One of the Caribbean’s most celebrated culinary festivals is making its triumphant return this week in Grand Cayman. 

Cayman Cookout, the Eric Ripert-hosted gastronomic experience at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is back for the first time since the onset of the pandemic, running from Jan. 11-15. 

This year’s lineup includes Cayman Cookout veterans like Ripert and Jose Andres, along with star chefs like Adrienne Cheatham, Antonio Bachour, Emeril Lagasse and Daniel Boulud, among others. 

TV food personality Andrew Zimmern is also attending. 

The schedule includes a full-fledged fantasy for foodies, from a bourbon dinner with the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection to a “taste of Little Spain” with Jose Andres right on the beach. 

It’s a unique, intimate festival, one where attendees can meet and mingle up close with some of the biggest stars in the culinary world. 

The biggest change this year is a deeper focus on beverage programming, with more events and menus designed by master mixologists and other spirits experts. 

Cayman Cookout is also letting visitors “curate” their experience, with customized schedules for different kinds of visitors, whether foodie fans, beverage enthusiasts or “chef devotees,” among others. 

That includes what organizers call an “extensive list” of rare wines. 

For more, visit Cayman Cookout.