“We have a figure in mind but as I said for me right now that is not the overriding factor so I will not discuss it…” so said Director of the BVI tourist Board Ms Sharon Flax as they broke news of the territory’s first Food Fete which is set to kick off in November 2014. Photo: VINO

Premier Dr the Hon D. Orlando Smith speaking at the launch of the BVI Food Fete, which is being promoted as an opportunity for the Territory to showcase the different flavours of its cuisine and the programme was designed so that diners will have the opportunity to island hop while sampling local dishes like famous Anegada spiny lobster; VI’s signature cocktail, The Painkiller among other. Photo: VINO

Chefs from around the world are being invited to bring their expertise to the festival and prepare dishes that incorporate ingredients traditional to their home countries with those local to the VI. Visiting chefs include: Roshni Gurnani, Executive Chef and Culinary Chef instructor at The Art Institute of Houston; Erika Dupree Davis, Chocolatier and Creative Director of Graycliff Chocolatier; Digby Stridiron, Chef and owner of The Stridiron Group. Photo: VINO

The culinary extravaganza, BVI Food Fete, which is expected offer a variety of delicious, locally focused events and activities throughout the month of November was introduced in the form of a press conference on September 29, 2014 at Maria’s by the Sea.

It was there when asked what the budget they are working with and where the money is coming from for the events, Director Flax insisted that while money is important the overriding importance is to bring visitors into the destination.

“So that eventually the activity can pay for itself with the residual [benefits] to the community as long as we can fill our hotel rooms, have persons going to the restaurants, partaking in our different activities, for us those are the important and overriding factors,” she said.

She said that sponsors are chipping in a big way with some of the major events. “We look for ways for the industry partners to work with us, that is meaningful because they are a part of our community and also believe in corporate responsibility to the BVI,” she said.  

The BVI Food Fete is being promoted as an opportunity for the Territory to showcase the different flavours of its cuisine and the programme was designed so that diners will have the opportunity to island hop while sampling local dishes like famous Anegada spiny lobster; VI’s signature cocktail, The Painkiller among other.

Throughout the month-long BVI Food Fete, unique events and programming will feature the destination’s finest cuisine and chefs, with events such as BVI Restaurant Week, the Anegada Lobster Festival, On The Rocks Bar Crawl, Local Fridays, featured international chefs, and wine and rum tastings.

Chefs from around the world are being invited to bring their expertise to the festival and prepare dishes that incorporate ingredients traditional to their home countries with those local to the VI. Visiting chefs include: Roshni Gurnani, Executive Chef and Culinary Chef instructor at The Art Institute of Houston; Erika Dupree Davis, Chocolatier and Creative Director of Graycliff Chocolatier; Digby Stridiron, Chef and owner of The Stridiron Group.

The Visiting Chefs Programme includes an educational component that is uniquely designed to bring the visiting international chefs together with culinary students in the VI to provide instruction and insight. 

BVI Restaurant Week is set for November 14th-23^rd with participating restaurants throughout the destination serving luxurious three and six course meals at reduced prices. Over the course of the week, each restaurant will offer a fixed, special menu made with authentic flavours and ingredients of the Caribbean. 

The week will feature Taste of the BVI, on Tortola on November 14 and Virgin Gorda November 15. There will be a Chef Cook-offs where during the Taste of the BVI events local chefs on Virgin Gorda and Tortola will compete with the visiting Chopped Champion Chef Roshni Gurnani in a BVI style cook-off for the title of “Best Chef”.

Barefoot Gourmet Soirée is another to be held November 22. – A highlight of Restaurant Week will be the Barefoot Gourmet Soirée dinner on November 22nd. This incredible 5-course meal will be prepared by international and local chefs. Proceeds from the evening will go to a student interested in pursuing a career in tourism or culinary arts. With a theme of barefoot elegance, this exclusive evening is not to be missed.

Other events include On the Rocks Bar Crawl Local Fridays, Callwood Rum Distillery Happy Hour, Wine Tastings and Anegada Lobster Festival.