More than 5,000 local residents and tourists lined up across Camana Bay’s Paseo to get a Taste of Cayman, making the event one of Cayman Islands Tourism Associatio (CITA)’s biggest fundraisers ever.

Each ticket, which cost between CI$35 and CI$45 depending on whether it was purchased in advance or at the gate, entitled entrants to a glass of wine, and access to many different booths where tasty treats ranging from tiny hamburgers to gourmet hot dogs awaited them. This year there was a new innovation, – a plastic wine glass holder that could be hung around the neck, keeping both hands free for food sampling.

Now in its 24th year, Cayman’s biggest single food and drink event showcased many of the very tastiest morsels and drinks in Cayman, and 43 food and drink vendors meant the visitors were spoilt for choice.

“We worked hard to make sure it was one of the best ones ever,” said Samantha Whittaker of Fresh Image PR who helped to organise the event.

Black Trumpet, which describes itself as a “Gourmet Delicatessen,” had many different tasty treats on display, from colourful desserts to meaty sandwiches.

Two ladies from Cimboco’s Restaurant were serving up one of their specialities- jerk Chicken, truly finger-lickin’ good.

Dressed in their purple uniforms, staff from Hurley’s Supermarket were offering “hand crafted” gourmet sausages which were offered in three main flavours- “Mild Jerk Pork,” “BBQ Pork,” and “Turkey Italian,” each one served up on mouth-watering warm pita bread.

Ticket purchasers had the chance to win one of several prizes, including a getaway to Miami Beach for two people at the Loews Miami Beach hotel.

Wendy Watler won first place in the heavy-cake competition, with Betty Wood coming second and Della Watler-Marte, third.

The prize for “Best Booth” went to Chicken! Chicken! Cimboco, and Breezes by the Bay in a three-way tie.

The Best Food prize was won by the Periwinkle restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton for their dish, local calabaza pumpkin ravioli served with brown butter pecan brioche