Legendary international chefs, noted mixologists and sommeliers, and an exciting roster of some 40 curated experiences—these are the attractions at the 18th edition of The Ritz-Carlton Cayman Cookout, to be held January 14–17, 2027, at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman.
Headed by Eric Ripert of Le Bernardin, the four-day event brings together such culinary stars as Daniel Boulud, Emeril Lagasse, José Andrés, Clare Smyth, and Stefano Secchi, to name just a few, and showcases their talents with everything from a collaborative gala dinner, cooking demonstrations, and explorations of fabled cuisines to an exclusive rum tasting and a beach barbecue.
“When we created The Ritz-Carlton Cayman Cookout,” says Ripert, “the idea was to create something truly unique during the coldest month of the year, when winter was hitting the East Coast hard, and travelers were looking for an escape. We wanted to give people a reason to trade snow and gray skies for sunshine, turquoise water, and an unforgettable culinary experience in the Cayman Islands.”
Indeed, Grand Cayman, in the Western Caribbean, is an alluring destination, noted for its crystalline azure waters and the powdery white sands of Seven Mile Beach. The luxe Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, stretching across 144 acres on the shores of North Sound, has been named a Forbes Travel Guide Triple Five-Star hotel and received a prestigious Michelin Key from that namesake guide. For The Ritz-Carlton Cayman Cookout, the hotel is offering an exclusive room package that includes premium accommodations, airport transfers for two, daily breakfast for two guests, and two tickets to three signature experiences and five culinary demonstrations, starting from three-night stays. Guests—who receive early access booking to the events when making reservations—may also add other à la carte experiences. Packages begin at $3,200 per night, including the resort fee.
Among the extraordinary offerings on the Cayman Cookout’s first day is the Barefoot BBQ on the beach, featuring live music, superb cuisine at tasting stations curated by noted chefs, craft cocktails, and decadent desserts, to say nothing of a chance to mingle with food and beverage legends under the stars.
On Friday, chef and philanthropist José Andrés conducts a culinary demonstration that draws on the spirit of Spain; later that day E. J. Lagasse serves up a heritage dinner that celebrates Creole and Cajun traditions.
At Saturday’s Culinary Icons gala dinner, seven renowned chefs—Christophe Bellanca, Claude Le Tohic, Daniel Boulud, E.J. Lagasse, Michael Cimarusti, Stefano Secchi, and Eunji Lee—each present a signature course, combining for a once-in-a-lifetime meal.
Among Sunday’s highlights is the much-loved Ripert & Pétanque, presented by Robb Report, a friendly competition among chefs and guests, accompanied by gourmet noshes and sips of rosé.
New this year, pastry chef Eunji Lee of Lysée in New York will present a tea and patisserie afternoon that showcases her exquisite dessert confections.
The list of notable events goes on and on. British chef Clare Smyth of London’s Core will share personal stories during a demonstration of her cuisine. Chef Stefano Secchi of New York’s Michelin-starred Rezdôra will host a lunch that is a tribute to the dishes of Northern Italy, while Michael Cimarusti of Providence in Los Angeles (three Michelin stars) will share his art of seafood, and world-renowned restaurateur Daniel Boulud will present a French luncheon in an oceanfront venue. There are also dinners that celebrate the cuisines of Mexico, Thailand, Tokyo, and India.
Beyond the culinary extravaganza, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman offers all the luxe amenities of a world-class resort, including a five-star spa, a Greg Norman–designed nine-hole golf course, a water park, sports courts, and programming for guests of all ages. But clearly, The Ritz-Carlton Cayman Cookout holds pride of place in January.
“For me,” says Ripert, “Cayman Cookout is about bringing people together in a place where everything aligns: exceptional hospitality, extraordinary cuisine, and a destination that continues to inspire year after year.”