Cayman Islands•Fashion•Summer Fashion•Travel

2020 Cayman Cookout at The Ritz Carlton with Fortessa – OOTD’s & Food!

When I was asked to attend the Cayman Cookout with Fortessa, I was in literal shock. What an opportunity of a lifetime. Are they sure they asked the right person? haha. I want to take you on the trip with me, I’ll be sharing Day 1, 2 and 3! I’ll be sharing the events I attended, my outfit of the days and more!

DAY 1

First off if you’ve followed my travels last year you will know that my traveling luck is awful, LOL. The more I travel the more issues I have unfortunately ran into. I was flying out of DC to Charlotte- our flight was delayed around 30 mins which made my connection REALLY tight. So much so that I had to SPRINT to the gate. Hm…hello I just had a baby, when is the last time I ran anywhere? HAHA. Well I made it and I felt like I was going to pass out.

Ritz Carlton: Cayman Islands

Cayman Islands – I’m here!

Got check into the Ritz Carlton – perfection is all I can say. The staff and the room is amazing. This was quite the welcome and I wasn’t mad. Kristen ( @balancingpieces ) and I both got checked into our rooms, took a shower and got ourselves together for dinner at Blue by Eric Ripert. This is the ONLY AAA Five Diamond restaurant in the Caribbean. We had a 7 course dinner that blew my mind. Below is the menu and my photography of it.

Fortessa Tablewear – La Jolla linked HERE (comes in different colors)

“Amanda” Plateware (the circle grooves) I also have these! shop HERE.

Gold Stemware – Shop HERE (I have these!)

“Air” Collection in Glassware – Shop HERE.

Outfit (below):

Blue Dress: Shop HERE. $28.99

White Earrings: Shop HERE. $13.99

Phone Case: Shop HERE. $32

Sandals: Shop HERE. $34.99

Day 2

Woke up bright and early – headed to Kristen’s room to have breakfast with her and I also popped some Moet to start my day! Why not!?!

Star Pj’s (this pink set is sold out but I linked similar) shop HERE

First up: Mexican lunch with Agave. Tequila Ocho and iLegal Mezcal.

“¡Viva Mexico! If you love Mexican cuisine, you’ve found your match at Cayman Cookout. Delight in a lively and sophisticated meal from Chef Xavier Salomon, Executive Chef from Montage Los Cabos, around ancestral culinary traditions. Experience a gastronomical journey through creative, fresh and authentic homage to Mexico’s history. You will also enjoy Ilegal Mezcal and Tequila Ocho cocktails provided by Agave Grill.” Event Line Up

Outfit:

Dress: Shop HERE

Sandals: Shop HERE

Crossbody Summer Bag: Shop HERE

Pearl Hoop Earrings: Pair ONE and Pair TWO

Second up: Rockstars of Beverage

“Picture this: the world’s best bartenders walk onto Seven Mile Beach. Join a lively group of superstars from the beverage-world for a boozy afternoon on the beach, filled with fun banter, cocktails and light bites. Host Lauren Mote, co-proprietor of Bittered Sling and Diageo Global Cocktailian, asks the right questions and gets all the juicy details of a life behind the most famous bars and the world’s best brands. Featuring special guests, Dennis Tamse, Global Relationships Director at the Nolet Distillery (Ketel One vodka); world-renowned mixologist, bar owner and consultant, Julie Reiner; Co-Founder and Head Bartender of Crafthouse Cocktails, Charles Joly; and Kaitlyn Stewart, World Class global winner 2017. Sponsored by Ketel One Vodka, Tanqueray No. TEN and Bittered Sling.” – Event Line Up

Dennis Tamse, Lauren Mote, Julie Reiner, Charles Joly and Kaitlyn Stewart.

(Click their names for their Instagram accounts)

After this event Kristen and I were both swollen from the heat, lol. Truth! We both went to our rooms, grabbed some food and relaxed for a little bit. We then took some photos & headed to LUCA for dinner and it was amazing, highly recommend it!

Outfit:

Shirt: Linked Similar ones HERE ($36)

Skirt: Shop HERE (sold out from the boutique but linked it from another place) here is their others…HERE. $46

Shoes: Shop HERE (white) & grey option HERE. $19

Day 3

Outfits:

White Dress: Shop HERE.

Nude/Gold Flat Sandals: Shop HERE.

Black Shorts: Shop HERE.

Leopard Shirt: Shop HERE.

Silver/Brown Sandals: Shop HERE.

Sunnies: Shop HERE

First up: Andrew Zimmern Explores the Flavors of the Cayman. Presented by Best Dressed Chicken.

“Give a warm Cayman welcome to chef Andrew Zimmern as his culinary voyage around the world brings him back to Cayman Cookout. World-renowned chef, bestselling author and multiple Emmy-winning television personality goes live in Grand Cayman to taste and discuss the bizarre side of international and local flavors with Cayman’s most acclaimed chefs and restaurateurs. Beverage offerings include Santa Margherita wine, signature cocktails featuring Russian Standard Vodka, and Cayman’s very own Cayman Islands brewery beers.” – Event Line Up

This was one of my favorite events they had. Kristen and I walked around and got to taste all the flavors of the Cayman and it was DELICIOUS. I went back to “The best dressed chicken” 4 times, haha. No joke! below are some of the foods and places we got to try.

We then decided to head to the pool for a quick break for some snacks and girl time! We ordered salsa/chips (its my FAV) and some lobster/crab corn dogs. I had the BEST margarita – I swear they always taste better on a beach.

My travel pack from Wander beauty was perfect for this trip. I used the mist to keep my skin hydrated while getting my tan on!

Wander Beauty: Airplane Mode Kit shop HERE

Sunnies: shop HERE

Necklaces: Hearts HERE and Circle pendant HERE.

Next stop: Barefoot BBQ at Royal Palms. Presented by Certified Angus Beef, Moet & Chandon, and Barilla.

“A backyard BBQ adopts new meaning under the stars on Seven Mile Beach where shorts or rolled-up trousers are de rigueur. Dine under the stars as Chefs Eric Ripert, José Andrés, Andrew Zimmern and other local and internationally acclaimed chefs harmonize sizzling grills on the beach with the breaking waves in true barefoot elegance. Hand-crafted cocktails, savory delights and live music, will enchant your way into the evening. Presented by Certified Angus Beef and Chandon California sparkling wines, featuring Beam Global Bourbons, Flor de Caña Rum, Terrazas wines and 1981 Brewing Company.” – Event line up

We literally ate, drank and danced the night away! It was so much fun. The food, as always was delicious. If you’re looking for something to scratch off or add to your bucket list, this is it.

My dress was from the gift shop but I’ve linked similar ones HERE.

Day 4

The Beach Bash presented by Progressive Distributors Ltd. hosted by The TODAY Show’s Al Roker!

“Set sail crossing the turquoise Caribbean Sea to Stingray City, Chef Eric Ripert’s favorite destination to swim, snorkel and revel in a distinctly Caymanian experience. Hosted by the The Today’s Show Al Roker, Rum Point awaits enticing event participants with its shaded shores, colorful picnic tables, and soft-swaying hammocks. This street food extravaganza alongside Chefs Emeril Lagasse and Laetitia Rouabah, to name a few; as well as Beverage artisans Charles Joly and Global Rum Ambassador, Ian Burrell, is presented by Progressive Distributors Ltd. and Moët Ice Impérial featuring Flor de Caña Rum and Cayman Islands Brewery.” Event Line Up

Next up: It’s All About Truffle dinner by Chef Thomas Seifried presented by Sabatino Tartufi and Gourmet Foods International

“Savor the exquisite taste of one of nature’s most delectable delicacies with an evening dedicated to truffles as Executive Chef of Blue By Eric Ripert, Thomas Seifried takes us through a six-course truffle dinner. During this gastronomic event, we will explore and discover the many ways we can associate truffles in our culinary journey. Paired with delectable wines, this is a dinner experience that can’t be missed.” – Event line up

Another beautiful setup by Fortessa.

This is how you do a dinner presentation!

Rosé it Out presented by Moët & Chandon & The Ritz-Carlton CC

“Be amazed as the Harbour Club pool transforms into a sophisticated and whimsical oasis with enchanting pops of pink and blushing shades of Rosé. Follow your heart to our after party featuring a DJ under the stars as you sip on Moët & Chandon and a selection of handcrafted Belvedere vodka cocktails. With glamour and mystique galore, the night is only getting started!” – Event Line Up

Dress shop HERE.

Day 5

Master Bites with Chef Rainer

“Chef Rainer Zinngrebe, Vice President and Corporate Chef at Marriott International Luxury Brands, has traveled globally over the past two decades in his capacity of Master Chef. Struck by the similarities of food and eating habits across borders, cultures and cuisines, he decided to share his discoveries in his book Small Bites Big Taste, which contains over 80 recipes of exciting, contemporary dishes that are not only easy to prepare, but also fun to share with family and friends. Chef Rainer will demonstrate a selection of these amazing creations at Cayman Cookout.” – Event Line Up

**This was one of my favorites!!!

After the event we headed to the pool again for lunch and some relaxation before the next event! They had people walking around handing out frozen grapes and push up pops as a light snack and cool bite. I appreciated it!

White Lace Coverup: shop HERE

Black Lace Coverup: shop HERE

Sunnies: shop HERE

Hat (pack of 2 for $14): shop HERE

Next up: Rum and Robusto

“After brunch, discover the pinnacle of the Caribbean with an exhilarating rum tasting. From locally produced to world renowned, indulge your senses as you enjoy cigars from Cayman Cigars Company and coffee with live Son Cubano at the Harbour Club. Sip on cocktails inspired by the island’s vibrant colors and flavors as you toast to the good life in Cayman. Event host and Global Rum ambassador Ian Burrell will be taking you on a tour of some of the best rums in the world, such as Wray & Nephew, Ron Abuelo, Flor De Caña, Diplomatico, Bacardi, Seven Fathoms, Tortuga and Ron Zacapa.” – Event Line Up

Next Up: The Grand Gala presented by Fortessa and Garnier-Thiebaut

“Conclude this lively celebration of food and beverage with an elegant and delightful plated dinner at Blue by Eric Ripert. Join host Andrew Zimmern while Eric Ripert, Dominique Crenn, Daniel Boulud, Pano I. Karatassos, Normand Laprise, Niki Nakayama, Clare Smyth, Thomas Raquel and Thomas Seifried come together to prepare an enchanting dinner that will be the highlight of your Cayman Cookout experience. Course after course, culinary delights will surprise and mesmerize you as they are paired to perfection with wine from world-class producers.” – Event Line Up