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

The one factor extra attractive than a Caribbean getaway is one mixed with elevated eating from top-name cooks — and subsequent yr’s Cayman Cookout could function its most star-studded lineup but. 

Right now, 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 can be held at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, and hosted by Eric Ripert, who’s finest recognized 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 ambiance of our island, making it an unforgettable expertise for all attendees,” Marc Langevin, the resort’s normal supervisor, mentioned in an announcement shared with Journey + Leisure. 

Friends 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 in regards to the meals — the distinctive allure 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, even perhaps taking part in pickleball and petanqué alongside them, or occurring a lionfish cull outing with Andrés.

The “Cayman Cookout” bundle 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 will even have entry to signature experiences and obtain each day connoisseur facilities of their rooms, in addition to roundtrip airport transfers. 

T+L editor Susmita Baral skilled the Cayman Cookout earlier this yr, remarking on how the island location actually made the occasion stand out from different culinary festivals. “Aside from nice meals and the movie star chef presence, the seashores are beautiful and there are different excursions to do between meals,” she mentioned, calling the setting “excellent.”

However what she famous most was that past the advantageous meals in paradise is the neighborhood that has organically fashioned across the festivities. “I met a number of friends who have been repeat guests and are available yr after yr,” 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 mentioned in an announcement. “Annually I host, I’m regularly moved and impressed by the emotion, creativity, and fervour poured into each dish.”