Chef Davide Pugliese at VISAR

As one of ten chefs participating in the third annual Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) fund raising event, Chef Davide will be serving Crostini of “Smokey” Carne Salada, Certified Angus Beef® Top Round with Cipoline Pickled Jam.

“This is the second year that I have been invited to participate in this event,” said Chef Davide. “It’s a tremendous cause and the evening itself is quite unique and sophisticated. Each of us chefs has to make an effort to really impress the guests since it is a gourmet evening. I chose Crostini of “Smokey” Carne Salada, as it was a great hit at the James Beard House dinner I hosted in New York last November. The dish is a North Italian specialty that I have adapted using my own recipe. The “Smokey” flavour of the Certified Angus Beef® comes from a special salt that I add.”

As patron of VISAR, the Governor, His Excellency William Boyd McCleary will be hosting the fundraiser. Organisers expect full attendance as tickets sold out within ten days of going on sale earlier in January.

In addition to tastings of signature dishes and drinks from the top restaurants in the VI, the evening will include an auction and live entertainment by local singer, Ouida.
Some of the donated items for the auction include dinner for ten with a private chef and butler at Falcon’s Crest, Peter Island; a weekend for two at Cooper Island including a day sail on Veritas; a six course Lobster Degustion Menu for Four at Brandywine Bay Restaurant; and dinner for ten at Golden Pavilion.

“We are delighted with the popularity of this night,” said Katie LaDouceur, executive administrator for VISAR. “We have a promising line up of fabulous food and entertainment. 210 tickets have been sold and we have a waiting list in case of cancellations. We have to be very strict this year and advise the public that we cannot allow entry without a ticket.”

Last year’s event raised $18,000 with all money going directly to VISAR.

Virgin Islands Search and Rescue is a voluntary organisation dedicated to saving lives at sea.

Chef Davide Pugliese is owner and executive chef of Capriccio di Mare, Tortola and owner of Wali Nikiti, a private culinary retreat on Scrub Island.