The British Virgin Islands has shifted its BVI Food Fete from a monthlong event to events spread throughout the year, starting next month.
The BVI Food Fete, traditionally held every November since 2014 in observance of Caribbean Tourism Month, will now instead showcase several culinary events throughout the year. The event is produced by the BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission.
The revamped event will kick off with the Anegada Lobster Festival from Nov. 24 to 26, which involves a scavenger hunt-style trek across the island to sample lobster recipes at the 12 participating restaurants. Dishes will include lobster rolls, lobster fritters, curried lobster and even lobster ice cream. The festival is an a la carte affair, with guests paying for samples at each stop.
In conjunction with Food Fete, ferry operating hours between Jost Van Dyke and Tortola will be extended from the current final 5 p.m. departure to 10:45 p.m. to enable guests more time to wine and dine on the island. These later hours will be in effect every Saturday in January and every Wednesday and Saturday in February.
The main event
The fete's signature event, Taste of Virgin Gorda, will be held on March 16 at the newly refurbished Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour. Participating restaurants will include Rosewood Little Dix Bay, the Bitter End Yacht Club and Blunder Bay. A chef cook-off will highlight the festivities, and there will also be a stage where local and international entertainers and artists will perform. Presale tickets are priced at $200 per person and include open bar and food tastings from participating restaurants.
The Taste of Tortola is scheduled for June 29 at Greater Queen Elizabeth II Park in Road Town. The family-friendly event will highlight food from a number of local restaurants and entertainment. Tickets are $20 and include one welcome drink. Food items will be priced at $7 each.
A portion of ticket sales from the Taste of Tortola and Taste of Virgin Gorda will go toward a tourism scholarship from the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission.
For more info on the events, visit the BVI Food Fete Facebook page.