The Caribbean’s Most Iconic Meals Occasion Is a Beachfront Festivity With Superstar Cooks

The one factor extra engaging than a Caribbean getaway is one mixed with elevated eating from top-name cooks — and subsequent 12 months’s Cayman Cookout might characteristic its most star-studded lineup but. 

In the present day, the sixteenth annual culinary occasion introduced the well-known names who will seem on the five-day occasion from Jan. 15 by means of Jan. 20, 2025, together with José Andrés, Andrew Zimmern, Kristen Kish, Daniel Boulud, and Emeril Lagasse. The occasion will likely be held at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, and hosted by Eric Ripert, who’s greatest identified for the three Michelin-star Le Bernardin and the resort’s restaurant Blue. 

Additionally becoming a member of the premier Caribbean culinary occasion are Mawa McQueen, EJ Lagasse, Stephanie Izard, Aldo Sohm, Charles Joly, Michael Kennedy, TJ Vong, Lauren O’Brien, Madeline Puckette, and Tony Abou-Ganim.

The Cayman Cookout additionally spotlights upcoming abilities within the culinary world, like Jorge Vallejo, Ronaldo Hsu, Claude Le Tohic, and Gonzo Jimenez, in addition to Afro-Boricua mixologist, LP O’Brien of LP Drinks.

“This occasion is especially particular, because it showcases not solely the culinary abilities of famend cooks and beverage consultants, but additionally the enchanting environment of our island, making it an unforgettable expertise for all attendees,” Marc Langevin, the resort’s common supervisor, stated in a press release shared with Journey + Leisure. 

Company will get an intimate look behind-the-dishes of the worldwide cooks by means of cooking demonstrations, tastings, masterclasses, workshops, and eating experiences. 

But it surely’s not simply concerning the meals — the distinctive attraction is being within the dreamy island setting together with the well-known names, having fun with the 369-room five-star resort’s 144 acres proper on Seven Mile Seashore, maybe even enjoying pickleball and petanqué alongside them, or happening a lionfish cull outing with Andrés.

The “Cayman Cookout” package deal begins at $2,400 an evening for 2 friends, with a five-night minimal, and consists of top-notch lodging, precedence seating on the cooking demonstrations, and unique meet and greets. The friends can even have entry to signature experiences and obtain day by day gourmand facilities of their rooms, in addition to roundtrip airport transfers. 

T+L editor Susmita Baral skilled the Cayman Cookout earlier this 12 months, remarking on how the island location really made the occasion stand out from different culinary festivals. “Other than nice meals and the movie star chef presence, the seashores are beautiful and there are different excursions to do between meals,” she stated, calling the setting “good.”

However what she famous most was that past the tremendous meals in paradise is the neighborhood that has organically fashioned across the festivities. “I met numerous friends who had been repeat guests and are available 12 months after 12 months,” Baral added. “That was fascinating — and speaks to the occasion’s choices.” 

Certainly, that’s precisely what Ripert calls a spotlight as properly. “This occasion brings collectively worldwide consultants within the beautiful setting of Grand Cayman, honoring each the island and our cherished attendees,” he stated in a press release. “Every year I host, I’m regularly moved and impressed by the emotion, creativity, and keenness poured into each dish.”