Star-Studded Chef Lineup at Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman and Chef Eric Ripert, of Le Bernadin fame and the resort’s beloved restaurant Blue, announce the long-awaited chef lineup and beverage masters for the 15th Annual Cayman Cookout from January 9 – 15, 2024. As the world’s foremost celebration of international and Caribbean cuisine, this year’s event boasts an all-star roster of culinary talents and long-time participating chefs including José Andrés, Andrew Zimmern, and Emeril Lagasse paying homage to the native seafood and localized ingredients of Grand Cayman.
This year’s chef lineup includes:
- José Andrés
- James Kent
- Kristen Kish
- Emeril Lagasse
- Angie Mar
- Enrique Olivera
- Kuame Onwuachi
- Eric Ripert
- Andrew Zimmern
- Orlando Soto
- Pano Karatassos
- Charles Joly, Mixologist
- Aldo Sohm, Mixologist
- Tj Vong, Mixologist
Attendees will expand their palettes with innovative dishes from the biggest names in gastronomy while experiencing Grand Cayman’s sweeping ocean views and relaxed luxury atmosphere. The event offers cooking demonstrations, delectable epicurean experiences, beverage tastings, chef-personalized lunches, poolside parties and legacy events such as the Barefoot BBQ and Rum & Robusto.
As Cayman Cookout has evolved, the event program has expanded with new talent, while maintaining its intimate essence, starting from a 3-day itinerary in 2008, growing to 4 days in 2017, and now presenting a 5-day celebration for the 15th Anniversary in 2024.
The Cookout commissioned an Artist Partner of The Ritz-Carlton, Louis-Nicolas Darbon, to produce two limited edition pieces for Cayman Cookout 2023. In 2024, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman will collaborate once again with the London-based artist and content creator to create a special 15th anniversary artwork that captures the essence of the event’s vibrant spirit and creativity.
“This extraordinary weeklong event brings people together from all around the world to celebrate what it means to be a true culinary expert, while enjoying all the beauty that Grand Cayman has to offer. This year is extremely special because we are celebrating the Cookout’s 15th anniversary”, says Marc Langevin, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman.
Additionally, The Grand Finale Dinner, hosted at Blue by Eric Ripert, is an extraordinary culinary journey showcasing the masterpieces of the headlining talent, featuring impeccable technique, artful presentation, daring flavor combinations, and exquisite wine pairings, presenting a unique dining experience that astonishes and delights.
Attendees are also invited to discover the idyllic beauty of Cayman Brac as they soar through the skies on a private jet, accompanied by esteemed Chef Eric Ripert. An immersive farm-to-table experience awaits at Le Soleil D’Or, where panoramic vistas of the Caribbean serve as a breathtaking backdrop. The talented chefs and sommeliers of Cayman Cookout present a masterfully crafted multi-course lunch, expertly paired with exquisite wines in this one-of-a-kind experience.
“The Cayman Cookout has always been a convivial arena for the world’s best chefs to come together in celebration of the artistry, skill and dedication we as chefs bring to our creations. Each year I am continually impressed and inspired by the emotion, feelings and passion that are put into this event,” says Chef Eric Ripert, Vice Chairman of the Board of City Harvest and owner of three Michelin Stars.
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Those interested in participating in the event can book the hotel’s Cayman Cookout Package, a four-night minimum stay is required. The package includes luxury accommodations, daily breakfast buffet for two at Seven Restaurant and tickets to signature Cookout events, including Friday’s Discover Cayman Lunch and Barefoot BBQ, Saturday’s After Dinner Party and Sunday’s Rum & Robusto.
Cayman Cookout expands into Latin America for the first time, featuring renowned Chef Enrique Olvera of Pujol in Mexico, adding new cultural influences and diversity to the flavors of the event.
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman offers a wide range of thoughtfully curated amenities designed to complement a highly personalized guest experience. Renovated in 2021, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman occupies 144 beautifully manicured acres, from the sparkling waters of the North Sound to white sands of world-famous Seven Mile Beach. The longstanding luxury Cayman Islands resort is a Forbes Five-Star Hotel, home to 369 luxuriously appointed rooms handcrafted by acclaimed Champalimaud Design.
Individual ticket sales for Cayman Cookout 2024 will be available in autumn and will be available for purchase on the festival’s website. For further information and bookings, please visit https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/caribbean/grand-cayman.
