By Emily Elyse Miller From Trends on Trends

Don’t say I didn’t warn you because after reading this you’re going to end up packing your bags and moving to Grand Cayman. I mean I don’t even need to do that much convincing, one peak at how beautiful this island is and my work is done. Rum cocktails, beach bars, amazing food… and more rum, are you sold yet?

A recent trip to Grand Cayman proved that sustainable efforts play a huge impact in even the smallest of places. One of the front runners in supporting this movement is the islands newest destination called Camana Bay Every corner houses an inviting little restaurant or shop with island vibes all around. These restaurants are using local ingredients to support their beautiful island and join in the Slow Food movement.

So what exactly are local ingredients from Grand Cayman? Besides breadfruit, which is neither a type of bread or fruit but more similar to a starchy potato or yucca plant, there is a problem with there being too many Lionfish in the waters surrounding the island. I am more than happy to help by eating them grilled, fried or raw—any way, they are delicious. Camana Bay is also supporting all of the islands local purveyors by hosting a Slow Food Day. Street fair/farmer’s market by day and tasting menu dinner by night, this dedicated event really celebrates all of the great produce found on the island. Chef Thomas Tennant of Michael’s Genuine roasted an entire goat! There was also a coconut-grilled snapper from Andrea Reusing of Lantern Restaurant that will basically change your life.

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman could not have been more gorgeous. As soon as I walked in they immediately handed me a brightly colored rum punch— the quickest way to my heart. The resort is in an amazing location to walk down the beach and have too many a few rum drinks or Caybrews (the local beer) at Royal Palms or Calico Jacks. Then walk back down the beach to rest your head in the newly renovated rooms, sinking into your bed after a long day in the sun.

It’s hard to stop eating with all of this great food around but such a good tan happened after a day out with Cayman Luxury Charters doing basically whatever we wanted. So naturally we made friends with some stingrays in Stingray City, drank mudslides at Rum Point and flipped over some starfish at starfish beach. There was also local conch ceviche served on their seriously gorgeous boat—island life is rough huh. There are some amazing eats on this island, but with the breadfruit salad from Michael’s Genuine, local guava sorbet from Gelato & Co. and basically anything from Jessie’s Juice Bar, you don’t even need to leave Camana Bay, though on my next trip I do have my sights set on Vivine’s Kitchen. Grand Cayman I will be back for you!

For more on this story go to:

http://trendsontrends.com/2014/05/slow-food-in-grand-cayman/