Elite Traveler Summer 2020

Cayman Cookout THE RITZ-CARLTON, GRAND CAYMAN Every January, chefs of Michelin-starred eateries and foodies flock to the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman for an extremely indulgent weekend hosted by world- renowned chef Eric Ripert. The Cookout is full of famous chefs, like José Andrés, Daniel Boulud, Dominique Crenn and Clare Smyth, who all say they come to the Cookout to support their close friend chef Ripert (the sunshine can’t hurt either). Chef Crenn, of three-Michelin-starred restaurant Atelier Crenn in San Francisco, says, “the most attractive thing for me is to be able to support my friend Eric. We’re coming here because we are supporting each other.” Only guests attending the Cookout can stay at the hotel, so everyone is there to celebrate the same thing: fabulous food and drinks. Grand Cayman’s famed Seven Mile Beach is the scene for the cooking and mixology demonstrations. Chef Andrés kicks off the Cookout with an elaborate arrival (past years have seen him arrive by submarine, by horseback and by jumping out of a helicopter). He then heads straight to one of the most popular cooking demos. In his exuberant style, he shows how to cook classic Spanish dishes like paella, and will also have a Spain vs France competition with chef Ripert. The rest of the events are scattered throughout Grand Cayman in beautiful spots like Stingray City, the Botanical Gardens, Rum Point and Royal Palm Beach Club. One of the most exclusive events whisks a small group by private jet to GoldenEye hotel in Jamaica for a decadent lunch in Ian Fleming’s villa, hosted by Craggy Range winery owner Terry Peabody and a different chef each time. Every night, there is a sensational dinner event, whether it’s barefoot dancing on the beach alongside the chefs and watching fireworks, popping bottles of champagne on a glass dance floor over the Ritz- Carlton’s pool, or the exquisite gala dinner at Blue by Eric Ripert. -KS caymancookout.com

Clockwise from left A demonstration led by chef Daniel Boulud; Cayman Cookout chefs; chef José Andrés; beautiful dishes; NetJets’ catamaran on the water

Photos Rebecca Davidson Photography