The Chef's Counter at Avecita is a mind-blowing culinary experience that is unique to the Grand Cayman. The other high-end tasting menu I have tried here is Blue by Eric Ripert at the Ritz which is another 5 star meal and I highly recommend. Between the two, I enjoyed Avecita a bit more especially this most recent trip. I think it's is a bit broader in scope and playing with more experimental/daring flavors and bringing unique ingredients/flavors/execution of dishes to the island. My wife and I are Grand Cayman residents and have eaten at the Chef's Counter at Avecita twice and both times left buzzing for days about the different dishes and wine-pairings we tried.
My wife is allergic to eggs and seafood (ugh...) but when making the reservation they made notes and when we sat down they were able to make substitutes and deliver alternative dishes that were fantastic. We've been in similar situations where kitchens completely mail it in when having to do substitutes, in Avecita's case there were 1 or 2 instances where I actually wish I had the substitute dish instead, it was so good.
When you sit at the counter you are given a "host" who serves wine, discusses the food with you and makes sure you as the guest comfortable and happy. We had Dale as our host this most recent trip and he was fantastic and attentive the whole night. He even called an audible and changed up a couple of the wine pairings mid-meal due to my wife's food substitutions, which worked out really well, particularly a pinot noir pairing with a chili basil iberico pork dish (originally the pairing was a chardonnay for the fish dish everyone else was served).
Not long after you sit down Chef Remy will come over and introduce himself, making the entire experience very personal. The Chef's Counter overlooks a beautiful open kitchen with an wood-fired grill, so you get to see each of the dishes come together. The tasting menu is 7-9 courses and each course is delivered by either Chef Remy or one of the other chefs on the line and explained in detail. You can see the pride and creativity in the dishes and we found on our second trip we were able to get a few secrets for how they made some of the dishes, which made us appreciate the food even more.
Highlights from the different tasting menus from our two trips were King Crab with potato and chorizo oil, Corn 3 ways, Tomato blood orange popsicle, spicy chili basil iberico pork, leeks with smoked butter and lamb "bacon" and mango with salt water ice cream.
note: Do not mistake Avecita for Ave at the Kimpton they are very different restaurants with completely different kitchens, yet confusingly similar names. The restaurants are adjacent to each other in the hotel and take reservations through the same system. This is a review for AVECITA and both times we ate at the Chef's Counter but I believe they do offer an a la carte menu in...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of dining at Avecita, a delightful restaurant located on the premises of Kimpton Hotel. From the moment I stepped inside, the warm and inviting atmosphere set the tone for a memorable dining experience. The restaurant offers a diverse range of options, including a breakfast buffet and exceptional brunches that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates.
One of the standout aspects of my visit was the exceptional service provided by our server, Dave. He was kind, friendly, and attended to our table with great care and efficiency. Dave's knowledge about the menu was impressive, and he offered valuable recommendations that enhanced our dining experience.
The ambiance at Avecita is truly classy, with its modern and chic decor creating a trendy yet comfortable setting. The restaurant exudes an air of elegance, making it a perfect choice for special occasions or a luxurious meal. The attention to detail in the interior design immediately catches the eye, further enhancing the overall dining experience.
The breakfast buffet at Avecita was simply outstanding. The variety and quality of options available were impressive. Whether one prefers a light and healthy breakfast or indulges in a more hearty meal, Avecita caters to all preferences. The array of fresh fruits, pastries, cereals, and delectable hot dishes provided a delightful start to the day.
Additionally, the brunch experience at Avecita is truly a treat. Everything from the presentation of the food to the flavors and textures was carefully crafted. The brunch menu features a wide selection of mouthwatering dishes that cater to all tastes, ensuring that every diner has a delectable option to choose from.
Overall, my visit to Avecita left me thoroughly impressed. The combination of delicious food, friendly and attentive service, and classy ambiance makes it a must-visit restaurant. Whether it's breakfast or brunch, Avecita delivers an exceptional dining experience that is sure to leave a...
Read moreWhere to begin- my fiancee and I celebrated our engagement with a wonderful dinner here. The staff went out of the way and booked us the nicest seat on the terrace, with a beautiful view (though it was later in the evening and the sun had already gone down), and even laid out rose petals on the table for us prior to our arrival. There were several servers who accommodated us throughout the evening, but in particular, Atai (sp?) was exceptional. Very kind, genuine, and friendly- he definitely made our already delightful night even more wonderful. The food was absolutely amazing. We both had the 4 course tasting menus, and each got different entrees and shared to get the full experience. Everything was immaculate and delicious. As if things could get any better (and I know this wasn't planned by Ave, but still), there was an event at the beach and we got to witness a beautiful fireworks display from the best seat in the house. The only slight concern was that there were quite a bit of mosquitoes, but Atai hooked us up with a bug repellent spray which was perfect. I honestly can't say nicer things- obviously was a magical evening already going into it, but a huge, special thank you to the entire Ave staff for making...
Read more