fashion student

Insider Guides: Growing up in Cayman with Alyssa Gilbert

HI ALYSSA, WHY DON’T YOU TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF?

I’m Alyssa Gilbert. I’m 19, from West Bay and was raised as an only child with a half-sister. My family works in legal, government, and IT related fields. My hobbies include shopping, going to the beach, filming videos, reading, and my new favourite: going to afternoon tea.

WE LOVE TEA! SO WHAT DO YOU DO NOW?

Currently, I’m a fashion student at London College of Fashion studying fashion media (styling and creative direction), and creating fashion related content for my Youtube channel, xoallyy 

SO WHERE ARE YOUR TOP 3 PLACES TO GO SHOPPING FOR THE BEST FASHION?

My favorite places to shop in cayman are NKY in Camana Bay, Funky Monkey at Governors Square, and Kirk Freeport for my accessories.

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WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CAYMAN?

My favourite thing about Cayman is by far the beach. It’s the only place that I feel at peace and could stay there for hours on end. Not to mention it’s the only place I can get my color back after living in London for a while!

WORST THING ABOUT THE ISLAND? PET PEEVE?

My least favorite things about Cayman at the moment are the lack of untouched land, the ridiculous amounts of litter everywhere, and the pesky mosquitoes in the afternoon.

CAN YOU NAME 4 OF YOUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANTS FOR US?

My four favourite restaurants on island are Ragazzi, Casanova, Papagallos and Copper Falls. I LOVE Italian food, and Copper Falls is on a whole other level of deliciousness!

WHAT ABOUT THOSE HIDDEN GEMS? TELL US ABOUT SOME COOL PLACES!

Some “hidden gems” that I enjoy going to for some peace and quiet are the side beaches in East End (through a path of trees on the side of the road) and Boggy Sands. For some good eats, I like Di Kit-Chin Jerk Stand and Grape Tree Cafe.

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FAVOURITE LOCAL DISH AND WHERE CAN YOU FIND IT?

My favorite local dish is Cayman Style Beef with rice and beans and you can find it in my grandmother’s kitchen, Island Taste restaurant, and anywhere else that sells local cooked food.

WHAT ABOUT A COCKTAIL, WHERE WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO GO FOR SUNSET DRINKS?

My favourite place for sunset drinks is Royal Palms because you have a perfect view of the sunset over the ocean from the bar, and there are 2 for 1 drink specials (which is always a win!)