Food Traveler Magazine Winter 2013 | Page 126

holiday island getaway Winter Caribbean in the The Cayman Islands’ warmth and hospitality continues to draw visitors to its shores for a distinctive Caribbean escape. W hether it’s spending the day relaxing on the pristine white sand beaches, exploring the natural beauty or indulging in the unparalleled culinary culture, there is an activity for every traveler in the Cayman Islands. With an average year round temperature of 80 degrees, it is no wonder that two million tourists a year seek the sun, waters and beauty of the Cayman Islands. Just an hour from Miami, the Cayman Islands is made up of three islands - Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac. For those seeking a 124 FOOD TRAVELER | WINTER 2013 relaxing and restorative vacation, the Cayman Islands provides the ultimate escape. Unplug on Cayman Brac while exploring the untouched beauty of the island or explore the renowned underwater scenery with Little Cayman’s exceptional dive offerings.  Culture-rich Grand Cayman is the perfect destination for food enthusiasts with more than 200 restaurants ranging from casual beachside grills to fine dining. Frequently regarded as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean, Caymanian cuisine has evolved to reflect the influence of the varied cultural backgrounds of the islands’ inhabitants. One of the major cultural melting pots of the Caribbean, Grand Cayman offers a variety of cuisine options, from Seafood, Italian and New World to Asian, French and Indian. Cayman’s culinary diversity has drawn internationally-renowned chefs to the Cayman Islands, with restaurants from Eric Ripert, Dean Max and Michael Schwartz, among others. The highlight of the winter season in the Cayman Islands is the annual Cayman Cookout. Each year, acclaimed chefs, wine connoisseurs and spirits enthusiasts gather for a weekend-long celebration of food, wine and Cayman. Hosted by Chef Eric Ripert of the acclaimed Le Bernardin and Blue by Eric Ripert at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, Cayman Cookout indulges guests in food