Chef Wilson serves up new Alfresco in George Town

Alfresco, the much-loved Italian, Caribbean and seafood restaurant, is back in business at a new home in the heart of George Town.

The familiar restaurant signage that once hung on the corner of Mary Mollie Hydes Road and West Bay Road now blows in the wind atop the local eatery, located on 30 Edward Street, central George Town, across from the Post Office.

Restaurant owner and chef Philip Wilson was forced to make the decision to close the West Bay restaurant’s doors after 18 years on 29 Jan. this year, due to an “unfair” increase in rent and costs at its previous location, and under a previous property owner.

“Remember, I told you a new Alfresco will emerge from the dust again… well, here we are, at a new location!” Chef Wilson told the Compass Friday afternoon, ahead of Saturday’s reopening.

“A friend of mine called me and said he’s found the right place for me, that I’m going to love it,” he said. “It was the day after we closed. I said OK. We had a talk, had a look at it, and I’m, like, woah! I [fell] in love with the place, and that was it. I put two and two together and now Alfresco is from the dust again.”

Chef Wilson, a native of Jamaica who has made Cayman his home since he was 18 years old, stressed his restaurant is not just a business.

“It’s a passion,” he said.

“I’m a fighter… when I start something, I’m going to finish it, and my customers deserve to have good food from Alfresco.”

Wilson said he’s grateful for the overwhelming support from the community, who flocked to the restaurant when news of its imminent closure spread.

Wilson said he anticipates “the local people, returning residents, foreigners and tourists, can now look forward to Alfresco at the new hot spot”.

“I’m happy, I feel good, and I know I’m back to serve the community good food and serve the community.”

Alfresco opens seven days a week with breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings. Wilson said foodies can expect the same old Alfresco dishes with familiar staff, who are also happy to see the reopening.

While it’s been a “rough ride” for Alfresco over the years, Wilson said, “we’ve never given up”.

“It’s a very good feeling to show people and the community, whatever you believe in, it can come true,” he said. “Follow your dreams. And whatever you do, put your 100% in it.”