Putting the final touches on the cuisine for sampling at the BVI Gourmet Soiree at Scrub Island on November 7, 2019. Photo: VINO

Hundreds supported the BVI Gourmet Soiree at Scrub Island on November 7, 2019. Photo: VINO

Deputy Director of the BVI Tourist Board (BVITB), Mr Rhondi A. Skelton moved a toast to the BVITB’s 50th anniversary. Left is consultant at the BVITB, Mr Trefor A. Grant. Photo: VINO

While some were quite fine with a pool-side hang, others went all the way! Photo: VINO

The BVI Tourist Board's 50th Anniversary cake. Photo: VINO

Getting the samples ready at the BVI Gourmet Soiree at Scrub Island on November 7, 2019. Photo: VINO

Delicious samples at the BVI Gourmet Soiree at Scrub Island on November 7, 2019. Photo: VINO

Sampling cuisine at the BVI Gourmet Soiree at Scrub Island on November 7, 2019. Photo: VINO

Hundreds supported the BVI Gourmet Soiree at Scrub Island on November 7, 2019. Photo: VINO

Some of the chefs at the BVI Gourmet Soiree at Scrub Island on November 7, 2019. Photo: VINO

BVI Tourist Board Director, Sharon P. Flax-Brutus, left, and Regional General Manager of Delta Petroleum (Caribbean) Limited, Mr Bevis A. Sylvester at the BVI Gourmet Soiree at Scrub Island on November 7, 2019. Photo: VINO

The colourful, classy and tasty event was held at Scrub Island Resort, Spa and Marina where patrons were able to sample cuisine prepared by Scrub Island’s Executive Chef Chloe St-Cyr, acclaimed international chefs, the National Culinary Team and the VI's Best Kakes and Pastries.

‘Above expectations’

It was a first experience for the National Culinary Team and Best Kakes and Pastries and members from both teams said the experience was above their expectations.

The National Culinary Team featured deserts and cocktails.

The earlier segment of the event saw patrons doing a number with the cuisines, which had everyone talking about, especially the pulled pork tacos done by Chef Jones and two junior chefs who participated in the recently held Janice Blyden Junior Chef Challenge.

Later in the evening, gifted with a promotional BVI shoulder bag with BVITB anniversary beach flip flops, everyone was transported to an unforgettable dessert-themed beach party featuring live entertainment on the island’s beautiful ‘North Beach’, which was created by Hurricane Irma in 2017.

Creating a buzz

According to consultant at the BVITB, Mr Trefor A. Grant, the goal of the event was to foster dialogue between the media and participants on the importance of culinary tourism to the VI and for visitors, tourists and those residing in the territory to support and promote the culinary prowess of the territory.

"Your presence at this event provides the public with information that generates interest and creates a buzz around BVI Food Fete Month, the chefs, restaurants and sponsors," Mr Grant said.

Different faces but same mission!

Deputy Director of the BVITB, Mr Rhondi A. Skelton then moved a toast to the BVITB’s 50th anniversary.

"We've had many different boards, many different chairmen, many different directors, many different deputy directors and, although the vision may have changed, the mission has remained the same and that is to position the BVI as a premier destination in the Caribbean, delivering quality authentic experiences."

BVI Gourmet Soiree was sponsored by Scrub Island Resort, Spa and Marina; Caribbean Cellars; Chef Works, Roadtown Wholesale Trading Limited; Romasco, Liat and Digicel.

The evening’s proceedings heralded the commencement of six islands hopping for the annual premier culinary master spread- BVI Food Fete.

The next event is the ‘Taste of Tortola’ this Saturday, November 9, 2019 at Queen Elizabeth II Park.