(Published in The Observer on Sunday, 11 December, 2011)
http://www.compasscayman.com/observer/2011/12/11/Hold-the-diet!-Cayman-Culinary-Month-is-coming/
New Year diets will have to wait just a little bit longer. Cayman Culinary Month kicks off the New Year and heralds the return of popular foodie events such as the Cayman Cookout, Taste of Cayman Food & Wine Festival and the inaugural Slow Food Day.
The event sees a roster of world famous chefs, wine experts and spirit blenders offer tasting, demonstrations, tours and dinners that celebrate the epicurean offerings of the Cayman Islands and are guaranteed to see your waist line expand a little.
Held at a variety of venues across the island, the delicious event is designed to highlight local flavours and Cayman’s talented chefs, restauranteurs and drink experts.
This year, Camana Bay, has partnered with all three events, offering an additional epicurean venue, and will host the Ultimate Cayman Cookout Dinner Party, the ever popular Taste of Cayman and Slow Food Day.
With its Caribbean-inspired architecture, lush tropical landscaping and beautifully appointed restaurants, including Ortanique, Abacus, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink and the newly opened KARoo, Camana Bay is fast becoming an ideal venue for any foodie.
“With a growing number of restaurants, Camana Bay has a vested interest in the overall success of the local dining industry and any efforts to position Grand Cayman as the culinary capital of the Caribbean,” Joanne Gammage, PR manager at Camana Bay, said. “Cayman Culinary Month and our sponsored events are wonderful opportunities to showcase the breadth of Cayman’s – and Camana Bay’s – culinary offerings on an international stage.”
The Ultimate Cayman Cookout Dinner Party
The Ulitmate Cayman Cookout Dinner Party will be held on Saturday, 14 January, from 6 p.m. to midnight. Billed as a once-in-a-lifetime culinary event with five unique experiences rolled into one unforgettable night, the event should not be missed by anyone interested in rubbing shoulders with some of the culinary world’s elite.
“The fun begins when Anthony Bourdain, the bad boy of cuisine, and Andrea Robinson, master sommelier, as they join Camana Bay’s very own James Beard award-winning chef Michael Schwartz to share stories and sign copies of their latest books,” Gammage said.
“The party continues with cocktails from guest mixologists and live vibes followed by dinner at one of Camana Bay’s restaurants, Abacus, Michael’s Genuine or Ortanique, where the executive chefs will collaborate with celebrity guest chefs and wine experts to create a once in a lifetime gastronomic experience.
“The night will come to a sweet end with delectable desserts from celebrated pastry chef Francois Payard and Chris Hanmer, the winner of Top Chef Just Desserts 2, accompanied by live music from local artists.”
Slow Food Day
Slow Food Day is devoted to raising awareness of Cayman’s own food producers and celebrating a sustainable approach to dining. After the morning segment of Slow Food Day at the Market at the Grounds, chef Michael Schwartz and celebrated New York-based chef Jonathan Waxman will combine their talents to create a special farm-to-table dinner at Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink.
Grand Cayman’s Slow Food convivum leader, Alan Markoff, said the event at Michael’s shouldn’t be missed by foodies.
“Michael Schwartz and Jonathan Waxman represent two of the leading farm-to-table chefs in America,” he said. “We’re extremely fortunate to have these two talented chefs preparing a menu using local ingredients right here in Cayman.”
Taste of Cayman Food & Wine Festival
Culinary Month will come to a close at Camana Bay with the ever popular Taste of Cayman. Organised by the Cayman Islands Tourism Association, the event will feature more than 30 restaurants which will showcase their signature dishes, allowing attendees to sample food from Cayman’s wide range of restaurants. Registered restaurants include Abacus, Cimboco, Deckers, Lobster Pot, Ortanique and Tukka to name just a few.
Over the years the event has grown to become one of the most eagerly anticipated food events and frequently attracts thousands of attendees. In addition to all the food, the event will include a Mojito Lounge featuring a DJ, dance floor and speciality mojitos, The Hangout, a sport’s themed bar area, photo booth and fireworks display, as well as music by local musicians.
Joanna Lewis 