Cayman Cookout, the most iconic food festival in recent years, celebrated its 15th anniversary in style from January 10th to the 15th. The 15th anniversary of this extraordinary event was characterized by a stellar lineup of internationally renowned culinary luminaries. 

Among the distinguished chefs who lit up the evening were iconic names such as José Andrés, Emeril and E.J. Lagasse, Andrew Zimmern, and Pano Karatassos, who have enriched this gastronomic experience for a decade. Kristen Kish and Antonio Bachour, participating for the second consecutive year, contributed their culinary genius, while emerging talents such as Angie Mar, James Kent, Kwame Onwuachi, and Chef Enrique Olvera, who represented Mexican cuisine with his mastery, made their graceful debut at the Cayman Cookout. In short, an anniversary that offered a diverse menu of flavors and talent that elevated this high-end event to new culinary heights. 

A large worldwide participation 

As we already mentioned, this event featured an impressive lineup of world-renowned chefs but also had the participation of famous sommeliers and mixologists who delighted attendees with a variety of intimate and memorable experiences. 

One of these experiences was the Bon Vivant Chef Competition, considered one of the highlights of the gastronomic festival, which stood out thanks to the interesting combination of the new faces of international cuisine and prominent high-end brands that sponsored the event such as Thermador, Bosch, and Gaggenau. 

Thermador, known for its innovation in kitchen appliances, Bosch, with its elegance and efficiency in every detail, and Gaggenau, the embodiment of culinary perfection, joined forces to elevate the dining experience of this world-renowned festival even further. Their commitment to excellence and passion for fine cuisine merged spectacularly, consolidating the Cayman Cookout as a must-attend destination for the most discerning foodies. 

Thus, during this edition of the Bon Vivant Chefs competition, the young talents demonstrated their skills under the watchful eye of established chefs such as Eric Ripert, Andrew Zimmern, and Emeril Lagasse. However, the competition not only highlighted the region’s emerging talent but also provided unique training and recognition opportunities for young professionals in the hospitality industry. 

An exclusive party 

To close on a high note this great celebration, where gastronomy traveled aboard a catamaran to savor the pleasures of the sea and taste the delights of Jamaican cuisine, those attending the intimate evening enjoyed the performance of the iconic American alternative rock band, the Goo Goo Dolls. 

 
This closing concert marked the climax of 15 years of the Caribbean’s most elegant food festival, the Cayman Cookout. On the glittering stage of The Great Lawn at The Ritz-Carlton, Johnny Rzeznik and Robby Takac, the masterminds behind the acclaimed group, created a magical atmosphere with their captivating music. 

The fusion of exquisite flavors and unforgettable melodies conveyed a symphony of sensory experiences, cementing Cayman Cookout’s reputation as a feast for the gastronomic senses and as a complete show celebrating art in all its forms. A sublime encounter between haute cuisine and the vibrant energy of rock, sealing the 15th anniversary with a musical touch that will resonate in the memories of those who had the privilege of attending.