What to do, what to do…
This is an easy match up and shy of wanting to start pitting restaurants against each other, it makes sense as these are the only two reputable sushi restaraunts on the island. The Ritz Carlton has some sort of Sushi ability in the lounge and Sapphire has a counter (if you can call it that). All in all, the half mile between these two restaurants makes this an even more intriguing bout.
The easiest thing to do to drop points in the first round is to compare prices. Round 1 to Yoshi. The benefit of Bamboo’s location in the previous Hyatt Hotel was the ability to inflate prices. Now that the Hyatt is no more, it seems that they are well over priced, with no disrespect to the Beach Suites. The argument would be portion size as a counter punch from Bamboo – but simply they are over priced though they promise that they are ‘fat’ rolls and are 6 peices. Yoshi cuts 5 or 6 out of his.
Ambience. The urban myth that so many Cayman restaurants have tried to recreate within 4 walls does not work down here for the most part. Some have tried so hard as well. Hurricane Ivan was a chance for the development and investment into infrastructure, fixtures, fittings, lighting, sound and revamp. Yoshi did so. What a great job. Ok, so sometimes it is too bright, sometimes it is too dark and frickin’ cold – but – when full, the restaurant has a great buzz about it – all condusive to purchasing another martini and a Saki on the side.
Bamboo is small. This is not an issue as when full and on wait, people are intrigued and want to wait. Something has to be right if people are willing to wait for a table. It is musty though. Smoking is allowed as well and it extends into the restaurant from the bar. The place just seems to need a lick of paint. I am sure they have been handicapped by the economic downturn and the change of ownerships. Still, thats the impression that people are startign with and/or leaving with and it’s not too cool.
So many people have different opinions about who has the better food. I guess that is the main buffer here. I hear from others that Yoshi is fresher and made with more love. I hear Bamboo has more flavor though is ‘greasy’. Who knows. I guess it is down to the individual. Raw food with it be sushi or sashimi can be a very particualr dish in its different states and Bamboo has the wider selection. Perhaps it is the narrowed down selection with a finer wine list that I prefer at Yoshi rather than the selection of politicians, MLA’s and cigars with a Lychee thrown in.
Yoshi Sushi
The Falls Plaza,
Telephone: (345) 943 9674
Bamboo
Beach side at the Grand Cayman Beach Suites
Telephone: +1 (345) 949 1234
The food at Bamboo is much better. While Yoshi is a good choice also – the biggest down side is that its front of house people are not very welcoming as they seem very inexperienced. It does not appear they have much restaurant experience and it shows. This was evident on my recent visit on 2 May 2009.
How on earth could you not consider Thai Orchid a reputable sushi restaurant?
It may lack imagination, but is leaps and bounds over any mentioned above. And if you give the fantastic sushi chef free rein, he is amazing. (Word of warning, he is off on Mondays)
Duly noted. I have not had the pleasure of going to the Thai Orchid for many years. I think the pricing put me off originally. Non-descript rooms are usually the better rooms as they let the food do the talking rather than the payment of decor to have a voice.
Ill put it on the list. Appreciate the heads up.
Cayreview