as live music.

Location: The Paseo, Camana Bay, Grand Cayman Time: 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm (live music begins at 3:00 pm) Telephone: (345) 640-3483 Website: camanabay.com

EVERY WEDNESDAY The Flavour Tour Experience The Flavour Tour, a guided dining adventure featuring local ingredients presented in the signature styles of Camana Bay’s restaurants. Start the evening with a champagne toast at West Indies Wine Company, then enjoy four small-plate courses complemented by featured cocktail pairings before returning to West Indies Wine Company for a taste of one of their 80 vintages.

The cost is USD $89 per person. Tours can be customised for private groups of 10-20 people. Please allow two hours for the full experience. Space is limited.

Location: Camana Bay, West Indies Wine Company, Grand Cayman Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Telephone: (345) 640-TOUR (8687) Email: flavourtour@camanabay.com Website: camanabay.com

EVERY THURSDAY Farm to Table Dinner ‘Farm to Table’ is truly a Caymankind culinary experience, hosted by the Cayman Cabana Oceanfront Restobar in partnership with Cayman’s own Plantation Organics and local fishermen. All dinners are prepared fresh and are complemented by a fusion of delicious locally inspired cuisine.

Reservations required every Wednesday before 10:00 am.

Location: Cayman Cabana Oceanside Restobar North Church Street, George Town Dinner time: 7:30 pm Telephone: (345) 949-3080 Email: caymancabana@gmail.com Website: caymancabanarestaurant.com

EVERY THURSDAY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY LIVE Music by Hi-Tide Hi-Tide, an acoustic duo from the Cayman Islands, is well known for their live performances as well as their recordings of classic covers and catchy, contemporary, original pop songs.

Location: Decker’s Caribbean Inspired Grille, Seven Mile Beach, West Bay Live Music Times: Thursday: 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm Friday: 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm Saturday: 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm Telephone: (345) 945-6600 Email: hitide@candw.ky Website: hitidemusic.com

EVERY FRIDAY Sea Sessions Sea Sessions happy hour features 2-for-1 drinks.

Against the backdrop of a breathtaking sunset, there is entertainment provided to ease you into the weekend.

Location: Pedro St James Castle, Outpost Bar (Happy hour begins at 5:00 pm and goes on until late) Telephone: (345) 947-3329 Email: info@pedrostjames.ky Website: facebook.com/TourismAttractionBoard

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EVERY SATURDAY

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

Market at the Grounds

Central Caribbean Marine Institute's Festival of Seas

A vibrant and lively place complemented by the natural beauty of its surroundings, The Market is a place to unwind with friends and family, sample traditional Cayman cuisine and get fresh ingredients for your home-cooked meals, all of which are grown right here in Cayman.

This year’s theme, “Beach Ball” is CCMI’s 2017 Festival of Seas annual fundraiser. It is a night of fantastic food, music and dancing at one of Cayman’s most stunning beach settings. Support the only marine research facility in the Cayman Islands and CCMI’s work in ensuring vibrant reefs and healthy oceans for the future.

Telephone: (345) 947-3090

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame Each year the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism hosts the annual dinner and induction ceremony, where the Pioneers, Artists and Entrepreneurs are presented with the prestigious award for their outstanding contributions to the sport.

The Board of Directors of the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame maintains the high standards of the Hall of Fame and oversees the prestigious induction ceremony.

These Board members are internationally recognised individuals who have contributed to the sport, are actively involved in the scuba diving industry and are leaders of their local dive community.

Location: Marriott Beach Resort, Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman Event Time: 7:00 pm – 11:30 pm

Event time: 5:00 pm – 11:00pm Contact the Central Caribbean Marine Institute at the below details for more information.

Telephone: (345) 948-1094 Email: rsvp@reefresearch.org Website: www.reefresearch.org

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1 – TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31 Cayman Restaurant Month If you’ve always wanted to try a particular restaurant in Cayman or love to dine out but your budget doesn’t allow you as many nights out as you’d like, Cayman Restaurant Month 2017 is your chance to revisit your favourite restaurant or branch out and try something new.

For more information contact the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (CIDOT) at the details below.

For more information see the ‘Featured Annual Events’ section in the e-magazine or contact the Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA) at the details below.

Telephone: (345) 949-0623 Website: www.caymanislands.ky/eventsoffers/ scubadivinghalloffame.aspx

Telephone: (345) 949-8522

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20 – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3 – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5

Cayman Cocktail Week

Pirates Week Festival - Cayman Brac

Cayman Cocktail Week is a celebration of all things cocktail-y and sip-worthy in the Cayman Islands. 2017 will mark its 5th year running with fun and interactive events almost every day. You could meet some of the top industry professionals, make-your-own gin or go on a historical cocktail tour.

Participating Restaurants & Businesses: Agua, Icoa, Books & Books, Royal Palms Pool Bar, Karoo, Mise en Place, Carey’s Karma Closet.

The Cayman Brac festivities will feature a bonfire, welcome party, heritage displays, a parade and fireworks.

For full schedule of events visit www.piratesweekfestival. com/events/cayman-brac-events

For more information contact the Pirates Week Office or visit their website at the below details.

Telephone: (345) 526-4680 Email from website: caymancocktailweek.com/ subscribetomycocktaillist Website: caymancocktailweek.com

Telephone: (345) 949-5078 Email: info@piratesweekfestival.com Website: piratesweekfestival.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5

Pirates Week Charity Golf Tournament

The Cayman Islands Triathlon

The Pirates Week Festival Office is hosting a fundraising Charity Golf Tournament that aims to benefit the Alzheimer's and Dementia Association of the Cayman Islands (ADACI) in efforts to assist people and families of people living with the disease.

Location: North Sound Golf Club, George Town, Grand Cayman Event Time: 12:30 pm – 6:30 pm

For almost 20 years the Cayman Islands Triathlon Association has promoted local sports and competition in the Cayman Islands. From swimmers and cyclists to runners, from first-timers to fierce contenders, and from fun to competitive types. Athletes have a choice of 2 race distances: The Sprint Triathlon: 750m swim, 12.4 miles bike and 3.1 mile run. The Olympic Distance: 1,500m swim, 24.8 miles bike and 6.2 mile run.

Participants must be a member of CITA. If not, they must register now at the CITA www.triathlon.ky/documents/ membership.pdf. No registration on race day.

To register or find out more about the tournament contact the Pirates Week office or visit their website at the details below.

Starting point: Seven Mile Public Beach Check-in (on race day): 6:00 am Race start time: 6:45 am

Telephone: (345) 949-5078 Email: info@piratesweekfestival.com

For more information about this event contact the Cayman Islands Triathlon Association.

Website: piratesweekfestival.com

Telephone: (345) 526-7000 Email: info@triathlon.ky Website: www.triathlon.ky

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9 – MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11

Pirates Week Festival - Grand Cayman

Junior Batabano & Family Fun Day

The Grand Cayman festivities will feature five fun-filled days of music, street dances, competitions, games, traditional dishes and drinks, a Pirate Pooch Parade, a children’s fun day, teen dance, two glittering parades, sporting events for all ages, a pirate invasion and spectacular fireworks displays.

Experience the ‘pirate invasion’ from the sea. Two old-time sailing vessels, loaded with pirates make a Saturday surprise landing at the bowl-shaped George Town harbour with the pirates capturing the Governor.

Thousands of people line the streets to watch the spectacle and it’s all good-natured fun with a new twist every year. Families just love it. It's the only event of its kind in the Caribbean region.

For full schedule of events visit www.piratesweekfestival. com/events/grand-cayman-events For more information contact the Pirates Week Office or visit their website at the below details.

Telephone: (345) 949-5078 Email: info@piratesweekfestival.com Website: piratesweekfestival.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10

Time: 2:00pm – Midnight Location: George Town Harbour, Grand Cayman For more information contact the Pirates Week Office or visit their website at the below details.

Telephone: (345) 949-5078 Email: info@piratesweekfestival.com Website: piratesweekfestival.com

Fireworks, Street Dance & Food Festival The fireworks display on Friday marks the opening of the Pirates Week festivities followed by a street dance.

This is a free event open to the public. Food vendors sell their traditional fares to the public.

Time: 9:00 pm – 2:00 am Location: George Town Harbour, Grand Cayman For more information contact the Pirates Week Office or visit their website at the below details.

Telephone: (345) 949-5078 Email: info@piratesweekfestival.com Website: piratesweekfestival.com

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2018 FIRST EDITION

EVENTS

AT A GLANCE (JANUARY – APRIL) MISS CAYMAN ISLANDS PAGEANT January

CAYMAN COOKOUT January

TASTE OF CAYMAN FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL February

ANNUAL AGRICULTURE SHOW February

RED SKY AT NIGHT FESTIVAL (CAYFEST) February

DRESS FOR CULTURE DAY February

MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL February

THE CAYMAN ISLANDS ORCHID SHOW February

BATABANO CARNIVAL JUNIOR PARADE April Further event details will be in the next quarter’s edition.

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MADE IN

CAYMAN: CAYMAN BRAC HOMEADE ROUND BREAD

PIONEER BAKERY, CAYMAN BRAC

P

ioneer Bakery, Cayman Brac is the home of the famous round bread. When in Cayman Brac be sure to stop in to the bakery and choose one of the fresh, straight out of the oven breads.

Pioneer Bakery breads and buns are ONLY made in Cayman Brac. They can be found in the Foster's stores as well as gas stations on all three islands.

Location: The Creek, North Side, Cayman Brac Business Hours: Monday – Wednesday, Friday & Saturday: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm Thursdays, Sundays & Public Holidays - CLOSED For more information see contact details below.

Telephone: (345) 948-0519 Email: pioneerbakery@gmail.com Website: facebook.com/Pioneer-BakeryCayman-Brac-Home-of-the-Famous-roundBread-171167911353/

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LOCAL

CUISINE FEATURED APPETISER MACARONI PUDDING

Macaroni pudding is one of Cayman’s most popular traditional desserts. You will most likely find the famous dessert available at most local restaurants.

Ingredients: 4 Cups Elbow Macaroni 2 x 12 oz Cans Low Fat Carnation Evaporated Milk (3 ½ cups) 1 Cup Water 3 Cups White Sugar (or to taste) 2 Tsp Salt 4 Eggs ¼ Cup Butter or Margarine 1 Cup Raisins 2 ½ Tsp Nutmeg 2 Tbsp Vanilla Flavouring

Baking Directions: Add macaroni to large pan with sufficient water to cover (approximately 4 cups). Add salt and bring to boil until tender (approximately 25 -30 minutes). Meanwhile, beat eggs and sugar together, add vanilla and nutmeg, mix well and set aside. In a separate medium sauce pan, heat evaporated milk plus 1 cup of water and butter to almost a boiling point. Remove from heat and add to sugar mixture. Drain cooked macaroni and add to the milk mixture, and raisins and stir well. (This mixture will have quite a bit of liquid, but this will form a nice custard textured pudding once baked.)

Grease a large baking dish with butter or margarine, add the macaroni mixture and sprinkle with additional nutmeg. Bake at 350° F for 1 hour or until golden brown. (Pudding should be firm enough to cut, but moist and not dry).

WHERE

TO EAT FEATURED LOCAL RESTAURANTS CORAL ISLE CLUB RESTAURANT

(Cayman Brac)

Coral Isle Club Restaurant specialises in traditional, local and caribbean cuisine.

Location: South Side, West End, Cayman Brac Business Hours: Monday – Thursday: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm Friday – Sunday: 8:00 am - 2:00 am Telephone: (345) 948-2500 Website: facebook.com/pg/CORAL-ISLERestaurant-523141694440022/about/?ref=page_ internal

THE BIRD OF PARADISE RESTAURANT (Little Cayman)

ISLAND TASTE (Grand Cayman)

Island Taste has been catering to the Cayman Islands for over 40 years - offering a various selection of local and Caribbean tastes. Island Taste is also the local distributor of Jamaica's number one patty, Juicy Beef. They also specialise in pastries, local dishes and natural juices.

Staffed by an international team of trained Chefs, Bird of Paradise appeals to the most discerning taste buds and serves a wide variety of gourmet international and Caribbean-inspired cuisine.

Choose to dine in our air-conditioned dining room, screened lanai, or al fresco on the patio with our resident iguanas. The Chef will accommodate those with special dietary or vegetarian needs.

Location: Little Cayman Beach Resort, 1128 Guy Banks Road, Blossom Village, Little Cayman

Location: 7 Caymanian Village, North Sound Way, George Town Business Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:00 am – 3:00 pm Saturday: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

Business Hours: Breakfast: Monday - Friday: 7:00 am – 8:30 am

Saturday: 7:00 am – 9:00 am Lunch: Monday – Saturday: 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

Sunday: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm Dinner: Monday – Sunday: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

For more information about daily menu and catering contact Island Taste or visit their website at the details below.

Telephone: (345) 948-1033 Email from website: littlecayman.com/contact-us/ Website: littlecayman.com/resort/dining/

Telephone: (345) 949-1480 Email: info@islandtastecayman.com Website: www.islandtaste.ky/menu

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OUR

HISTORY

HOW CAYMAN ISLANDS GOT ITS NAME

T

he Cayman Islands was first sighted by European explorers on May 10, 1503, owing to a chance wind that blew Christopher Columbus’ ship off course.

On his fourth and final voyage to the New World, Columbus was en route to the island of Hispaniola (home to Haiti and the Dominican Republic), when his ship was thrust westward toward “two very small and low islands, full of tortoises (turtles), as was all the sea all about, insomuch that they looked like little rocks, for which reason these islands were called Las Tortugas”.

Columbus named the islands after the turtles he saw in the waters around them. The two islands sighted were Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.

A 1523 map showing all three Islands gave them the name Lagartos, meaning alligators or large lizards, but by 1526 the name Caymanos was being used. It is derived from the Carib Indian word for the marine crocodile, which is now known to have lived in the Islands. This name, or a variant, has been retained ever since. Thus, the word eventually developed into Cayman and adding the word Islands, we became the ‘Cayman Islands’.

WHO YA FA?

Caymanians have a unique dialogue where they utter their words in a slow fashion, especially when talking to their peers or family member. Here are a few of the sayings and meanings behind the words.

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CAYMANIAN

ENGLISH

Who you fa?

Wha happen?

I coming errectly Wha happen to unna?

Who you for?

Who ya daddeh Is? Bobo

Who’s your family?

Hi or How are you?

I’ll be there soon Whats up with you?

Who is your mother?

Who is your father?

Pet name for a guy

CAYMANIAN SYMBOLS

FASCINATING INSIGHTS INTO THE HISTORY OF SOME OF OUR SYMBOLS.

OUR COAT OF ARMS

SILVER THATCH PALM

The Cayman Islands coat of arms consists of a shield, a crested helm and the motto.

Three green stars represents our Islands and rest on blue and white wavy bands representing the sea. In the top third of the shield, against a red background, is a gold griffin “passant guardant” representing Great Britain.

Tall, slender silver thatch palms are especially conspicuous at the eastern end of all three of the Cayman Islands, where they sway in the trade winds high above the low, dry thickets of native trees and shrubs. The leaves are what give this tree its common name; they are green on the top and silver on the bottom. Up to the early 1960s, the silver thatch palm played an important role in the lives of Caymanians.

Unusually strong, the leaves have a variety of uses, from roofing for houses to the plaiting and sewing of hats, baskets and fans. In earlier years, thatch rope made from the thatch palm was highly prized in Cuba and Jamaica for use in shipping, fishing and sugar industries. Exporting rope was Cayman’s largest source of revenue.

Above the shield is a green turtle on a coil of rope.

Behind the turtle is a gold pineapple. The turtle represents Cayman’s seafaring history; the rope, its traditional thatch-rope industry; and the pineapple, its ties with Jamaica. The Islands’ motto, "He hath founded it upon the seas," is printed at the bottom of the shield.

THE WILD BANANA ORCHID The woods provide shelter for several varieties of flowering plants, including orchids. Probably the best known of Cayman’s 26 species of orchids is the wild banana orchid, of which there are two varieties– one which originated on Grand Cayman, and the other came from Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. The flowers appear at the top of a long, curved spike; at the bottom of the spike there is a cluster of banana-like pseudo-bulbs that give this orchid its name.

THE CAYMAN PARROT About 2,000 parrots inhabit Grand Cayman, while the quieter, smaller Cayman Brac Parrot maintains a stable population of about 400. Nesting in tree holes in old-growth forests, the colourful parrots depend on undisturbed woodlands and black mangrove forests for survival. Cayman’s parrots have iridescent green feathers with darker edges over the body, a white eye ring, red cheeks, black ear patches and brilliant blue wing feathers which are only obvious when in flight.

Historically, parrots were common family pets. Today, however, it is illegal to take a parrot from the wild and keep it as a pet.

CAYMANIAN

ENGLISH

CAYMANIAN

ENGLISH

Tedee Wha do you?

Soon come Come yah Rite down deh Na too far It jus rite dere

Pet name for a lady What’s wrong with you?

It is happening, but don’t wait!

Come here Right there Not too far It’s just right there

It nuh too far from ya I tink so innu Doon fugget now Yih’see Wha ya sayin bobo Trouble don’t blow shell

It’s not very far from here I do think so Don’t forget You See What’s up, how are you today?

No warning when troubles arrive

BE SAFE, DRIVE 10 Road Safety Tips while driving in the Cayman Islands The Cayman Islands has one of the best maintained road systems in the Caribbean with clear signage and paved roads. Before deciding to drive in another country be sure to research and study the road ways to be safe. Getting around the Cayman Islands is easy but here are ten basic tips you should keep in mind to ensure your road safety.

1.

Buckle your seatbelt.

2. Look right, DRIVE on the LEFT. 3. Speed limits are Miles Per Hour (MPH).

4. Left turns allowed at stoplights.

5. Always use your indicators and check your mirrors.

6. Approach roundabouts with caution: a. Do not stop on the roundabout. b. Outer lane is for short left turns only. c. Do not use outer lane for no more than two exits. d. Traffic circulates in a clockwise direction in all roundabouts. e. Never switch lanes to exit. f. Always yield to the vehicle on your right.

7. No texting or using your cell phone while driving.

8. Do not impede emergency vehicles.

9. Keep an eye out for pedestrians and cyclists.

10. Call 911 in the event of an accident.

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