A Feast of Legends: The Ritz-Carlton Cayman Cookout
On Grand Cayman’s famed Seven Mile Beach, Chef Eric Ripert has cultivated a uniquely intimate epicurean festival that stands among the world’s finest. For five nights each January, this idyllic stretch of shoreline sets the stage for a grand occasion where barefoot-in-the-sand revelry meets refined indulgence.
Now in its 17th year, The Ritz-Carlton Cayman Cookout offers discerning gastronomes the chance to savor exceptional fare in a spirited atmosphere. The exclusive Cayman Cookout room package elevates the weekend into a complete luxury escape. Along with premium accommodations for two, daily breakfast, and seamless airport transfers, the package grants full access to the event’s signature experiences—rare moments to learn, taste, and toast with some of the most acclaimed names in the world of food and drink.
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In the spirit of shared passion and camaraderie, all are welcome to join this distinguished circle of global tastemakers as they showcase their craft at the stunning waterfront resort. Whether you attend select experiences or indulge in the full package, an immersive experience awaits, with demonstrations by the world’s most revered chefs, exquisite dinners with live music, poolside cocktails with expert mixologists, and a sunset sail that flows with Cristal Champagne.
This year’s festival carries extra significance, as it also commemorates the 20th anniversary of The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. In celebration, the annual Grand Finale Dinner will feature an outstanding lineup of headlining chefs and sommeliers, capping off a weekend filled with the kind of hospitality that turns first-time visitors into lifelong friends.
Highlights of the celebration include the Wheels Up Journey to GoldenEye, offering guests an exclusive lunch experience at Jamaica’s acclaimed resort. The lineup includes the highly anticipated journey with Chef Eric Ripert on Thursday, as well as a newly added second journey led by Chef Stephanie Izard on Friday.
Chef Andrew Zimmern leads Friday’s spotlight on Cayman cuisine, returning in 2026 with a fresh twist. The event will focus on health-forward innovation, as chefs reimagine beloved Caymanian flavors with plant-based, gluten-free, and wellness-driven twists. Panelists Gavin Kaysen and Gregory Gourdet will share insights on how modern chefs can embrace a healthy balance without sacrificing flavor.
Chefs Gregory Gourdet and Ming Tsai will join the festivities this year, bringing Haitian and Chinese cuisine to the demonstrations and dining program. These new additions bring exciting flavors and perspectives to Cayman Cookout and expand the scope of the festival’s international talent.
Cayman Cookout’s beloved After Glow shifts its focus this year from Champagne to cocktails, transforming the Harbour Pool bar into a lively showcase of liquid creativity by the event’s award-winning, headlining mixologists.
A returning favorite, Ripert and Pétanque, presented by Robb Report, brings chefs and guests together for a spirited afternoon of camaraderie and friendly competition. This beloved tradition has become one of the most anticipated events of the week, blending relaxed island charm with the playful energy of top culinary names facing off in the classic French lawn game at Andiamo Circolo Sportivo.
Also making its debut, the Jazz Dinner pairs a four-course meal with live music, set in a sultry black-and-gold theme. Attendees will enjoy beautifully plated courses by candlelight, accompanied by a jazz band.
After dinner, the beloved Jazz Lounge returns as the official farewell, inviting guests to linger with a final drink, more music, and a reflective close to the weekend.
For those who love to be on the water, the new Sunset Sail: Vintages of Cristal is poised to become a favorite. Travelers set out onto the Caribbean Sea for a golden-hour voyage, tasting some of Cristal’s most beloved vintages against the endless horizon.
At its core, The Ritz-Carlton Cayman Cookout is more than a festival. It is an immersion into a world where culinary legends, fine wine, innovative spirits, and Caribbean beauty converge. In 2026, Cayman Cookout continues its tradition of blending artistry, intimacy, and island sophistication, delivering an experience designed to linger long after the final toast.
Event dates: January 14–19, 2026
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