The Caribbean’s Most Iconic Food Event Is a Beachfront Festivity With Celebrity Chefs

The only thing more enticing than a Caribbean getaway is one combined with elevated dining from top-name chefs — and next year’s Cayman Cookout may feature its most star-studded lineup yet. 

Today, the 16th annual culinary event announced the famous names who will appear at the five-day event from Jan. 15 through Jan. 20, 2025, including José Andrés, Andrew Zimmern, Kristen Kish, Daniel Boulud, and Emeril Lagasse. The event will be held at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, and hosted by Eric Ripert, who is best known for the three Michelin-star Le Bernardin and the resort’s restaurant Blue. 

Also joining the premier Caribbean culinary event 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 also spotlights upcoming talents in the culinary world, like Jorge Vallejo, Ronaldo Hsu, Claude Le Tohic, and Gonzo Jimenez, as well as Afro-Boricua mixologist, LP O’Brien of LP Drinks.

“This event is particularly special, as it showcases not only the culinary talents of renowned chefs and beverage experts, but also the enchanting atmosphere of our island, making it an unforgettable experience for all attendees,” Marc Langevin, the resort’s general manager, said in a statement shared with Travel + Leisure. 

Guests will get an intimate look behind-the-dishes of the international chefs through cooking demonstrations, tastings, masterclasses, workshops, and dining experiences. 

But it’s not just about the food — the unique charm is being in the dreamy island setting along with the famous names, enjoying the 369-room five-star resort’s 144 acres right on Seven Mile Beach, perhaps even playing pickleball and petanqué alongside them, or going on a lionfish cull outing with Andrés.

The “Cayman Cookout” package starts at $2,400 a night for two guests, with a five-night minimum, and includes top-notch accommodations, priority seating at the cooking demonstrations, and exclusive meet and greets. The guests will also have access to signature experiences and receive daily gourmet amenities in their rooms, as well as roundtrip airport transfers. 

T+L editor Susmita Baral experienced the Cayman Cookout earlier this year, remarking on how the island location truly made the event stand out from other culinary festivals. “Apart from great food and the celebrity chef presence, the beaches are stunning and there are other excursions to do between meals,” she said, calling the setting “perfect.”

But what she noted most was that beyond the fine food in paradise is the community that has organically formed around the festivities. “I met a lot of guests who were repeat visitors and come year after year,” Baral added. “That was interesting — and speaks to the event’s offerings.” 

Indeed, that’s exactly what Ripert calls a highlight as well. “This event brings together international experts in the stunning setting of Grand Cayman, honoring both the island and our cherished attendees,” he said in a statement. “Each year I host, I am continually moved and inspired by the emotion, creativity, and passion poured into every dish.”