Fifth edition of Caribbean Food and Wine Festival coming in November

By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

This November, internationally acclaimed chefs and winemakers will travel to Turks & Caicos for the fifth annual Caribbean Food & Wine Festival, where they will work alongside the island’s local culinary talent to create an authentic and innovative celebration of Caribbean cuisine.

Grace Bay Resorts, in partnership with the Turks and Caicos Tourism Board and The Wine Cellar, has announced the festival’s headliners, including: Alex Guarnaschelli, Iron Chef and Food Network Star; Justin Quek, Franco-Asian cuisine innovator and Principal Chef of Singapore’s Sky on 57; Kyle Bailey, Executive Chef of Birch & Barley and ChurchKey in Washington, DC; and vintners from Davis Bynum Vineyards, Michele Chiarlo, and Justin Vineyards & Winery.

“Following four successful years welcoming prestigious chefs and winemakers, this year’s event is a true reflection of the festival’s graduation into a new echelon upon the international culinary scene, and we hold a deep pride in having developed this one-of-a-kind international experience with a distinctly Caribbean flavor,” said Nikheel Advani, Co-Chair of the event.

Taking place from November 5 – 8, the schedule consists of events including a Welcome Dinner, Women of Wine Luncheon, a Gourmet Safari progressive Dinner, a Food & Wine Pairing, and Island Street Food Fair, a Dinner with the Stars, and a final brunch.

The not-for-profit festival will raise funds for The Department of Youth Affairs and the Lit’l Chefs mentor program, which encourages young local chefs to develop useful skills for the pursuit of careers in hospitality, a vital industry of Turks & Caicos.