The chef lineup is out, and it’s a strong one. Cayman Cookout 2027 returns to The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman on January 14–17, 2027, with host Eric Ripert welcoming José Andrés, Daniel Boulud, Emeril Lagasse, Andrew Zimmern, Clare Smyth and more for the festival’s 18th year. If you’ve ever wanted to plan a winter trip around a long weekend of food, wine and Caribbean sunshine, this is the one, and the Ritz-Carlton happens to be our neighbor on Seven Mile Beach.
Cayman Cookout 2027 at a Glance
- Dates: Thursday, January 14 to Sunday, January 17, 2027
- Where: The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, on Seven Mile Beach
- Host: Chef Eric Ripert of Le Bernardin
- Scale: more than 40 curated experiences across the weekend, according to the organizers
- Tickets: through the official site, caymancookout.com
Who’s Cooking
Alongside Eric Ripert, the announced 2027 chefs include José Andrés, Daniel Boulud, Emeril Lagasse and EJ Lagasse, Andrew Zimmern, Clare Smyth, Buddha Lo, Chutapip “Nok” Suntaranon, Christophe Bellanca, Claude Le Tohic, Michael Cimarusti, Orlando Soto and Dean Max. New this year, pastry chef Eunji Lee is debuting a pop-up pastry shop at the festival.
The drinks side is just as well covered, with sommeliers and bartenders including Aldo Sohm, Bobby Stuckey, Charles Joly and Ivy Mix on the program. You can read the full announcement in VIE Magazine’s lineup coverage.
The Signature Events
Each day of the weekend is built around one big gathering:
- Thursday: Barefoot BBQ. The festival’s relaxed, kick-your-shoes-off opening night.
- Friday: Grown in Cayman. An evening spotlighting Cayman’s own ingredients and flavors.
- Saturday: After Glow. A late-night poolside party to close out the main festivities.
Between the big events you’ll find cooking demonstrations, tastings and intimate chef dinners. The program and individual ticket options are posted on the Ritz-Carlton’s Cayman Cookout page and caymancookout.com, so check there for current availability and prices.
Tips for Planning Your Cookout Trip
Book flights and accommodation now
Mid-January is peak season on Grand Cayman, with dry, sunny weather and lots of visitors escaping the northern winter. Add a festival weekend and the best places to stay and the most convenient flights go early.
Pick your events, then build around them
Many visitors choose one or two signature events and a demonstration or two rather than trying to do everything. Popular events can sell out, so buy tickets as soon as you know your dates.
Stay a few extra days
The Cookout runs Thursday to Sunday, but there’s plenty to fill the days before and after: a morning boat trip to Stingray City, snorkeling right off Seven Mile Beach, and dinners at Camana Bay and along West Bay Road. Our Grand Cayman activities and dining guide has our favorites.
Plan your transport
Taxis are the easiest way to get to and from evening events, so nobody has to worry about driving after a wine tasting. If you’re renting a car for the rest of your stay, remember Cayman drives on the left.
Why Sea Breeze Is a Great Base for Cayman Cookout
Sea Breeze is a boutique building of just nine large oceanfront condos at the quiet north end of Seven Mile Beach. The Ritz-Carlton is only a few minutes down West Bay Road, so you’re close to every Cookout event but come home to a peaceful stretch of beach rather than festival crowds.
- Room for the whole group. Each condo has four bedrooms and sleeps up to 10, ideal for friends or families sharing the trip and splitting the cost.
- A kitchen of your own. Feeling inspired after a cooking demo? Pick up local fish and produce and try it yourself in a full kitchen, then eat on your terrace overlooking the Caribbean.
- Snorkeling on your doorstep. Cemetery Beach, one of the best shore snorkeling spots on Seven Mile Beach, is right beside the building, so your mornings can start with a swim over the reef.
- Easy access to more great food. Camana Bay’s restaurants and the rest of Seven Mile Beach’s dining scene are a short drive away for the nights you’re not at the festival.
For a special occasion, The Penthouse has a rooftop terrace made for sunset dinners, while Condo 8 offers a generous oceanfront terrace and open-plan living space for a group.
Check January Availability
Cookout weekend is one of the busiest of the winter season, and our condos are limited. If you’re planning to come for Cayman Cookout 2027, check availability and send us an inquiry today. We’d love to host you.
