The Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA) has announced there will be more to do at the 29th annual Taste of Cayman than ever before, thanks to exciting new additions, including a VIP lounge, kids area and international competitors taking part in the mixology competition.

“It was our goal to ensure there was something for everyone at Taste of Cayman 2017,” Tiffany Dixon-Ebanks, Executive Director of CITA said. “With more food, drink and activities than ever before, it will be an experience that you won’t want to miss.”

Held on January 28th, 2017’s festival sees the introduction of the new Camana Bay VIP Hospitality Lounge for VIP ticket holders. VIP tickets are $150 each and, as well as access to the air conditioned lounge, Taste VIPs will receive 25 food and drink tickets to spend on the day, an experience voucher, welcome drinks and canapés, express entry to the festival and access to a private cash bar.

“We are happy to have the addition of a VIP lounge, providing festival goers a new option in experiencing Taste of Cayman,” Ms. Dixon-Ebanks said. “It really takes the festival to another level where persons are treated to a comfortable and luxurious environment while sampling the most delicious food and drink Cayman has to offer.”

Adjacent to the VIP lounge will be the new ‘Experience Room,’ a special area filled with exclusive experiences, including live chef demonstrations, special food and drink from some of Cayman’s best restaurant and bars and more. All patrons will be able to access this area using their food and drink tickets.

The annual Seven Fathoms Rum Challenge has also been given a fresh twist, with international competitors travelling to Taste of Cayman after winning their preliminary rounds in Miami, Chicago and New York. The international bartenders will be competing against Aurelien Rouhaud of Mizu, Dan Hollis of Margaritaville, Micah Jensen of the Kimpton, Simone Pagnozzi of Agua and Valerie Balignasay of The Westin, who all got through the preliminary round of the competition, held last week at The King’s Head. The contestants were marked on cocktail name, creativity, taste, presentation and overall performance.

Also new to Taste of Cayman this year is the Camana Bay Kids Corner, which will feature child friendly activities and cooking exercises throughout the night. Kids will be able to enjoy a specially selected movie in between the offered experiences.

“Whether you want to enjoy the festival with a VIP ticket, bring the whole family or office team out for the night, or get involved through the various demonstrations and competitions, we are so excited with all the elements that will be brought together on the Festival Green this Saturday, for all to enjoy!” said Ms. Dixon-Ebanks.

Taste of Cayman Food & Drink Festival 2017 will take place on Saturday, 28 January, 2017 at the Festival Green, Camana Bay from 5.00pm until 11.45pm.

Committed sponsors this year include, Camana Bay, Hurley’s Media, Digicel, Tower, Massive and Hew’s, among others.

Tickets can be purchased at Funky Tangs, Tower, Bon Vivant and all Digicel, Foster’s, BlackBeard’s and Big Daddy’s stores during regular business hours, as well as online at tasteofcayman.org/tickets.

Ticket costs:
General admission: $40.00
Price on gate: $50.00
Kids (ages 5-13): $20.00
VIP tickets*: $150.00

*VIP tickets include entry to the VIP Hospitality Lounge, 25 food and drink tickets, 1 experience voucher, welcome drinks and canapes, express entry and a private cash bar.

Taste of Cayman Food & Drink Festival 2017:
Taste of Cayman began in the late 80’s, when a small number of restaurants from the Cayman Islands Restaurant Association met in a field to compete in a Chili Cook Off. The event has now grown into what it is today, with thousands of festival goers and over 45 restaurants, bars and vendors participating in the island’s largest foodie gathering. 2017’s Taste of Cayman Food & Drink Festival will be the 29th annual festival and includes new features.

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IMAGES: http://www.tasteofcayman.org/