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 12 months’s Cayman Cookout could characteristic its most star-studded lineup but. 

Immediately, 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 shall be held at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, and hosted by Eric Ripert, who’s greatest 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 skills 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 skills 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 common supervisor, mentioned 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. 

Nevertheless it’s not simply in regards to 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 Seaside, maybe even enjoying pickleball and petanqué alongside them, or happening a lionfish cull outing with Andrés.

The “Cayman Cookout” bundle begins at $2,400 an evening for 2 company, with a five-night minimal, and contains 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 each day connoisseur 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 superstar chef presence, the seashores are gorgeous and there are different excursions to do between meals,” she mentioned, calling the setting “excellent.”

However what she famous most was that past the wonderful meals in paradise is the group that has organically shaped across the festivities. “I met a whole lot of company who have been repeat guests and are available 12 months after 12 months,” Baral added. “That was attention-grabbing — 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 gorgeous setting of Grand Cayman, honoring each the island and our cherished attendees,” he mentioned in a press release. “Annually I host, I’m frequently moved and impressed by the emotion, creativity, and keenness poured into each dish.”