Seems the Caribbean via the Ritz Carlton in San Juan and Cayman are how celebrity chefs like Eric Ripert and Laurent Tourondel are testing the waters.

Eric Ripert, chef and co-owner of New York city’s celebrated Le Bernardin and recent winner of the coveted Michelin three-stars, recently opened Blue by Eric Ripert, a fine dining seafood restaurant, while Periwinkle by Eric Ripert offers an al fresco Mediterranean experience overlooking the Ritz Carlton resort’s waterways.

Over at The Ritz Carlton, San Juan Hotel, Spa & Casino the foodies are excited about the opening of BLT Steak, a modern American steakhouse with chef extraordinaire Laurent Tourondel all set to offer “a bold new style of traditional cuisine”. There’s a taste of Italy too as the renowned Il Mulino New York (voted number one Italian restaurant in New York by Zagat’s for over two decades) opens its first location outside the United States with offerings like the signature Spaghetti Bolognese, Rack of Lamb, Veal Chop and its legendary Langoustines.

Editor’s Note. Thursday Food is quite certain that the Ritz Carlton is saving the best for last and anxiously awaits the announcement for Jamaica.