I wish I was more of a world traveler. Ah, hell, I really just wish I were in the Cayman Islands. Yeah, pretty much all the time. But I especially wish I was there next January 14 to 17 because they’re having the eighth annual Cayman Cookout, which looks spectacular.
Sure, there are the usual celebrity chefs and whatnot. The usual beachside cooking demonstration. The typical sailing voyages that include fabulous curated wines.
But there are also cocktails! And rum! Lots of i t.
And that’s why I would go.
So if you happen to be on the islands in January or if you have been looking for a reason to escape your anticipated winter blues, you might as well go ahead and buy your tickets to the Cayman Cookout. Where else can you meet with Anthony Bourdain on a gorgeous beach while sipping rum cocktails? No where. I’m telling you.
Rum tasting at the 2015 Cayman Cookout. Photo credit to Patrick Gorham on behalf of the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism.
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands– Tickets are now on sale to attend the Caribbean’s most anticipated epicurean event of the year, Cayman Cookout, led by renowned Chef Eric Ripert from January 14-17, 2016 in the Cayman Islands. Hosted by the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, and Food & Wine Magazine, the eighth annual celebration features an impressive roster of acclaimed chefs, sommeliers and mixologists to provide guests with a complete immersion of the destination’s unmatched wine and dine scene. To purchase tickets or select packages, please visit the Cayman Cookout event website.
Attendees this year can look forward to the return of Cookout veterans, Anthony Bourdain and José Andrés, along with a number of expert newcomers including Tom Colicchio, Florian Bellanger, Dean Fearing, Hubert Keller, Cindy Hutson, Ludo Lefebre, Dean Max and Michael Mina. Alongside Chef Ripert, each of these chefs will introduce all that the “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean” has to offer amid the stunning backdrop of the Cayman Islands.
Foodies and oenophiles alike will delight in this four-day culinary extravaganza, providing unmatched access to expert demonstrations, wine tastings and mixology classes led by some of the most influential names in the industry. Kicking off the weekend is Chef José Andrés with a vibrant lesson in paella making, during which he will also indulge guests with his own tips and spirited stories of the trade. Attendees can choose from a diverse line-up of events, from “The Rundown with Anthony Bourdain” in which he will sample and discuss local flavors with the best of Cayman’s own chefs, restauranteurs and local artisans, to “An Afternoon at Blue with Tom Colicchio” featuring an unforgettable lunch at Chef Ripert’s premier Grand Cayman restaurant.
Back by popular demand is the “Barefoot BBQ Presented by Certified Angus Beef,” a memorable grilling session led by Chefs Eric Ripert, Anthony Bourdain, José Andrés, Cindy Hutson, Dean Max and more, where guests mingle and dine under starry night skies to the calming sounds of breaking waves. Wine and cocktail aficionados can also raise a glass to paradise at a reserve wine tasting with star winemaker and top French producer, Jean Luc Colom, or watch a skilled mixologist prepare new and classic cocktails with unique Caymanian flair.
“The energy and excitement that envelops Grand Cayman during the annual Cayman Cookout is truly something not to be missed,” said Deputy Premier, and Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Moses Kirkconnell. “Our sponsors and island partners continue to raise the bar each year with an impressive roster of events and acclaimed chefs that pay testament to our vibrant food culture and spirited Caymanian traditions that keeps visitors returning year after year.”
“It brings our community great joy to welcome these renowned chefs and special guests to our shores each year in celebration of all that our destination has to offer the epicurean traveler,” adds Director of Tourism, Rosa Harris. “This year’s event is expected to be bigger and better than ever as we introduce some of the world’s top gastronomic experts to the unforgettable Caymankind experience in a breathtaking setting that only the Cayman Islands can provide.”
“As the culinary festival experts, FOOD & WINE creates singular experiences that bring together incredible talent, amazing food and wine, and spectacular locations,” said Senior Vice President and Publisher of FOOD & WINE, Christina Grdovic. “The Cayman Cookout is always a standout event for us and we look forward to being endlessly entertained by the A-List lineup of Eric Ripert and friends with the stunning Cayman Islands beaches as backdrop. After eight years, this event continues to attract visitors to the culinary capital of the Caribbean with an extraordinary roster of chefs, sommeliers, experts, and mixologists.”
