Following the harsh impact of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, The British Virgin Islands (BVI) has been making a resilient comeback to reclaim its position as a premier culinary destination in the Caribbean. This November, the sixth annual BVI Food Fête celebrating the destination’s culinary heritage and traditions will welcome award-winning chefs from across the U.S., donating their time, craft and expertise to help rebuild the islands’ food scene to be even stronger and more robust than ever before. 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.
“BVI Food Fête was launched in 2014 to bring greater awareness to the islands’ diverse culinary scene and establish ourselves as a premier destination for foodies,” said Director of Tourism Sharon Flax-Brutus. “Not only have we achieved that goal, but this year will welcome more culinary partners and programs, with many additional properties coming back online after extensive renovations and rebuilding. 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.”
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.
Some of the 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. An elegant evening filled with diverse cuisine will be prepared by six award-winning local and international chefs complemented with wine and spirit tastings and live entertainment. Guests will enjoy creative dishes infused with a Caribbean twist will be carefully constructed by chefs including: Chef Adrianne Calvo, Chef Lamar Moore, Chef Nyesha Arrington, Chef Digby Stridiron and Chef Kerry Heffernan. Scrub Island will be showcasing new Executive Chef Chloe St-Cyr at this upscale kick-off of BVI Food Fête. This will be followed by a dessert reception on the North Beach at Scrub Island. Visitors who book the “BVI Food Fête’ package at Scrub Island Resort, Spa and Marina will receive a 20% 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.
Taste of Tortola – Saturday, November 9
Casual, upbeat and family-friendly, travelers can expect a high energy, street festival atmosphere at Tortola’s tastiest night of the year. 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. Travelers can expect to sample some of the finest rums in the world in this secluded, tropical paradise.
Jost Pork and More – Sunday, November 17
Jost Van Dyke has been labeled one of the most festive islands in the Caribbean. 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, fried pork, and 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).
British Virgin Islands, www.bvitourism.com