Anguilla Culinary Experience Food Festival Scheduled for May Debut

Several of Anguilla's luxury resorts and gourmet restaurants are partnering to host the Anguilla Culinary Experience (ACE), an island-wide epicurean festival scheduled for May 11 through May 15, 2022.

The Anguilla Culinary Experience is intended for "people who appreciate artistry and view food and wine as a way to celebrate life, make connections and explore a country's history and culture," said Wendy Freeman, owner of Villa Alegria and ACE co-chair.

"Anguilla is already considered the culinary capital of the Caribbean," said Freeman. "With over 100 bespoke restaurants within just 35 square miles and no commercial chains, plus Anguilla's unique ability to deliver an upscale, luxe experience in an approachable and authentic manner, you can't find a more perfect environment for an epicurean festival."

Meanwhile, local and guest chefs at Ember, Veya, Tasty's, Celeste, Pimms and Salt and Stone will also prepare inventive prix fixe menus with wine pairings as part of the festival's Restaurant Night On May 13.

Festival guests may select ACE- or VIP-level ticket packages; both include entrance to the three signature events and full or partial credit towards a prix fixe meal at one of the participating Restaurant Night eateries.

A portion of ACE proceeds will fund the Anguilla National Culinary Team and other local hospitality training programs, and students will have opportunities to learn from experienced chefs during the festival. Packages are available for online purchase at an early bird rate of $425 for ACE-level tickets and $1,150 for the VIP option. Package prices increase to $450 and $1,250 respectively after March 1.

The VIP package provides exclusive access to VIP-only events including an after-hours rum tasting at Zemi Beach House's Rhum Room and an intimate, five-course dinner with wine and live music at one of Anguilla's private luxury villas or specialty resort venues.

VIP dinners will be held on May 12 and are limited to 20 guests at each venue. Diners will be invited to interact with chefs while savoring inspired cuisine. "We are justly renowned for our spectacular beaches and exceptional cuisine, but Anguilla offers so much more," stated Stacey Liburd, Anguilla's director of tourism.

"Guests who come to ACE will excite not only their palates but all their other senses as well as they discover our unique island attractions and experiences," Liburd said. "We look forward to sharing our rich cultural traditions and heritage through these specially curated tours."

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