The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is ready to reclaim its position as “a premier culinary destination in the Caribbean,” the BVI Tourism Board says. This November, the sixth annual BVI Food Fête returns, celebrating the destination’s culinary heritage and traditions—and it will welcome award-winning chefs from across the U.S. Participating chefs include Chef Adrianne Calvo of Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard Restaurant and Wine Bar and the newly opened Yumbrella in Miami, Chef Lamar Moore of The Swill Inn in Chicago, Chef Nyesha Arrington of Los Angeles, Chef John Mooney of Bidwell Restaurant in Washington, D.C., Chef Kerry Heffernan of Grand Banks in New York City and returning BVI Food Fete chef Digby Stridiron of St Croix, in addition to rising star local BVI culinarians, such as Chef Ariq Flax-Clarke and Brentfield Lettsome.
“We are, in a way, looking at BVI Food Fête this November to be BVI’s official relaunch, celebrating the fact that we are back and better than ever before,” said Director of Tourism Sharon Flax-Brutus.
BVI Food Fête’s main events span six islands and seven days, spread out between November 7 and December 1. Among new enhancements this year is the creation of hotel packages that include event tickets. Additional offerings will be rolled out in the weeks to come.
Food Fête Events include:
BVI Gourmet Soiree (Thursday, November 7): This year’s “Gourmet Soiree” will be held at Scrub Island Resort, Spa and Marina for the first time, celebrating the resort’s reopening and the BVI Tourist Board’s 50th anniversary. The elegant evening will also include wine and spirit tastings and live entertainment. Scrub Island will be showcasing new executive chef Chloe St-Cyr at this kick-off of BVI Food Fête. This will be followed by a dessert reception on the North Beach at Scrub Island. Good to know: Visitors who book the BVI Food Fête package at Scrub Island Resort, Spa and Marina will receive a 20 percent discount on stays November 5 – 12, in addition to tickets to this event plus complimentary ferry service to enjoy the Taste of Tortola on November 9. Book by October 4.
Taste of Tortola (Saturday, November 9): Casual, upbeat and family-friendly, travelers can expect a high-energy, street festival atmosphere. Located at Queen Elizabeth II Park, Taste of Tortola will feature an array of local restaurants, vendors and food trucks filled with island favorites. International chefs will also showcase their culinary fusions.
Cooper Island Rum Festival (Saturday, November 16): As one of the most eco-friendly islands in the Caribbean, Cooper Island also features BVI’s most extensive rum collection with roughly 280 on island.
Jost Pork and More (Sunday, November 17): While pork is a specialty dish of the island and a major highlight of the event, this year will include vegetarian options for the first time. Guests can bar- and restaurant-hop from White Bay to Great Harbor, enjoying grilled, pulled and fried pork, plus everything in between.
Taste of Virgin Gorda (Saturday, November 23): With prime views of the iconic Baths, this upscale jazz experience will be headlined by jazz reggae legend Arturo Tappin. Participating international chefs include chef German Villatoro, former executive sous chef of Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Shorne Benjamin from New York City, chef Karina Rivera from Miami, chef Maria Mercedes Grubb from Puerto Rico, and chef John Mooney of Washington, D.C.
Anegada Lobster Festival (Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1): BVI Food Fête concludes with a two-day party on Anegada, known for its spiny lobster. Attendees can hop around trying a variety of styles (grilled, curried, lobster salad and more).
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