Location: The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Open: January 12-16, 2022
Website: caymancookout.com
Email: Shadae.Narcisse@ritzcarlton.com

A TREASURED CELEBRATION OF FOOD AND WINE

The world’s most talented chefs, culinary influencers and wine and spirit experts will gather January 12 to 16, 2022 at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman for the 12th 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.

The Events

There are of course a massive collection of events happening over the weekend – but as they are quite exclusive – there are just 3 ticket options – opening up an intriguing collection of options for attendees.  The first package allows for a choice of unto 5 culinary demonstrations and tastings, attendance to the Barefoot BBQ and a years subscription to Food & Wine magazine.  The second gives all the above, plus attendance to the Bon Vivant Champagne Brunch cook-off, and a $100 Food & Beverage Credit for use at the Ritz Carlton, while the last package – aptly named the Master Chef package – gives all of the above plus Lunch event selection for the first day of the event, entrance to the Beach Bash with Eric Ripert and entrance to the Artisan Market.  For more information go to: ritzcarlton.com/en/cayman-cookout# Official Twitter page: twitter.com/caymancookout

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.