Tukka Brunch

A few weekends ago, Cayman got a holiday for the Queen's Diamond Jubliee (a celebration marking 60 years of The Queen's reign).  We decided to make the most of the long weekend and journey out to East End for Tukka's Sunday brunch.  Tukka features Australian cuisine with an island twist - needless to say it's been on our bucket list for a while.  When a couple from our small group won a gift card there, we all decided to join them!

Plate #1 (I think of four, but two were dessert plates!)

I really liked the casual outdoor eating.  The porch had a great breeze and a beautiful view of the sea.

Buffet style brunch, including kangaroo sushi (which, for the record, makes me a little sad.  I didn't partake.)

My favorite part?  The rum soaked bread pudding.  So AMAZING!  (Not pictured, sorry.  It tasted better than it looked).  

After brunch we drove to Morritt's, which is a resort in East End.  We spent several hours there, enjoying their infinity pool and pool-side bar.  The perfect relaxing afternoon!

Sar and Gar Visit - Ritz, Brasserie, Hospital, Rum Point

This starts out as such an innocent post: Ritz, Brasserie, Hospital, Rum Point...wait, did I say hospital???  Oh yes, I did.  Wait for it, I'll explain.

Thursday

Sarah and Garret spent Thursday night at the Ritz (yay for a ten year anniversary!), so that afternoon we got to use their facilities.  Including the ladies' jacuzzi and spa.  Luxury times ten (don't worry, the boys got some quality male bonding time in the men's spa room).

 Friday

Friday we did lunch at The Brasserie and then saw "What to Expect When Expecting" at the Camana Bay theater (two thumbs up for the restaurant and movie).

The food at The Brasserie was delicious and super fresh.  Apparently they have a garden out back where they grown their own vegetables. I loved the mini pineapple on the table - it's in water, so I'm assuming it's a real thing?

Saturday

Saturday was Sarah and Garret's last day.  I was so happy when I woke up and it wasn't raining.  It wasn't exactly blue skies, but the sun was out!  Since Rum Point is an hour drive, we did our best to get an early start.  We made it to the parking lot and then poor Sarah shut her finger in the car door.  I rushed her to first aid, where the guy was super calm and helpful, cleaning and bandaging the cut.  He suggested going to the hospital to get it checked out, so back in the car...45 minutes to George Town.

After about three hours, Sarah was checked out and had her prescription.  They did an x-ray and couldn't tell if it was broken, but put it in a nice splint.  It was about 3:00 pm, and after the luck they'd had, I said we should do whatever they want for the last bit of their vacation.  Amazingly enough, Sarah wanted to go back to Rum Point.  Even more amazingly, Brent agreed to the drive!

So four hours in the car for two hours at Rum Point.  But Sarah got to lay in the hammocks by the beach, which is the one thing she really wanted, so it was worth it.

We love these two so much!  Thanks for coming to spend a week with us.  Let's all go back for your twenty year anniversary!

Sar and Gar Visit - Ristorante Pappagallo, Hell, Camana Bay, Calypso

As I mentioned in my last post, we had crazy bad weather the week Sarah and Garret were here.  Technically May is the start of rainy season, but usually that just means it will rain for a little bit a few days a week, and then be super sunny and hot the rest of the time.  But poor Sarah and Garret.  Rain.  Every.  Single.  Day.  The first two days they were here, we got 13 inches of rainfall.  It was a monsoon!  I was incredibly bummed, but Sarah and Garret kept a good attitude.  We did our best to think of rainy day activities, including going to the movies and doing a week-long Modern Family marathon.  And lots and lots of good eating :)

Tuesday

There was a brief break in the rain so we headed to George Town.  Did a little shopping there, including a stop at It's Sugar.

As the rain picked up, we went to Margaritaville for drinks.

That night we dined at Ristorante Pappagallo.  Brent and I have been here one other time - our first week on island!  I'm glad we got a chance to go back with Sarah and Garret.

Wednesday

Another gray afternoon meant a chance to do some sight-seeing.  First up, a stop at Hell.

Next we headed to Camana Bay, where we walked around a bit and got treats from Black Trumpet.

Sarah and I both got this amazing little dessert.  Chocolate mousse with a cheesecake center surrounded by chocolate ganache.  Wowzer.

Up to the observation tower

That night, we joined Jenn and Nate for dinner at Calypso Grill.  Another restaurant we went to early on and were just waiting for a good excuse to go back :) 

Crispy mango shrimp, duck with oranges and cranberry, sea bass with chipotle sauce. I tried a little of everyone's and it was all delicious!

Whew, that's enough for now.  I'll save the last pictures for a third and final post!

Sar and Gar Visit - Blue Cilantro Brunch

My oldest sister Sarah and her husband Garret came to visit in May.  I was so excited to show off our island, but unfortunately they got record-falling rainfall.  Despite the TERRIBLE weather, we had a great (and very memorable) week together.  Here's part one of their trip.

Sunday Brunch

One of the things Brent and I were most excited to do when Sarah and Garret were in town was the brunch at Blue Cilantro.  We'd gone with Steven and Emily in April, and immediately thought of how much the Swartzentrubers would enjoy the experience.  Sarah and Garret arrived on Saturday night.  After church on Sunday, we headed directly to brunch!

The sushi and sashimi were a big hit with the boys

Jumbo shrimp and crab claws

One of the best things about brunch is that you can try a whole bunch of new things because even if you don't like it, no money is wasted!  Here's Garret trying his first oyster:

Of course, you can't beat the breakfast classics either...

Ceviche of the Day

Seafood pasta with white wine sauce

Ready for dessert!

The first day was a success!  If you want to see more pictures of Blue Cilantro brunch, check out this post too.  More Sar and Gar coming up!