A culinary celebration

Cayman Cookout marking 15-year anniversary.

Chef Eric Ripert is host of the five-day culinary festival.
Photos: The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

It’s a culinary extravaganza that draws world-famous chefs to Cayman’s world-famous shores.

Cayman Cookout returns in 2024 with an exceptional lineup of culinary excursions and competitions alongside cooking demonstrations and workshops.

It takes place from 10 to 14 Jan. at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. The event impresses with an all-star roster of culinary talents, including Cookout mainstays Andrew Zimmern, José Andrés and Emeril Lagasse. They join host Eric Ripert of Le Bernadin fame and the resort’s restaurant, Blue.

“Cayman Cookout brings together culinary talents from around the world and showcases the incredible talent within our resort,” says Marc Langevin, general manager of The Ritz- Carlton, Grand Cayman. “This year’s celebration promises to deliver unforgettable experiences and unforgettable flavours.”

Indeed, the 15-year anniversary edition has expanded to a five- day festival, featuring some exciting new events and gastronomic talent.

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NEW OFFERINGS

Among the new offerings is a culinary experience with renowned chef Enrique Olvera of Pujol restaurant in Mexico, named on the World’s 50 Best Restaurant list.

‘License to Thrill’ takes guests on a culinary tour via private jet to GoldenEye Resort in Jamaica, once home of author Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond. Accompanied by Chef Ripert, guests will enjoy a carefully crafted lunch with local ingredients matched with Craggy Range wines.

The burgeoning sport of pickleball pairs with world-class wine in an event presented by Whispering Angel Rosé. ‘A Sparkling Pickleball Soirée’ fuses sport and indulgence at The Courts Tennis Center. An intimate backyard concert headlined by the Goo Goo Dolls takes place on The Great Lawn on the penultimate night of the event. A gala anniversary dinner, hosted at Blue by Eric Ripert, features the headlining talent presenting a carefully choreographed multi-course meal on the closing night.

Other Cookout favourites return, including a private jet getaway to Le Soleil D’Or in Cayman Brac.

Accompanied by Chef Ripert, the immersive farm-to-table event features talented chefs and sommeliers creating a multi- course lunch paired with exquisite wines.

RARE WINES

In addition, the Cayman Cookout lineup features rare wine and spirits tastings, poolside parties and such legacy events as the Barefoot BBQ and Rum & Robusto.

Launched in 2008 with a three- day itinerary, the event expanded to four days in 2017 and is now a five-day culinary celebration.

“Cayman Cookout has always been a convivial arena for the world’s best chefs to come together in celebration of the artistry, skill and dedication we as chefs bring to our creations,” says Chef Ripert. “Each year I am continually impressed and inspired by the emotion, feelings and passion that are put into this event.”

The event impresses with an all-star roster of culinary talents, including Cookout mainstays Andrew Zimmern, José Andrés and Emeril Lagasse.

For tickets and more information, visit caymancookout.com.

This article originally appeared in What’s Hot winter issue 2023/2024.