FROM THE LOCALS: MONICA WALTON
A journey for the senses, the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman has launched its ‘Culinary Tour’ a regionally inspired menu with imaginative, impeccable dishes to bring a taste of Italy to its sophisticated, yet Caribbean casual waterfront restaurant.
I had the pleasure of experiencing 4 courses on a Friday lunch-time, an excuse to escape my emails and office duties, why not?
Showing up with an empty stomach, I was greeted with a colorful gin cocktail laced with summer berries and a four course menu, family-style concept, that drew inspiration from Campania Napoli (Naples), famous for its pizza, mozzarella & fresh tomatoes, with that in mind this lunch was bound to be phenomenal - and it was.
Course 1: Pizza Fritta Salsiccia & Friarielli
Deep fried calzone filled with sausage, smoked provolone cheese and broccoli rabe. A street-food delicacy in Napoli, and unsurprisingly, it tasted every bit as good as its hard-to-pronounce name sounds.
Course 2: Ragu Napoletano
A Neapolitan take on "Sunday Gravy", large, tender chunks of pork and braised beef soaked in tomato Sauce and vegetables and served with "Paccheri" pasta. Of course with freshly grated parmesan making a starring appearance.
For the vegetarians, like me, as great as it looked, I opted for an eggplant pasta with a creamy tomato sauce, topped off with capers and peppercorns.
Course 3: Polpette Di Melanzane
Vegetarian meatballs, served as a side dish or an appetizer, soft, flavorful and delicious, trying just one of these ‘polpettes’ could easily turn into five. Or six. Ok, 10.
Course 4: Babba’ Al Rum
The main event is followed up with an artistic & creative dessert, baby-brioche buns soaked in rum. A complete mix of Caribbean & Italian flavors that mesh so well together, leaving you full, happy & satisfied.
