Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands – As Cayman’s largest culinary event approaches on Saturday, 8 February, organisers say that attendees at the 26th annual Taste of Cayman Food & Wine Festival can expect an assortment of foods that will appeal to just about any palate.

As of this writing 35 restaurants and vendors have signed on for Cayman’s premier foodie event and the diversity of cuisines that will be on offer can be considered a reflection of the international flavour of the Cayman Islands. From Mr Burgers Snacks & Things, Island Taste, Kirk Gourmet Deli and Al La Kebab to Osetra Bay, Periwinkle-The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, Grand Old House and Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, Festival-goers will have much to sample.

“Taste of Cayman is indeed a food lover’s dream, and this year we are so excited about the variety of food vendors that will be showcasing their culinary talents and signature dishes for the Cayman public,” said Jane van der Bol, Executive Director of the Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA), the non-profit organisation which puts on the Festival each year.

“This opportunity to take a culinary tour around the world in one night and one location is a unique one, and combining it with great wines and a party atmosphere boosted by live entertainment from Swanky Kitchen Band and ABBA Mania and fireworks makes for an enjoyable evening at a very reasonable price.  Tourists and locals love a good food and wine festival so we look forward to the great community support of this event.”

Thinesh Madhavan, Executive Sous Chef at the Westin Grand Cayman is preparing for his fifth Taste of Cayman event and says it gets better every year.

“This is probably the most unique culinary event in the Cayman Islands, with participations from some of the best restaurants on the island,” says Thinesh.  “It’s a great outdoor venue and setup that allows for thousands of people to go from tent to tent sampling food and drinks of all different styles.”

Thinesh says Taste of Cayman is a great opportunity for restaurants to gain greater exposure.

“People often get into a habit of visiting the same restaurants all the time.  For the Westin, this is our chance to promote our rebranded restaurant, Beach House, and make more people aware of what we have to offer, and hopefully intrigue them enough to make a dinner reservation.”

This year Chef Thinesh and his team at the Westin will be serving up lamb lollipops with mint cucumber salsa fresca and creamy truffle polenta.

On the other end of the culinary spectrum is new CITA member Mr. Burgers Snacks & Things who will be exhibiting at the Festival for the first time this year.  Attendees can expect to sample a variety of gourmet burgers, BBQ Ribs, chicken tenders and fries from one of the newest burger joints on the block according to David Ewerse from Mr Burgers.

“Cayman’s Favourite Restaurant” winner, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink (MGFD,) will present a variety of dishes from its two booths, including dessert.

“Our approach has served us well in previous years: serve fresh, simple food that not only represents our cuisine, but represents the seasonality of local agriculture and conservation efforts,” says Jessica Cohen, Manager at MGFD.

“This year’s savoury offering is lionfish escabeche sliders, highlighting a favourite abundant ingredient of our chefs both for its flavour and environmental benefit.  In addition to kimchi and pork belly quesadillas, homemade snickers candy bars and popcorn ice cream represent our sweet side through Executive Pastry Chef Hedy Goldsmith’s cookbook, Baking Out Loud: Fun Desserts with Big Flavors.”

Restaurants and vendors participating in Taste of Cayman 2014 include:

•          Abacus

•          Agua Restaurant and Lounge

•          Al La Kebab

•          Beach House – The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa

•          Blackbeard’s

•          Cayman Cabana Oceanside Restobar

•          Cimboco/ Chicken! Chicken!/ Breezes By The Bay

•          Da Fish Shack

•          Gino’s Pizzeria

•          Grand Old House

•          Island Naturals Cafe

•          Island Taste

•          Jacques Scott

•          Karma

•          Karoo

•          Kirk Gourmet Deli

•          Margaritaville

•          Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink

•          Mizu

•          Mr. Burgers Snacks & Things

•          Ortanique: Cuisine of the Sun

•          Osetra Bay

•          Peppers Smokehouse

•          Periwinkle – Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman

•          Rum Point Club

•          Seven Fathoms Cayman Rum

•          Solana – Grand Cayman Marriott

•          Surfside Caribbean Beach Bar & Restaurant

•          Thai Orchid

•          The Brasserie Restaurant & Market

•          The Reef

•          Tortuga Rum Company

•          Tukka

•          Waterfront

•          Wreck Bar

Tickets are on sale now for $35 per person ($45 on day of event) and can be purchased online at www.tasteofcayman.org, or at Books and Books, all Blackbeard’s and Big Daddy’s locations and the Cayman Islands Tourism Association Office.

For more information about the 2014 Taste of Cayman Food & Wine Festival, log on to www.tasteofcayman.org, email [email protected] or call 949.8522.

The Taste of Cayman Food & Wine Festival is sponsored by Camana Bay, Z99, Rooster 101, Blackbeard’s, Big Daddy’s, Heineken, Appleton, Vibe FM, Spin 94.9, Hew’s Hotel & Restaurant Supplies, WestStar, Massive, and Flava