A Taste of the Real Cayman: An East End Road Trip to Vivine’s Kitchen
Start Your Day at Coral Stone Club
One of the best ways to experience Grand Cayman beyond the beach is to hit the road in search of authentic Caymanian food. When you’re staying at Coral Stone Club, in your own beachfront condo on Seven Mile Beach, the island’s quieter East End makes a wonderful day trip, filled with spectacular Caribbean views, roadside jerk chicken stands, and incredible local food.
Start your morning with a swim in our zero-entry saltwater infinity pool or a workout in the fitness centre. Then grab the car keys, conveniently close due to complimentary on-site parking, and set off to explore another side of the island.
Enjoy the Scenic Drive to the East End
As you leave Seven Mile Beach behind, the pace of the island begins to slow even more. The road hugs the coastline, Caribbean water stretches towards the horizon, and the scenery invites you to wind down the windows and stop whenever a view catches your eye.
The East End feels a world away from the busier resort areas. Here, the journey is just as enjoyable as the destination, with quiet coastal stretches, swaying palms, and glimpses of everyday island life along the way.
Follow the Road to Authentic Caymanian Food
Part of the adventure is discovering where the locals eat. Along the way, you’ll spot countless jerk chicken stands and roadside kitchens serving Caribbean favourites. The aromas of smoky jerk seasoning and grilled meats drift through the warm air, making it tempting to stop at every turn.
Some of the best discoveries happen when you follow a sign, pull off the road, and find yourself driving up what looks like someone’s private driveway. Often, it is! These family-run kitchens offer a chance to meet locals, share a conversation, and experience Caymanian hospitality at its most genuine.
Discover Vivine’s Kitchen: A Restaurant at Home
One of the first stops in our series exploring the island’s local food scene is Vivine’s Kitchen, in the home of Vivine Walter, where she runs her restaurant. You order at the door, and the menu changes daily depending on what’s fresh and available. It’s wonderfully unpretentious and about as authentic as island dining gets.
Savour Caymanian Favourites
Expect traditional dishes such as stew chicken, jerk specialties, curries, oxtail, lobster, conch, macaroni pie, rice and peas, and callaloo.
One of the main highlights (pictured above) is the BBQ Cayman Chicken, served with rice and beans, sweet plantains, and incredible cornbread flavoured with nutmeg and cinnamon. Warm, fragrant, and delicious, the cornbread deserves a mention of its own! At around US$20 per dish, this is exceptional value for a generous taste of local cooking.
Seaside Dining with a View
The setting is every bit as special as the food. Perched on a small bluff overlooking a narrow stretch of white-sand beach, Vivine’s offers a front-row seat to the Caribbean.
There’s no music or TV, just waves lapping the shore, the occasional rooster crowing, and the breeze rustling through the palms. The salty sea air mingles with the aromas drifting from the kitchen, creating a wonderfully laid-back atmosphere that’s hard to replicate.
Return to Seven Mile Beach for Sunset
After lunch, enjoy the scenic drive back to Seven Mile Beach. Return to Coral Stone Club for a swim, a soak in the hot tub, or a BBQ before watching the sun set over the water in shades of orange, pink, and gold.
With three-bedroom beachfront condos, complimentary beach loungers, a saltwater infinity pool, tennis, pickleball, and beach volleyball, Coral Stone Club offers the ideal base for balancing days of discovery with time to unwind. Our team is happy to help plan your visit with us.
