Eric Ripert is a man who knows fish. As chef of the award-winning Le Bernardin in New York—considered the finest seafood restaurant in the city—he has garnered rave reviews from all over the world, including a coveted three star rating from the Michelin Guide and the top spot in the Zagat survey. So it’s no surprise that when he decided to test the waters for expanding his horizons, he chose to partner with Ritz-Carlton, a brand whose dedication to quality and service matched his own. The resulting creation is nothing short of sublime. Blue, his signature restaurant at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Resort, is already earning accolades from gourmet globe trotters. Ripert describes it as Le Bernardin in the Caribbean— more casual, but with the same spirit and philosophy of cooking, which centers on simplicity. The menu features locally caught bounty of the sea, infused with his own special touch— an ecletic mix of Asian, Spanish and Mediterranean influences that complements the essence of the seafood with subtle spicing and precise cooking. The kitchen, which is overseen by Chef de Cuisine Richard Brower, turns out such specialties as White Soy-Yuzu Marinated Raw Local Snapper and Sliced Seared Yellowtail with Vegetable Escabeche. Patrons looking for a unique experience at Blue can pleasure the palate with a special tasting menu, which showcases the full range of Ripert’s culinary genius. Fine wines have been matched with each course—some of the pairings include a 2004 Drouhin Pinot Noir from Oregon with Sauteed Ocean Yellowtail and a 2003 Condrieu Guigal from the Rhone Valley with Mahi Mahi. Guests at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman will also discover that Ripert is not the only Big Fish on the property. The Great White Shark—aka Greg Norman—designed the Blue Tip golf course, a testing 9-hole layout with real teeth. Jean-Michel Cousteau has helped create the Ambassadors of the Environment program to explore the local marine life, and tennis legend Nick Bollitieri supervises the teaching program on the courts. Add to that Silver Rain, the world class spa by La Prairie, the deluxe accommodations and impeccable service of the Ritz-Carlton and what you get is a little taste of Paradise.
Blue Restaurant
Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman