Find the events that are right for you. From wine tastings to culinary demonstrations or gala dinners, Cayman Cookout provides foodies with four days of over the top experiences.
Peruse the available Packages and schedules for Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
All prices are in US Dollars.
Sous Chef - US$899
Friday, January 18
10:00am Selection of Beverage Tasting or Culinary Demonstration
2:00pm Selection of Beverage Tasting or Culinary Demonstration
3:30pm Selection of Beverage Tasting or Culinary Demonstration
7:00pm Barefoot BBQ
Saturday, January 19
2:00pm Selection of Beverage Tasting or Culinary Demonstration
3:30pm Selection of Beverage Tasting or Culinary Demonstration
Executive Chef - US$1,459
Friday, January 18
10:00am Selection of Beverage Tasting or Culinary Demonstration
2:00pm Selection of Beverage Tasting or Culinary Demonstration
3:30pm Selection of Beverage Tasting or Culinary Demonstration
7:00pm Barefoot BBQ
Saturday, January 19
2:00pm Selection of Beverage Tasting or Culinary Demonstration
3:30pm Selection of Beverage Tasting or Culinary Demonstration
7:00pm Ultimate Dinner Party at Camana Bay
Sunday, January 20
12:00pm Bon Vivant Champagne Brunch
3:00pm Artisan Market
Master Chef - US$2,709
Friday, January 18
10:00am Selection of Beverage Tasting or Culinary Demonstration
11:30am Selection of Lunch
2:00pm Selection of Beverage Tasting or Culinary Demonstration
3:30pm Selection of Beverage Tasting or Culinary Demonstration
7:00pm Barefoot BBQ
Saturday, January 19
11:30am Selection of Lunch
2:00pm Selection of Beverage Tasting or Culinary Demonstration
3:30pm Selection of Beverage Tasting or Culinary Demonstration
7:00pm Ultimate Dinner Party at Camana Bay
Sunday, January 20
12:00pm Bon Vivant Champagne Brunch
3:00pm Artisan Market
7:00pm Gala Dinner
6:00 - 9:30pm
Wine Auction Dinner presented by Jacques Scott & Chefs of The Ritz-Carlton
Cayman Islands Royal Ballroom
US$195 Unreserved Seating
Seat at the Table with a Celebrity Chef - All proceeds go to charity (MAX 8)
US$500 Seat at the Table with José Andrés
US$500 Seat at the Table with Eric Ripert
US$500 Seat at the Table with Anthony Bourdain
US$500 Seat at the Table with Daniel Humm
US$500 Seat at the Table with Spike Mendelsohn & Dale MacKay
A culinary celebration created by an international line-up of Ritz-Carlton chefs including Xavier Salomon of The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, Nathan Beriau of The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, Fabien Gnemmi of The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, Stephen Toevs of The Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix, Raghuram Addagada of The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto, The Ritz-Carlton Corporate Chef Rainer Zinngrebe and The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman’s own Frederic Morineau. Eliza Osborne of Sotheby’s auctions enriching wine, culinary and travel experiences. Proceeds benefit The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Culinary Arts Scholarship and Cayman HospiceCare, which is committed to providing comfort to its patients and their families and friends.
10:00am - 11:00am
José Andrés Conquers Seven Mile Beach
Event Type: Culinary Demonstration
Location: Justin/Landmark Beach Pavilion, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Cost: US$129
He has 15 restaurants, a trophy case of awards, a mission to improve the way all Americans eat, and a spot on Time's list of Most Influential People in the World. At this interactive demonstration you’ll see the Spanish chef’s legendary energy in action as he sweeps you up into a raucous beachfront feast featuring his signature paella.
Dean Max: Impossibly Fresh
Event Type: Culinary Demonstration
Location: Transatlantic Beach Pavilion, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Cost: US$129
When your restaurant has its own boat called Brasserie Catch, it’s a sure bet that the fish will be just as fresh as the produce from local growers and your own thriving garden.The Brasserie’s mastermind shares his secrets as the island’s sustainable cooking innovator.
For the Love of Bubbles with Ray Isle
Event Type: Wine Tasting
Location: Grand Cayman Ballroom, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Cost: US$119
Explore the seductive power and magic of effervescence with FOOD & WINE Executive Wine Editor Ray Isle. Sparkling selections to include Fantinel “Cuvée Prestige” Prosecco, Domaine Carneros Brut, Lanson Black Label Brut Cuvée, Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Rosé, Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs and Dom Ruinart 1998 Millésime.
The Bold & The Blind with Anthony Giglio
Event Type: Wine Tasting
Location: Blue by Eric Ripert, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Cost: US$225
Join Anthony Giglio for a single blind tasting to challenge your senses with some of the world’s most esteemed wines from the award winning list at Blue by Eric Ripert.
11:30am - 1:30pm
Rundown with Anthony Bourdain
Event Type: Lunch
Location: The Great Lawn, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Cost: US$279
His eight books and four TV shows prove he knows food, but it's his irreverent voice and sincere interest in the human ingredients behind the dishes that make readers and viewers fervently wish to be his travel companion. Bourdain hosts a lunch exploring Cayman's culinary traditions including a menu of classic conch chowder, a fish fry, Cayman-style Jerk, Rundown and more. Featuring Caybrew and Seven Fathoms Rum.
Paul Bartolotta Italian Seaside Lunch
Event Type: Lunch
Location: Periwinkle, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Cost: US$229
The chef famed for his rustic yet refined Italian cuisine finds his Caribbean home in the alfresco Periwinkle, which celebrates Mediterranean seafood and Italian coastal traditions. Featuring Terlato wines.
Italy + Napa + Cayman
Event Type: Lunch
Location: Luca
Cost: US$229
Where but Cayman Cookout can you enjoy contemporary Italian cuisine, critically acclaimed Tuck Beckstoffer Napa Valley Wines and breathtaking views over an infinity pool of Seven Mile Beach and the Caribbean Sea? Anthony Giglio and Tuck Beckstoffer host this perfect tropical storm of sensory pleasures.
Into the Garden with David Kinch - SOLD OUT
Event Type: Lunch
Location: The Brasserie
Cost: US$229
Who better than the Manresa chef, whose 22-acre farm supplies every bit of the restaurant’s produce, to guest chef at Cayman’s own artisan secret pleasure? Featuring wine pairings from Landmark Vineyards, an industry leader in sustainable practices of wine making.
An Afternoon at Blue with Guest Chef Daniel Humm
Event Type: Tour, Demonstration and Lunch
Location: Blue by Eric Ripert, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Cost: US$229
The Eleven Madison Park chef brings his mantra of endless innovation to "Le Bernardin at the beach". It is here that Chef de Cuisine Luis Lujan brings Eric Ripert's philosophy of the fish as the star of the plate to life using seafood from Cayman's 4th generation fisherman. Featuring wines from the great Napa estate of Far Niente
2:00pm - 3:00pm
The Art of the Pie with Spike Mendelsohn
Event Type: Culinary Demonstration
Location: Justin/Landmark Beach Pavilion, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Cost: US$129
Pizza lovers unite as the chef equally beloved by TV producers and aficionados of "Good Stuff" shares the secrets to making D.C.'s best pizza pie.
The Dale MacKay Way
Event Type: Culinary Demonstration
Location: Transatlantic North Beach Pavilion, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Cost: US$129
The first "Top Chef Canada" winner brings his classic French technique and deftly cool Vancouver vibe to Cayman with a Pacific Northwest take on blending spices with science and showing how your own signature custom blend can enhance seafood dishes.
Napa Treasures
Event Type: Wine Tasting
Location: Grand Cayman Ballroom, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Cost: US$119
The fruits from Tuck Beckstoffer's family premium vineyards are credited on some of Napa Valley’s most coveted labels. Tuck is renowned for delivering quality disproportionate to price in his own wines including 75 Wine Company, Mockingbird, Semper Wines, Victory Vineyards, and Vinifera.
3:30pm - 4:30pm
Daniel Humm's Beach Picnic
Event Type: Culinary Demonstration
Location: Transatlantic North Beach Pavilion, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Cost: US$129
The James Beard Outstanding Chef of 2012 known for bold innovation gets down to some Caribbean fun and shares his idea of the essential picnic basket component for a day on Seven Mile Beach.
The Sweet Life with Sherry Yard
Event Type: Culinary Demonstration
Location: Justin/Landmark South Beach Pavilion, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Cost: US$129
The long time executive pastry chef of Wolfgang Puck Worldwide and the celebrated Spago shows why her Secrets of Baking is a kitchen bible as she goes tropical with a roasted pineapple strudel.
Wines to Savour in the Tropics
Event Type: Wine Tasting
Location: Grand Cayman Ballroom, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Cost: US$119
Executive Wine Editor at FOOD & WINE Ray Isle shares his crisp and refreshing picks for an afternoon on Seven Mile Beach or a hot summer day anywhere.
Vertical Variations: Château Haut-Brion
Event Type: Reserve Tasting
Location: Blue by Eric Ripert, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Cost: US$325
Join Château La Mission Haut Brion's own Turid Alcaras and experience the first growth Bordeaux that has enchanted wine connoisseurs since the original 1855 classification along with Blue by Eric Ripert Head Sommelier Kristian Netis. Explore Haut Brion and a vertical selection of Château La Mission Haut Brion, both in vintages 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003.
7:00pm - 10:00pm
Barefoot BBQ Presented by Certified Angus Beef
Event Type: Dinner
Location: Royal Palms
Cost: US$299
Shorts or rolled up trousers are de rigueur as Eric Ripert, Anthony Bourdain and José Andrés grill in the water at a literal Caribbean Sea cookout. The gilding of this tropical lily: cocktails made with the ultra-premium tequilas and liquors of Patrón.
9:00am - 1:30pm
Burgers in Paradise with Eric Ripert and Spike Mendelsohn - SOLD OUT
Event Type: Activity & Lunch
Location: Rum Point
Cost: US$329
The creator of Cayman Cookout invites you to the quintessential island burger bash with assistance at the grill from “Top Chef’s” own burger maestro. The morning begins with a catamaran sail across North Sound and stop to snorkel and swim at Eric’s favorite place on Cayman: Stingray City. Then on to Rum Point for satisfying burgers of every iteration along with shallow waters, reaching docks, shaded shores, swinging hammocks, candy-coloured picnic tables, sparkling wine, cold Heineken and, of course, rum, courtesy of Tortuga. Recommended attire: swimsuits, cover-ups and plenty of sunscreen.
* To purchase a ticket without Catamaran transport, please contact us.
11:30am - 1:30pm
An Afternoon at Blue
Event Type: Tour, Demonstration and Lunch
Location: Blue by Eric Ripert, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Cost: US$259
So how does Blue by Eric Ripert maintain its status as the Caribbean’s only AAA Five Diamond restaurant and earn its nickname of "Le Bernardin at the Beach?" Chef de Cuisine Luis Lujan shows how Eric Ripert's philosophy of the fish as the star of the plate is brought to life using seafood from Cayman's 4th generation fisherman and produce from the island's farmers. Wines from the great Napa estate of Clarendalle inspired by Haut-Brion perfectly complement Blue's delicate flavors and artful presentation.
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Farm to Fork with David Kinch
Event Type: Culinary Demonstration
Location: Justin/Landmark South Beach Pavilion, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Cost: US$129
In a world of restaurant empires and Cook-Slash-TV Presenters, his Manresa is hailed by those not prone to hyperbole as the most inventive restaurant in America. The 'one restaurant, one farm' chef turns his creative focus to taking advantage of what's best at your local farmer's market and the benefits of slow roasting and grilling. To complement: wines From Justin, an industry leader in sustainable practices in the winery and vineyard.
Fresh Catch with Paul Bartolotta
Event Type: Culinary Demonstration
Location: Transatlantic North Beach Pavilion, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Cost: US$129
The Italian chef renowned for his quest for the perfect live langoustines at his Wynn Las Vegas restaurant turns his fierce focus on Caribbean seafood.
How to Enjoy your Food & Wine with Ray Isle
Event Type: Tasting
Location: Grand Cayman Ballroom, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Cost: US$119
Life is too short for food and wine to simply coexist peacefully. Ray Isle shares how to go beyond classic pairings and find matches that accentuate the flavours and textures in one another in surprising ways with six matches ranging from Champagne and potato chips to Pinot noir and crostini to Moscato d'Asti and fresh tropical fruit.
3:30 - 4:30pm
An Afternoon with Anthony Bourdain and Eric Ripert
Event Type: Talk
Location: Transatlantic North Beach Pavilion, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Cost: US$129
The culinary bromance continues. Listen as they candidly trade opinions, talk shop and indulge in a rant or two in a beach chat adaptation of their wildly popular stage show.
Pinot Pedigrees with Anthony Giglio
Event Type: Wine Tasting
Location: Grand Cayman Ballroom, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Cost: US$119
Channel your inner Miles Raymond, unleash your affection for the "heartbreak grape" and discuss: where do the best pinot noirs come from? From Sonoma superstars to Oregonian upstarts to Austrian dark horses to Burgundian statesmen, Anthony Giglio and the competitors will reaffirm your love for this prickly yet imminently pairable wine.
Exquisite Far Niente - SOLD OUT
Event Type: Reserve Tasting
Location: Blue by Eric Ripert, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Beth Nickel introduces you to "Dolce Far Niente," an Italian phrase that describes a way of enjoying life’s passions without a care that embodies the spirit of the Far Niente, Dolce and Nickel & Nickel wineries. This vertical tasting will include 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2000, and 1995.
Restorative Rhum with Adam Seger
Event Type: Mixology Demonstration
Location: Landmark/Justin South Beach Pavilion, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Cost: US$129
Dubbed the "Spirits Guru" and "Chicago's Godfather of craft cocktails", mixologist Adam Seger takes a chef's approach at the bar to fortify you for a day of culinary indulgences with his own botanic spirit brimming with vitamins and antioxidants, and other ingenious blends.
7:00pm
Ultimate Dinner Party
The only downside to this evening at Cayman's newest dining destination is choosing only one restaurant. Start with a book signing with Cayman Cookout chefs Andrès, Bourdain, Goldsmith, Humm and Schwartz. Then David Kinch will guest chef alongside Michael Schwartz at Michael's Genuine, Spike Mendelsohn and Sherry Yard join Cindy Hutson at Ortanique and Dale MacKay pairs up with Ron Jacobson at Abacus.
Location: Camana Bay
Cost: US$350
Event Type: Reception/Book Signing on Crescent & Dinner at Michael's Genuine Food & Drink
Description: Chef Michael Schwartz welcomes guest chef David Kinch of Manresa Restaurant on Central California's wild coast for a memorable dinner that draws inspiration from its home in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains to bring to life Grand Cayman's seasonal bounty. The two chefs share a common approach to food, where sourcing fresh and local is king and dishes simply celebrate high quality, beautiful ingredients. The meal includes beverage pairings by Michael's Genuine Wine Director Eric Larkee and Beverage Director Ryan Goodspeed, and desserts by Executive Pastry Chef Hedy Goldsmith.
Event Type: Reception/Book Signing on Crescent & Dinner at Ortanique
Description: Co-owners, Delius Shirley and Celebrity Chef Cindy Hutson invite you to a Cuisine of the Sun regale infused with irrepressible Top Chef energy. TV magnet Spike Mendelsohn joins fellow Top Chef alum Sara Mair in the kitchen with company from Certified Angus Beef corporate Chef Scott Popovic. Expect a menu reflecting what you think sun soaked Grand Cayman on a plate should look like as local fare is enhanced with Ortanique flare and backlit with Fantinel wines.
Event Type: Reception/Book Signing on Crescent & Dinner at Abacus
Description: Canadian by birth and Caymanian by choice, Chef Ron Jacobson proudly welcomes Top Chef Canada Winner Dale MacKay. Together they’ll present a playful Caribbean inspired menu with their own twists on classical techniques and flavors (MacKay’s honed under mentors Gordan Ramsay and Daniel Boulud). Blending the best local products available with their favorite flavors and distinct culinary style, the chefs will show you the meaning of contemporary island style while no less a wine connoisseur than Food & Wine’s Ray Isle ensures your glass brims with wines to remember.
12:00pm - 3:00pm
Ambassadors in the Kitchen Kids Brunch
Event Type: Activity and Brunch
Location: Ambassadors Lawn, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Cost: US$68
Naturalists from Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment and Cayman Cookout chefs lead kids in interactive culinary activities and demonstrations. From coconut cracking to mixing Swanky to making organic applesauce to baking cookies in a solar oven, kids will work up an appetite while learning that eating sustainably and deliciously go hand in hand and enjoy brunch from the impressive Chef Bernard Guillas.
Bon Vivant Taittinger Champagne Brunch and Cook-Off Brunch
Location: Cayman Islands Ballroom, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Cost: US$195
The annual competition for Cayman’s own amateur "Top Chef". Spike Mendelsohn hosts the knife-wielding victors of a series of preliminary competitions. Their Caribbean-influenced dishes are judged by Eric Ripert, Anthony Bourdain, José Andrés and His Excellency The Governor of the Cayman Islands Duncan Taylor while guests enjoy a lavish brunch and Taittinger Champagne.
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Artisan Market
Event Type: Tasting Pavilion
Location: North Sound Pool, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Cost: US$35
Work on your tan while enjoying cocktails, Cayman delicacies and cookbooks ready for signing by Cayman Cookout chefs and wine experts.
7:00pm
Cayman Cookout Gala Dinner - SOLD OUT
Event Type: Dinner
Location: Blue by Eric Ripert, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Eric Ripert invites Chefs Andrés, Bartolotta, Humm, Kinch, MacKay, Mendelsohn and Yard into his restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman for a once-in-a-lifetime dinner prepared by some of the most visionary and innovative chefs cooking today. Wines represented include the finest from Taittinger Champagne, Tuck Beckstoffer, En Route by Far Niente, La Mission Haut-Brion, and Dolce by Far Niente. from Champagne Lanson, Wither Hills, Terlato Wines, Maison Louis Jadot, Far Niente, and Haut-Brion.
Follow the Cookout conversation on Twitter at @CaymanCookout or @Cayman_Islands.