(Published in the Cayman Compass, Weekender, Friday, 29 May 2015)
I’ve long been a fan of Sunday brunch. After all, who doesn’t enjoy whiling away the better part of a Sunday afternoon with a delicious smorgasbord of culinary delights, all washed down with a beverage, or two? Then, of course, there is the mainstay of brunch itself – eggs, notably eggs Benedict.
Fans of this brunch hallmark should head to Catch Restaurant & Lounge opposite Calypso Grill in West Bay. The newly opened restaurant has launched a compact brunch menu offering some of the most decadent and delicious eggs Benedict I’ve ever had.
There are three options: Lobster Benedict, Home Smoked Salmon Benedict and Porchetta Benedict. My guest and I opted to share the Lobster Benedict and Porchetta Benedict.
The Lobster Benedict is served on a Cheddar Bay biscuit, while the Porchetta Benedict features melt-in-the-mouth home-cured pork belly served on top of bacon and caramelized onion bread. Of course, it goes without saying that there is ample hollandaise sauce and poached-to-perfection local free-range eggs.
As my guest and I gobbled up the last few tasty morsels, it came as no surprise to learn that the eggs Benedict are a runaway success at Catch.
If you’re not an eggs Benedict fan, then you’ll still find plenty to please your palate on the brunch menu. There’s the Spring Frittata (spring vegetables, bacon and goat cheese); Quinoa Salad (roasted corn, butter beans, red beats, feta cheese, roasted pumpkin and pomegranate); Callaloo Ricotta Pie (chopped callaloo, creamy ricotta and crispy phyllo dough crust); Brunch Burger (two homemade patties, cheese, bacon, caramelized onions, fried egg and a homemade potato roll); and Oxtail Chili Cheese Fries (oxtail chili and cheese smothered over house cut fries served with a sunny-side-up local free-range egg). I spied the latter being served to a nearby table and I have to say, the dish looked simply delicious. If I hadn’t been so full, I would have ordered a serving in a heartbeat. There are also some dessert offerings for those with a sweet tooth, including Bread Pudding French Toast, served with a warm berry compote and vanilla bourbon caramel.
Of course, brunch isn’t brunch without a good selection of speciality cocktails with which to wash down all that tasty food. Catch has looked to the past for inspiration with its cocktail offering. You’ll find a fabulous selection of Tiki classics – think Mai Tais and Singapore Slings – all served in fun, novelty glassware that is bound to spark conversation.
Catch is owned and managed by Cristiano Vincentini and Walter Fajette, the duo behind Agua Restaurant & Lounge in Galleria Plaza. Agua has developed a solid reputation as one of the best seafood restaurants on island, which the restaurateurs hope to replicate with Catch.
In addition to the fabulous food and cocktails, what is particularly delightful about Catch is its stunning waterfront location on the North Sound. The duo has done a fantastic job redesigning the venue, (previously home to Morgan’s Harbour restaurant.) The decor has had a complete overhaul, and now sports fresh shades which create a light and vibrant space. Two new lounge areas have been added, offering inviting spaces to enjoy a cocktail, or two, and the outdoor deck has been expanded and a large awning added to protect diners from the elements.
With the Caribbean Sea yawning out before us, my dining guest and I sat back, ordered another round of drinks, and relaxed. After all, it’s what Sundays are all about.
Joanna Lewis 