A TREASURED CELEBRATION OF FOOD AND WINE
After a two-year hiatus, the world’s most talented chefs, culinary influencers and wine and spirit experts will gather January 9 to 15, 2023 at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman for the 14th annual Cayman Cookout. The event, hosted by acclaimed chef Eric Ripert, is an interactive celebration set amid the breathtaking Seven Mile Beach and offering an exciting agenda featuring José Andrés, Emeril Lagasse and other world renowned chefs.
The chefs of the Cayman Islands are quickly becoming known as some of the best in the Caribbean – constantly and quite literally always cooking up something 
new for hungry islanders and tourists alike. Now, in an effort to even further broaden the culinary efforts of the islands, the weekend will be a celebration of the food, wine and the natural beauty of the Caribbean with world famous chefs, wine experts, tastings, demonstrations, tours and dinners all held at The Ritz-Carlton resort on Grand Cayman.
This year in particular, an emphasis has been placed on expanding the beverage programming, offering events and menus designed through the lens of master mixologists and global spirits experts. The beverage team has curated an extensive list of rare wines provided by some of the most exclusive and world-class producers.
The Events
There are of course a massive collection of events happening over the weekend – but as they are quite exclusive –– opening up an intriguing collection of options for attendees. For more information go to: https://www.caymancookout.com/events-lineup.html
Some of the Chefs
The highlight of the event each year is without a doubt the vast list of world-renowned chefs that take part in one way or another. So you know what to expect – we’ve added a short bio for a few selected chefs below.
Eric Ripert, widely known for his acclaimed New York restaurant Le Bernardin, began his culinary journey at the age of 15 when he left home to attend culinary school. Two years later, he moved to Paris, where he worked, at the legendary La Tour D’Argent and the Michelin three-starred Jamin, where he would return after completing his military service. In 1989, Ripert moved to the States where he would hold positions at Jean Louis at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C. and, eventually, Le Bernardin, where he is both the chef and co-owner. Le Bernardin was named the No. 1 restaurant in the US and the No. 2 restaurant in the world by La Liste in 2017. Ripert is the vice chairman of the board of City Harvest, which works to bring together New York’s top chefs and restaurateurs to raise funds and increase the quality and quantity of food donations to New York’s neediest.
José Andrés – Named one of Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” in 2012 and 2018, and “Outstanding Chef” and “Humanitarian of the Year” by the James Beard Foundation, José Andrés is an internationally recognized culinary innovator, author, educator, television personality, humanitarian and chef/owner of ThinkFoodGroup. A pioneer of Spanish tapas in the United States, he is known for his avant-garde cuisine and his award-winning group of 30 restaurants throughout the country and beyond. His innovative minibar by José Andrés earned two Michelin stars in 2016 and 2017 and with that, José is the only chef globally that has both a two-star Michelin restaurant and four Bib Gourmands. Andrés’ work has earned numerous awards including the 2015 National Humanities Medal, one of 12 distinguished recipients of the award from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Chef Emeril Lagasse recently opened his 13th restaurant in the US, Meril in New Orleans, and premiered Eat the World with Emeril Lagasse on Amazon. He has hosted more than 2,000 shows on the Food Network, is the food correspondent for ABC’s Good Morning America and has written 19 cookbooks. He has been a guest judge Bravo’s Top Chef for three seasons and continues to host Emeril’s Florida on the Cooking Channel. His Emeril Lagasse Foundation supports children’s educational programs through the culinary arts, nutrition, healthy eating and important life skills.
This is just a small selection of the Chefs who will be appearing at and working throughout the Cayman Cookout festival.