Anguilla the culinary capital of the Caribbean, offers a unique blend of West Indian, African, French, and British cooking traditions, making it a haven for food lovers. The island’s commitment to fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods shines at its food festivals, providing a delightful way to dive into the local culture.
ANGUILLA CULINARY EXPERIENCE (ACE)
The crown jewel of Anguilla’s food festivals, ACE, is a four-day culinary extravaganza held in late May. This festival is the island’s biggest culinary event, featuring an array of curated dining experiences at various high-end resorts, restaurants, and villas. Attendees can look forward to themed dinners, cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs, and an abundance of opportunities to indulge in the finest Anguillian cuisine alongside international flavours.
ACE 2024 Highlights
The opening night of ACE 2024 is a spectacular party at D Richard’s Steakhouse featuring tastes from six of Aurora’s restaurants, live music, and curated cocktails.
The Anguilla Culinary Experience (ACE) in 2024 promises an exciting lineup of talented chefs from both Anguilla and around the world. Here are some notable international chefs who will be participating:
- Award-winning Guest Chef Zachary Engel:
Hailing from the Michelin-starred restaurant Galit in Chicago, Chef Zachary Engel will partner with Chef Carrie Bogar of Anguilla’s Veya at Villa Alegria and Veya. Their collaboration is sure to create epicurean magic! - Chef Dario Schiavo:
Chef Dario will present an East-meets-West set menu at Savi Beach Club. Get ready for a fusion of flavours that will tantalise your taste buds. - Culinary Director Michele Greggio and Chef Lester Gumbs:
At Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club, they will offer a bespoke dining experience that draws on the island’s rich history, creativity, and fresh farm- and sea-to-table ingredients. - Chef Bruno Carvalho:
From Cap Juluca, a Belmond Hotel, Chef Bruno Carvalho will present a series of culinary stations on Maundays Bay during a Barefoot Beach Dinner. Expect exquisite flavours and stunning beach views.
These chefs, along with local talents, will prepare once-in-a-lifetime prix fixe menus and showcase the best of Anguilla’s culinary scene. For more details and to join the festivities, visit the official Anguilla Culinary Experience website.
Dates of ACE 2024: May 23 to May 26, 2024.
FESTIVAL DEL MAR IN ANGUILLA
Festival Del Mar is a celebration of Anguilla’s deep connection with the sea, held annually around Easter weekend in the scenic village of Island Harbour. This event is a must-visit for seafood aficionados. Seafood is the star of the show! You can expect to sample a wide variety of sea-to-table offerings, including conch, lobster, and crayfish, prepared in traditional and innovative ways. The festival’s atmosphere is charged with excitement, featuring cooking competitions where local chefs showcase their skills and creativity.
Festival Del Mar Highlights
Beyond the culinary delights, Festival Del Mar offers a glimpse into Anguillan culture with boat racing, music, and dance performances. Much of Festival Del Mar can be enjoyed by simply showing up. The festival kicks off with a fishing contest where local fishermen head out to sea before dawn to bring back an abundance of fresh catches. Tents start serving up delectable seafood dishes around 10 a.m. You can enjoy breakfast and dine all day! Seafood treats include crayfish plates (some as low as $15!) featuring lobster, shark, sailfish, fried fish, and more. Accompaniments like Johnny Cakes, breadfruit, scalloped potatoes, and refreshing salads are also on sale. The festival is a great activity to do with kids, as it features a children’s boat race. Other activities include swimming contests, a deep-sea fishing contest, a soldier crab race, sunfish racing, and B-Class and A-Class boat races.
Dates of Festival del Mar 2024: March 27 to March 28, 2024.
https://www.facebook.com/people/Festival-Del-Mar-Anguilla/100069387759319/
WEST END JOUVAY IN ANGUILLA
West Fest is a vibrant festival held in the West End of Anguilla in June. It’s designed to showcase the island’s diverse community through the lens of food. The festival takes place along Meads Bay, specifically between Carimar and Blanchards. The heart of West Fest lies in its Caribbean Cookout, where stalls feature delectable food from various Caribbean islands resident on Anguilla.
Dates of West Fest Jouvay 2024: June 8, 2024
by Elena Leo, WAWW Director of Editorial
