Cocktails and kayaks, caviar for breakfast, a private jet to Jamaica and a Michelin-star-studded agenda of cookery demonstrations and tastings – it can only be Cayman Cookout, the highlight of the Caribbean culinary calendar.
Gastronomes and gourmets will be delighted to learn that tickets for the 17th year of The Ritz-Carlton Cayman Cookout are now on sale at CaymanCookout.com and while events might not be cheap, they will certainly be memorable.
Diary of events
The packed schedule containing more than 60 immersive cooking demonstrations and expert-led tastings will take place between Wednesday, 14 Jan. and Sunday, 18 Jan. at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman and various locations around the island including Rum Point, as well as the GoldenEye resort in Jamaica.
Cayman Cookout brings together high-profile local and international chefs and presenters with food, wine and spirits enthusiasts from around the world for more than 60 immersive cooking demonstrations and expert-led tastings. Chefs Eric Ripert, José Andrés, Andrew Zimmern, Stephanie Izard and Carla Hal are just some of the famous names in cooking who will be featured in the 2026 event.
“As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, this year’s Cayman Cookout takes on even greater meaning,” said Marc Langevin, general manager of the hotel. “Each year we strive to bring a more dynamic experience for our guests and this year they can look forward to a week of unforgettable culinary moments and bold experiences that honour both the two-decade legacy of our resort and the spirit of Grand Cayman.”
This year brings new themes and events including a health-forward panel hosted by chef Andrew Zimmern with Gavin Kaysen and Gregory Gourdet, plus Haitian and Chinese-inspired demonstrations from Gourdet and Ming Tsai.
“For the last 17 years, Cayman Cookout has transformed Grand Cayman into a stage for unmatched culinary experiences,” said chef Eric Ripert. “From the approachable atmosphere of the After Glow poolside soirée to the debut of our new jazz dinner, every event is designed to create lasting memories found only at Cookout. These experiences highlight not only world-class cuisine but also the vibrant spirit of this treasured island, which is the essence of what makes this annual event so exceptional.”
Event highlights for this year include:
- An Epicurean Eve: The Grand Opening Reception. Guests will get to try out chef-led food stations and celebrate The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman’s 20th anniversary
- Eric Ripert – Wheels Up Journey to GoldenEye, a private jet experience to the legendary GoldenEye resort in Jamaica, former home of James Bond creator Ian Fleming.
- José Andrés – Longer Tables Live: José Andrés returns this year to host a live recording of his podcast, Longer Tables. Each episode explores the impact of food on society and its role in fostering connections.
- Christophe Bellanca will share the foundations that define his cooking: tradition, elegance and mentorship.
- Elena Reygades – Mexican Traditions Reimagined, with a focus on sustainability, women’s leadership and food as cultural expression.
- Gavin Kaysen – Modern Midwest: Join Chef Gavin Kaysen to learn from one of the leading voices in contemporary American cuisine.
- Ripert & Pétanque Presented by Robb Report: Join chef Eric Ripert and friends for a spirited match of pétanque at Andiamo Circolo Sportivo, a beloved tradition of Cayman Cookout.
- Meals on Wheels: Chefs from Cayman Cookout prepare boxed meals for Caymanians in need.
Individual event tickets and overnight accommodations are available for purchase at caymancookout.com.
Related Videos
