Grace Bay Resorts Reveals Chefs, Winemakers for Turks and Caicos’ Celebration of Cuisine, Culture

Grace Bay Resorts, in partnership with the Turks and Caicos Tourism Board and The Wine Cellar, recently announced the headline chefs and schedule of events for the Caribbean Food & Wine Festival, celebrating its fifth anniversary in November. The annual event pairs internationally renowned chefs and winemakers with Turks and Caicos’ diverse local talent for a celebration of Caribbean cuisine.
 

This year’s headliners include 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; vintners from Davis Bynum Vineyards, Michele Chiarlo and JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery.

“We are thrilled to welcome three of the most outstanding chefs from their respective hemispheres to the Turks and Caicos Islands for this year’s event--Chef Guarnaschelli and Chef Bailey of the United States, and Chef Quek of Singapore,” said Nikheel Advani, co-chair, Caribbean Food & Wine Festival, in a written statement. “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.”

Taking place November 5 - 8, the non-for-profit festival will raise funds for The Department of Youth Affairs and the Lit’l Chefs mentor program, which supports and encourages young local chefs to develop skills that will assist them in pursuing careers in hospitality, a vital industry of Turks and Caicos. 

Schedule of Events

Thursday, November 5 

Welcome Dinner - Seven Restaurant

The kick-off dinner for the weekend-long events, features exceptional creations by headlining Chef Alex Guarnaschelli.
 
Friday, November 6

Women of Wine Luncheon - Fire & Ice Restaurant, Blue Haven

This event caters to the adage “it’s 5 o’clock somewhere” by offering an extended lunch break in a relaxed environment for women who love wine.  
 
Gourmet Safari 

This interactive ‘dine around’ gives festival guests an opportunity to discover the Island’s restaurants. Now in its ninth year, the Gourmet Safari was the original event that served as a catalyst for the festival and continues to be a guest favorite today. 
 
Saturday, November 7

Food & Wine Pairing - West Bay Club (by Grace Bay Resorts)  

Intimate food and wine pairing seminars highlighting meat, seafood, cheese and dessert with tasting rooms showcasing the guest chefs and winemakers with support from the aspiring local talent of the Lit’l Chefs mentor program.
 
Island Street Food Fair

A fun, family-friendly event featuring local entertainment that showcases island restaurants’ expert grilling and barbeque techniques for the enjoyment of locals and tourists alike.
 
Dinner under with the Stars - Grace Bay Beach

Headlining Chef Justin Quek pairs his signature recipes with the winemakers’ rarest vintages for a lavish dinner experience.
 
Sunday, November 8

Brunch at Amanyara hosted by Chef Kyle Bailey. This brunch marks the conclusion of the festival events.
 
Visit www.caribbeanfoodandwinefestivaltci.com or contact [email protected]