Food Traveler Magazine Winter 2016 | Page 88

holiday ISLANDS in the A WORLD OF CULINARY POSSIBILITIES THE CAYMAN ISLANDS Boasting over 200 unique restaurants across three distinct islands, from gourmet five-star establishments to charming local eateries just steps away from the beach, the Cayman Islands’ epicurean scene is as diverse as it is delicious. Top it all off with a variety of premier gastronomic events, an ever-expanding sustainable dining scene and exciting new hotel and product offerings, there’s no better time to explore “The Culinary Capital of the Caribbean” than this winter season. And with nonstop flights available from most major U.S. cities and airline carriers, an unforgettable warm-weather escape has never been more within reach. Travelling foodies this winter can delight in a number of events that pay tribute to the destination’s thriving food and wine scene, including the esteemed Cayman Cookout from January 12-15, 2017, hosted by Chef Eric Ripert and 86 FoodTraveler l Winter 2016 other renowned tastemakers such as Anthony Bourdain, José Andrés, and new this year, Emeril Lagasse. Later that month is Taste of Cayman (January 28), a decadent culinary festival held in the cosmopolitan waterfront district of Camana Bay. Both events offer visitors the opportunity to savour and sip the distinct flavors of the Cayman Islands through exclusive demonstrations, tastings, tours, and more. destination, Le Soleil d’Or, which uses ingredients from its own 20-acre organic garden to curate everything from its dining menu to its spa products. With a wide array of accommodation options to suit visitors of all needs, from romancing couples to large families, travellers can opt for cosy private villas, spacious condos or coveted luxury resorts, including the new 266-room Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa opening this November on Grand Cayman’s famous Seven Mile Beach. Featuring an intimate Chef’s Counter experience plus six vibrant restaurants and bars promising to deliver big flavours, the highly-anticipated property is a culinary haven in its own right. Those who can’t make the annual events can still indulge in the best of Cayman’s culinary experiences offered year-long, from unique restaurant-hopping adventures to bespoke private dinners hosted under the stars. The Cayman Islands is also pioneering the Caribbean’s sea-tofork movement with a diverse home- To learn more and plan your trip to the grown food scene evinced at various Cayman Islands this winter, please go to restaurants committed to dishing up visitcaymanislands.com. only locally-sourced fare. On the Sister Island of Cayman Brac lies the Cayman Islands’ only beachside farm-to-table