New York, New York, October 12, 2009 – The Cayman Islands is proud to announce the second annual Cayman Cookout, to take place January 14 – 18, 2010. This epicurean weekend will once again be hosted by celebrity Chef Eric Ripert, creator of acclaimed Grand Cayman restaurant Blue. Brought to you by the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, and Food & Wine magazine, the Cayman Cookout gives guests from across the globe the opportunity to indulge in unparalleled cuisine prepared by some of the top Chefs in the world, in the most intimate of settings. Tickets to the event are available through www.CaymanIslands.ky/cookout . Eric Ripert and his talented culinary friends including Anthony Bourdain, Dean Fearing, David Chang, Grant Achatz, Jose Andres, and Food & Wine magazine’s Gail Simmons, along with wine and spirits experts Ray Isle, Anthony Giglio, Aldo Sohm, Violet Grgich, and Joy Spence, will take visitors on a journey celebrating food and wine with headline demonstrations, tastings, and excursions all over Grand Cayman. The world-class chefs and sommeliers participating in Cayman Cookout promise to deliver great days of mouth-watering indulgence amidst the serene beauty of paradise, and also offer guests the chance to meet and mingle with them personally. Cayman Cookout events include:

• Chef Eric Ripert sharing his inspirations from the sea, and how his team at Blue celebrates the bounty of Cayman’s fourth and fifth generation fisherman; he’ll also lead a visit to his favorite place in Cayman, the world famous Stingray City.
• A behind-the-scenes look at the popular television show “Top Chef” with show judge, Food & Wine Magazine’s Gail Simmons answering questions and revealing secrets from the program.
• Chef Grant Achatz leading a masterful demonstration on how the science and gastronomic worlds collide.
• Sunset rum tasting aboard a pirate ship, an idyllic way to experience Cayman’s beauty and heritage.
• Anthony Bourdain regaling guests on Seven Mile Beach with his favorite culinary experiences, and the next day hosting a beach barbecue at Calico Jack’s.
• A ‘Made-in-Spain’ demonstration by Chef Jose Andres as he prepares his renowned tapas and giant paella, paired with Spanish wines.
• A blissfully content afternoon at the historic Mission House, learning about, and sampling Cayman’s refreshing bush teas and tea cocktails.
• An extraordinary Cayman Cookout Gala Dinner, the highlight of the weekend – a seven course dinner prepared by Chefs Ripert, Achatz, Andres, Chang, Bourdain, and Fearing. A true once-in-a-lifetime experience for foodies and travelers, Cayman Cookout 2010 will allow visitors to absorb up close and delight in the extensive culinary knowledge exhibited by the world’s most talented chefs and sommeliers. Additional events, including a showcase on the ‘art of sustainable production’; the best new wines in Austria from Aldo Sohm, named the ‘Best Sommelier in the World’; cooking with Chef Dean Fearing; and more, will be held over the weekend and are guaranteed to amaze even the most astute diner. Frequently referred to as “the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean”, the three Cayman Islands offer world-class hotels and elegant resorts, luxury condominiums and secluded villas, all with unsurpassed service, and an eclectic array of fine food options. With more than 150 restaurants, unwinding with a good meal in the Cayman Islands can include chic five-star dining as well as a more casual venue under the stars, or even a themed event. From traditional Caymanian seafood, to Caribbean and Thai, Italian or New World, discriminating diners are sure to find something to fit their taste. To book your Cayman Cookout trip, call your travel professional or Classic Vacations at 1-800-635-1333.