La Esperanza

La Esperanza Review

Known island-wide as Bussy's—after the larger-than-life owner—this combination grocery store, restaurant, and club encompasses a wildly colored lounge, alfresco bar with elevated gazebo, and covered pier jutting into the Caribbean. Drink in the sunset views, and then dine on fresh-caught seafood (conch is particularly yummy, whether as fritters or prepared "Cayman-style" in lemon-butter sauce with onions and bell peppers). Burgers, fish-and-chips, and chicken chop suey are evergreen favorites. The place really jumps Friday and Saturday nights, when Bussy cranks up his grills and "jerks" chicken (he'll give you impromptu "jerking" lessons). Wife Velma makes a luscious key lime pie that would give Aunt Sha's a run for the top prize if the Brac had county-fair-style bake-offs.