Golden Spoons Review: Morgan’s

CNS Editor | 19/04/2016

(CNS Foodie): If you cried like we did when we heard that Morgan’s Harbour was closing down, you may have jumped up and down like we did when it opened up again. Now simply called Morgan’s, the popular, rustic, seaside eatery is bigger and better than ever. So if you haven’t checked out the new digs in the reinvigorated Yacht Club yet, do it. You won’t be disappointed.

The menu is still composed primarily of freshly caught (same day) fish and a few savoury meat dishes, but if you thought the ambiance was great at the old location, you won’t believe how awesome it is at the new one.

Whether arriving by wheels or water, Morgan’s has a number of experiences on offer. Want a sunny, garden atmosphere for a family lunch? Come on in. Looking for a breezy spot with a romantic sea view? Look no further. Just want to catch up at the bar for a private meal? No problem. And what a beautiful bar it is, nestled in the small but spacious indoor seating area, surrounded by the large covered deck, outdoor lawn and the shoreline of Governor’s Creek inlet, looking out to North Sound.

Husband and wife team Richard and Jane and their experienced staff are ready to make your dining experience whatever you want it to be. What a pleasure to be around people who love their work!

So you’ve been seated and are handed the charming mini blackboard specials menu. Where to start? Well, ceviche is a great place. There are a million ways to make ceviche but as the song says, “You put the lime in the coconut and drink it all up.” Morgan’s ceviche is probably one of the best I’ve ever had. It’s the perfect mix of coconut and lime, onion, fresh herb and a hint of scotch bonnet. Usually available are tuna and wahoo, but if you’re like me, you’ll request a mixed dish (not on the menu), to which your server will probably, like ours did, smile and say, “Not a problem at all!”

We also ordered mussels, which came in a tangy, savoury white wine garlic broth and a green salad. But the first things to arrive were flame-grilled slices of baguette brushed with butter, the perfect dipping companion to your saucy apps. We aren’t adventurous enough to try the black pudding or Stilton pâté but if you’re looking for classic and bold, it looks like they have it at the ready.

While you’re slurping mussels and dipping grilled bread, it’s a good time to sip your specialty beer (rotating stock) or wine by the bottle or glass. Not sure what’s good? Just ask. Your server is ready to recommend something new and delicious to complement your meal.

So you’ve wet your whistle and are having a relaxing time when your main course arrives. Luckily, you remembered I told you that Morgan’s will mix and match pretty much anything on the menu. Tonight I went for the grilled mahi-mahi with mushroom and green pea risotto. Those who know mahi-mahi know it’s a dense fish that can be easily over done, but if there’s one thing Morgan’s knows, it’s fish.

The mahi-mahi was tender and simply seasoned, while the risotto was creamy and delectable with lots of mushrooms and peas. There’s also the butternut and feta house risotto, which is equally delicious, and there are always several fish options available, as well as lobster (when in season) and a tasty lamb dish served with greek salad, perfect for lunch.

But the pièce de résistance, is the Morgan’s jerk burger. My dining companion is pained to not order fish at a seafood restaurant, but this burger is seriously something to write home about. It’s a handmade jerk seasoned burger (careful, it’s spicy!) layered with caramelized onions and brie on a soft toasted bun. On the side are perfect, crispy, salty potato wedges.

If you’re ordering this for Sunday lunch, call ahead. Tears were shed once when his order could not be met because boaters who like to order them to take away on Sunday exhausted the supply.

We’re not super big on dessert but our server heard we were celebrating a birthday and offered one to us on the house. After deliberating between the crème brulé and the chocolate brownie, we settled on the peanut butter ice cream pie, which is exactly what you think. Cool and decadent, it was the perfect ending to a perfect meal.

Morgan’s is one of our most favourite places to dine in all of Cayman. The food is rustic in its simplicity but dynamic with fresh ingredients and broad depth of flavours. The service is top-notch with servers who love what they do and proprietors who always makes you feel like you’re visiting family.

With breezy trees next to sparking water and twinkling lights at night, the atmosphere can’t be beat. Not pretentious or underdone, it’s just the perfect spot for whatever you’re in the mood for.