A Ritz Night Out With Anchor & Den

On Wednesday I was honoured to be invited as a guest of the wonderful Anchor & Den table at the Out of the Kitchen / Ark of Taste cooking event at the Ritz Carlton. This was my first time experiencing this amazing culinary event which includes cooking from fourteen of the island’s best restaurants. Chefs from each restaurant host their own table at the gala while cooking and serving an impressive array of dishes tableside. 

More than 250 guests were in attendance, and myself and the dozen selected guests of the Marriott table certainly felt we'd struck gold. Anchor & Den went all out with a Mexican inspired table - think overflowing greenery, candles, gold leaf cocktail glasses and hanging market lights.

Anchor & Den took inspiration from the "vibrant street food scene of Mexico City and the nostalgic era of Frida Kahlo’s masterpieces proudly showcasing its newest culinary concept, El Milagro" – their new Mexican themed menu. 

Frida Kahlo meets Lucha Libre. 

And wow was it something to behold.....less words, more photos for this one!

We had course after course of unusual and exciting cuisine. A make-your-own chicken broth soup, mole (short rib with peanut and cacao sauce!) and lionfish, octopus and skirt steak tacos - we certainly had our fill! But my absolute favourite had to be the bonbon box of sweet treats with the most beautifully hand crafted chocolates, including a very Mexican inspired chocolate skull! There was so much attention to detail, our table was bursting at the seams with Pinterest worthy inspiration!  And without wanting to downplay the other talented chefs and their tables, ours truly did stand out miles above the rest. We even had our own bar and beautified bar staff. 

 The Grand Cayman Marriott or The Beach House , as it's better described, has really been at the forefront of all things trendy since its major renovation a couple of years ago. With their fantastic decor and innovative and ever changing restaurants, the team at the Marriott really do continue to bring something new and exciting to us islanders. And "El Milagro" will certainly be no different. 

Here's a picture of just one of their inspiring marketeers, Laura Skec (or "Lau" as she's affectionately known) with one of my nearest and dearest, Harriet, both looking stunning in their Mexican folklore chic! I had been saving my bright yellow pineapple Loft dress for a special occasion and an invite to this Mexican themed banquet really did seem like the perfect moment. To get in the spirit, the Marriott had very thoughtfully arranged for us to have our hair done at the incredible braid bar at Rock Gorgeous Hair and Lorraine certainly pulled it out the bag for us ladies. I loved my messy fishtail and received lots of lovely compliments making me realise I really must make more of an effort with my 'do'.