Exciting 3rd annual BVI Food Fete launched!
Christian was speaking on behalf of Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith at the fete’s official launch at Callwood Rum Distillery in Cane Garden Bay on Friday September 23, 2016.
The month-long series of events and competitions will showcase the territory’s culinary side from October 30 to November 27, 2016.
According to Hon Christian, this third edition of BVI Food Fete promises to raise the bar over previous years. He pointed to the quality and variety offerings, the engagement of the residents and visiting public as well as the unique venues of the islands.
The Junior Tourism Minister noted that the fete is aimed at drawing guests to the various culinary experiences, to give the VI that needed economic boost just prior to the high tourist season and to engage the local population.
“I am very impressed with the growth of this event as it draws more visitors each year and has now expanded to include a major event on Jost Van Dyke; therefore placing it in the annals of BVI history as an event that touches the four main islands of the BVI and includes some of the smaller islands such as Peter Island and Cooper Island,” Hon Christian said.
Highlights of 3rd BVI Food Fete
The high points of this year’s fete include the Barefoot Gourmet Soiree, and the Taste of the BVI events, which will feature the cuisine of both Tortola and Virgin Gorda. The new addition to this year’s activities is the ‘Jost’ Pork Festival and ‘Jost’ Bar Crawl taking place on Jost Van Dyke on November 13, 2016.
Director of Tourism Sharon Flax-Brutus said the BVI Tourist Board is “thrilled” to announce the lineup of exciting events, making it the perfect way to learn about and experience the bold flavours of the islands, alongside a talented group of visiting chefs and a fantastic list of participating restaurants, bars, and properties throughout the VI.
According to a press release from the BVI Tourist Board, among the celebrity chefs appearing at this year’s Food Fete is Michael Ferraro, executive chef at Delicatessen in New York City, who will be preparing dishes during the Barefoot Gourmet Soiree. Ferraro has a diverse culinary background inspired by his travels around the world, and he has appeared on Food Network competition series including Iron Chef America, Chopped, and Beat Bobby Flay.
Special deals offered
Also of note, many of the VI’s premier properties have assembled unique Food Fete offers and special packages. Peter Island Resort and Spa is offering discounted rates on its ocean view rooms, along with a rum appreciation and cocktail class. The Bitter End Yacht Club will organise weekly menus throughout November to showcase Executive Bakery Chef Winston Butler’s highly acclaimed desserts.
Additionally, Good Moon Farm, a haven for local produce and other fresh foods on Tortola, will also offer a Food Fete special during November. Any visitor who purchases a Good Moon Farm box will receive a free farm tour and produce tasting.
Calendar of events
• Barefoot Gourmet Soiree - October 30, featuring seven international and local chefs to prepare their signature dishes at food stations along the beach. The lineup includes Chef Christopher Faulkner, a New York City restaurateur with a heavy Caribbean influence. Reservations are encouraged for this event, as space is limited.
• Taste of Tortola - November 5. Several top class restaurants are participating in this year’s Taste of Tortola, and participants will have a chance to not only sample food of the highest quality, but also experience other highlights such as a new demonstration kitchen, live music, and dancing. A judging panel will be on hand to officiate the annual Fish and Fungi Competition, a Mixologist Competition, and announce the coveted “Best Of” awards.
• Peter Island Caribbean Food Festival - November 11-12. This event will bring together chefs from all over the Caribbean to celebrate Caribbean food and cooking techniques. Popular chefs including Nina Compton, Ron Duprat and more will gather for a weekend of elegant meals and fun competition.
• The Jost Crawl - November 13, this tour features some of Jost Van Dyke’s most iconic bars, where visitors can pop in for a cocktail before heading to the next stop.
• Taste of Virgin Gorda - November 19, will be held on the grounds of the Nail Bay Sugar Ruins, this event will mirror the Taste of Tortola and has attracted many of Virgin Gorda’s top restaurants. Secret judges will make their way around in search of the best food, best booth, best drink, and more. There will be jazz entertainment and those in attendance will each get to cast a vote for Virgin Gorda’s Favorite Restaurant.
• On The Rocks Bar Crawl - November 19. This bar crawl around Virgin Gorda will bring participants from bar to bar, sampling some of the island’s best spirits.
• The Lobster Crawl - November 25. This event serves as the perfect prequel to the famous Anegada Lobster Festival. On the night before the festival begins, participants can enjoy this bar crawl around Anegada, before sampling the island’s best lobster dishes the following days.
• Anegada Lobster Festival - November 26-27. Earning the reputation as the “BVI’s true lobster haven”, Anegada’s visitors will learn while they explore it’s many culinary variations during this two-day festival. Local chefs will prepare, cook and serve samples at a number of local restaurants. Attendees will restaurant hop around the picturesque island, trying lobster in a variety of preparations (grilled, curried, lobster salad, and more). It will officially close the BVI Food Fete for 2016.
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