by Brian Major
Last updated: 9:25 AM ET, Fri February 17, 2023
The second annual Anguilla Culinary Experience (ACE) festival will take place May 3-6, 2023, and feature talented chefs from across the small Caribbean nation and around the world for four days of chef collaborations, parties, tastings, barbeques, dinners and other curated culinary experiences.
Drawing on diverse influences, resident and guest chefs will combine their skills and creativity by utilizing fresh Anguillan ingredients at special events at the island's luxury resorts, exclusive villa properties and gourmet restaurants.
This year's culinary celebration follows a successful first season for the event, according to organizers. "Last year's Anguilla Culinary Experience was a great success. It was a joy to share Anguilla's history, hospitality and incredible cuisine with new visitors and long-time island fans," said ACE co-chair Wendy Freeman. "We look forward to showing once again why Anguilla is the culinary capital of the Caribbean."
"The Anguilla Culinary Experience is a unique and wonderful addition to our island's event calendar, a fitting tribute to our extraordinary cuisine and exceptional culinary talents," said Stacey Liburd, Anguilla's director of tourism.
A portion of ACE proceeds will help fund local hospitality training and education, a policy established last year, Freeman said.
The festival will begin with a reception at the Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club's D Richard's restaurant. The event will feature diverse culinary offerings from Aurora's six restaurants and signature cocktails made with fresh ingredients grown on-site at Aurora's organic farm and hydroponic gardens.
"The Anguilla Culinary Experience is a true celebration of the island's rich culinary heritage, and we are excited to be a part of it," said Kevin Carty, the Aurora Anguilla Resort's general manager.
Several Anguilla resorts, restaurants and villas will present unique dining experiences featuring resident and guest chefs from May 4-6. Savi Beach Club guest chef Daniele Lippi of Italy's two Michelin-starred Ristorante Acquolina will alternate courses with the beach club's resident chef at a seaside dinner.
In addition, Zemi Beach House will present a Dinner Extravaganza featuring former Top Chef USA finalist Jennifer Carroll. Guests will enjoy a beachfront champagne reception, a private cooking demonstration and a sunset dinner on Shoal Bay Beach. The evening will end with dessert and a curated rum tasting by the resort's certified rummelier in Zemi's artisanal cocktail bar, the Rhum Room.
The May 6 event will feature master grillers from local eateries including Tasty's, Paper's Barbeque, Roy's Bayside Grill and the Anguilla Great House serving fresh fish, ribs and traditional johnny cakes. The fare will be featured in a head-to-head cooking competition with the Anguilla National Culinary Team, said officials.
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