Cayman has a reputation as home to some of the best restaurants in the Caribbean. For anyone still in doubt, Cayman Culinary Month should serve as absolute proof.

A number of favourite local epicurean events come together next month for what promises to be the ultimate experience for anyone with a taste for good food.

The return of the Cayman Cookout with its celebrity chefs promises to be every bit as successful as the previous edition, while Taste of Cayman has moved from November to join the Cookout in January.

The ever popular Taste of Cayman Food and Wine Festival at Camana Bay, organised by the Cayman Islands Tourism Association, will be back on a new date, Saturday 16 January. Like last year, the event will be hosted at Camana Bay, but with almost twice the space available as well as more participants and events, this promises to be the best edition of the event yet. Now in its 22nd year, the event, co-sponsored by What’s Hot, will see some new innovations, with visitors being able to purchase additional food tickets should they have used all the tickets included with their entry and find more food deserving of a tasting. With Cayman’s best restaurants present, there is little doubt that an additional ticket or three could come in handy.

With less likelihood of rain in January as well as most restaurants and hotels being fully staffed at the time, it is hoped the event will be able to attract even more participants and visitors. With wine tasting, live music and events to entertain the kids, Taste of Cayman is certain to be an even greater success this year.

Early bird tickets are CI$40 until 31 December, with VIP tickets CI$150 until 15 January and children’s tickets CI$15 until 15 January. For more information visit tasteofcayman.com.ky.

With celebrity chefs like Eric Ripert, Dean Fearing and Anthony Bourdain in attendance, the Cayman Cookout by The Ritz-Carlton promises to satisfy everyone with a taste for great food with a side order of celebrity. The event, co-sponsored by the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, runs from 14 to 17 January and the line-up includes Grant Achatz, Jose Andres, David Chang, Michael Schwartz, Paula DaSilva, Dean James Max and Alex Grunert.

The event kicks off with the Cayman Cultural Showcase on Thursday 14 January from 7pm, which will celebrate Caymanian art and culture.

Friday 15 January will feature cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, lunches, and sunset rum tasting and dinners. One of the highlights of the day will be the National Trust dinner and wine auction, which takes place at 7 Prime Cuts & Sunsets.

Saturday 16 January will feature a trip to Stingray City with Eric Ripert, wine tastings, lunches, cooking demonstrations, a tea party at The Mission House and a beach barbecue with Anthony Bourdain.

Sunday 17 January will feature cooking and pastry demonstrations, pizza making for kids, and the Bon Vivant Sunday Moët & Chandon champagne brunch cook-off, with top local amateur chefs competing for the crown, to be judged by top international chefs.

The Cayman Cookout closes on a high note with the Cayman Cookout gala dinner, hosted at Blue by Eric Ripert. The evening will feature a seven course meal, prepared by Chefs Ripert, Bourdain, Fearing, Achatz, Andres and Chang.

Apart from individual event tickets, ticket packages are available. The Sous package includes the welcome reception and up to six tastings and demonstration from a selection of 14, with a cost of US$750.

The Executive package adds two chef lunches and the champagne brunch cook-off to the Sous package, for US$1,200.

The Master package adds two chef dinners including Bourdain’s beach barbecue for US$1,650.   WH

For more information, visit caymanislands.ky/cayman_cookout.