Festival for food lovers to host gourmet stars

(CNS): Celebrity chef Eric Ripert creator of Cayman’s acclaimed restaurant Blue, and Anthony Bourdain will be heading an all star culinary line up in January at the Department of Tourism’s third annual Cayman Cookout. José Andrés, Rachel Allen, Susur Lee, Michael Schwartz, Charlie Trotter, Food & Wine magazine’s Gail Simmons and wine and spirits experts Ray Isle, Anthony Giglio, Denis Cakebread and Bo Barrett will take visitors on a four-day journey across Grand Cayman with demonstrations, tastings, and excursions for both avid foodies and the curious family cook.

The weekend includes a variety of food events from dining under the stars along Seven Mile Beach to casual conversations and unparalleled cuisine prepared by some of the world’s top chefs in the most intimate of settings.

“We’re excited to be partnering with The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman and Food & Wine magazine to bring Cayman Cookout for the third consecutive year,” said acting Director of Tourism, Shomari Scott.

“Each year, we witness the four-day weekend grow with the addition of new events tantalizing the taste buds of even the most discerning of diners, and Cayman Cookout 2011 is sure to attract those truly passionate about great food.”
 

Scott noted that cuisine plays an important role in the history and culture of the Cayman Islands.

“Cayman Cookout allows DoT to deliver great days of mouth-watering indulgence amidst the serene beauty of paradise, and offers guests the chance to meet and mingle with top chefs and TV extraordinaires,” he added.
 

Cayman cookout will be the first of a number of culinary events for January following the four day event the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort will be hosting a Caribbean Food & Art Dinner where guests can expect to delight in local delicacies while enjoying the work of local artists. On 22 January the rum drink mixing competition takes place at Rum Point followed by the much loved national annual food festival, Taste of Cayman.
 

“Cayman Cookout and the additional epicurean events scheduled throughout the month of January will offer locals and visitors alike a wide array of opportunities to absorb up close and delight in the extensive culinary offerings of Cayman’s cuisine.”
 

For more information about Cayman Cookout or to purchase your tickets, visit www.caymanislands.ky/cayman_cookout.