Hard Rock Cafe, Cayman Islands October 20, 2009

Ah the Hard Rock. Well renowned franchise heavyweight and it opened it’s doors back in 2000 here in the Cayman Islands. It is a staple in the Cayman’s now and has also been labelled the tourist trap that it is. Downtown George Town attracts 1.5 Million cruise shippers a year here in Cayman and that number declines annually. With the tourism department perhaps not doing it’s job in attracting cruise ship numbers like other Caribbean islands, Cayman has suffered as a result.

Hard Rock understandably down sized  last year to allow for the presumed injection of sub rent from a tenant whilst still packing them in during peak season and hours. Nightime was still a drab though as I walked in their a few nights after work. Now non smoking and cleaner it was still labelled in the tourist bracket and therefore not for locals. I just needed the burger! It still is the best on the island.

Touche Cayman Islands. Touche. Lately, the Hard Rock has accepted that it has to not rely on the cruise shippers in there sandals and socks and need to rely on the locals with the shoes and flip flops. Two weeks ago I went in again. I like the decor and music. It’s a great looking place at night when the lights are dropped (all be it too cold sometimes) and now that there are offers for me and my wife at night time, I am going to go more often.

Case in point – Steak Night. Every Wednesday they sell a choice of steaks for $13.00 each. The deal is great! The service is great and others are coming in for it too. As a result, there is a good atmosphere in there. It reminds me of the days when the cafe first opened it’s doors. Other offers include the pasta night and now curry Friday (which I am yet too experience – but I am on the mailing list).

Everyone has their favorite Hard Rock menu item. You always know what you are getting as well. I don’t think I have ever had a BAD meal at Hard Rock. After all, I am sure that it is paint by numbers for them. My partner swears by the Mac & Cheese and sometimes I have to pick it up on the way home! My message in this blog? I would give it a chance again. It isn’t cheesy and tourist tack. It is the one downtown restaurant that isn’t in my opinion. They are responding to locals and need to be applauded. Ask for your 10% discount – I get it when the ships are in.

Hard Rock Cafe, Cayman Islands
www.hardrock.com/caymanislands
623 7625

Running – A Mug’s Game in Cayman? October 10, 2009

Cayman Driver

I am no runner. I am at the stage in my life when I run for my aging body to survive hopefully a bit longer. I am lucky to have gotten to the stage where I actually enjoy it and am thinking of signing up for many of the charitable runs that take place every year in the Cayman Islands. Also, the wife will kill me if I get any bigger!

St. Patricks Day 5k; The Christmas one; The Pirates Week one that takes place the end of each November in Grand Cayman are all looking fairly attractive right now. The weather is even changing to make it even more appealing. The man boobs arent going anywhere, however I feel better and I sleep better and I think I am more productive at work.

Things just cannot be that simple can they in the Cayman Islands. The burglaries are up; the murders are up, the general safety of our families are in more jeopardy than they have ever before. Remember when you didn’t have to lock your door? Well, there is another crime waiting to happen in the Cayman’s and mark my words it is only a matter of time before it happens. Someone exercising is going to get killed in the Cayman Islands by a driver. Fact. Someone who is out to make their life longer through excercise is going to have their life shortened by a driver.

There are many places to excercise in the Caymans. But, the road is so wide in places that it can and should be one of the safest places to run. There are white lines marking the edge of the road and there are another 6 feet between line and runner in most of the main roads in Cayman. Why then, do drivers seem to have two of their 4 wheels over the white line? What are they looking at? I have personally seen drivers doing their hair in traffic! I swear to God! She was definitely driving her car with her legs as she tied back her head with one hand and combed it through with the other. Sorry? What? Don’t pull me over for doign 42 mph. Pull her over.

Seeing approximately 100 drivers per run, I get a good luck at most drivers – head on. The majority are OK, but why are people texting as they drive. People are operating a keyboard whilst they drive a motor vehicle. These same drivers are so far over the white lines I am hoping there windows are open so I can shout at them and scare the crap out of them. How? Because they would not know I was there. Welcome to the haunted house of the streets of Grand Cayman.

With the technological world developing faster than I can run, there are the peripherals out there that can stop all of this from happening. Blue tooth, wireless head sets, radio calling etc etc. Thing is, why purchase such a thing if it is not even in Government Legislation. It may be soon though as someone will die as a result of a driver texting or talking on their cell phone. Fact.