The Caribbean’s Most Iconic Meals Occasion Is a Beachfront Festivity With Celeb 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 characteristic its most star-studded lineup but. 

At the moment, the sixteenth annual culinary occasion introduced the well-known names who will seem on the five-day occasion from Jan. 15 via 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 specialists, but in addition the enchanting ambiance of our island, making it an unforgettable expertise for all attendees,” Marc Langevin, the resort’s normal supervisor, stated in a press release shared with Journey + Leisure. 

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

But it surely’s not simply concerning 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 Seaside, even perhaps 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 company, with a five-night minimal, and consists of top-notch lodging, precedence seating on the cooking demonstrations, and unique meet and greets. The company may also 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 yr, remarking on how the island location actually made the occasion stand out from different culinary festivals. “Other than nice meals and the superstar chef presence, the seashores are gorgeous and there are different excursions to do between meals,” she stated, calling the setting “excellent.”

However what she famous most was that past the superb meals in paradise is the neighborhood that has organically shaped across the festivities. “I met lots of company 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 nicely. “This occasion brings collectively worldwide specialists within the gorgeous setting of Grand Cayman, honoring each the island and our cherished attendees,” he stated in a press release. “Annually I host, I’m regularly moved and impressed by the emotion, creativity, and keenness poured into each dish.”