fp Turks and Caicos

Chefs big and li’l across the Turks and Caicos Islands are getting ready for a culinary extravaganza that is sure to be a palate pleaser.

The inaugural Caribbean Food and Wine Festival will kick off Nov. 4-5 as chefs from five of the county’s top restaurants and their li’l masters work together to give guests a gourmet safari of the flavors of the TCI.

In its fifth year, the Gourmet Safari is not only becoming a tradition in the TCI,  it is growing into a whole weekend affair involving celebrity chefs, the island’s top chefs and culinary talents to be. The festivities begin Nov. 4 with a book signing event, featuring Divya Gugnani, followed by a welcome dinner event featuring Iron Chef Beau MacMillian. On Nov. 5, there will be a Tasting Seminar and the grand finale where guests will enjoy a gourmet safari, tasting dishes from five top culinary hot spots.

The seasoned chefs are taking the opportunity to spice up the culinary talents of some of the islands’ most promising next generation culinary masters, partnering with the Youth Department’s Li’l Chefs program.

“Nine of our Li’l Chefs will be participating in this year’s event,” Youth Affairs Director Angela Musgrove says. Students from the Turks and Caicos Community College, Wesleyn Methodist and Maranatha High Schools on Providenciales, Raymond Gardiner High School on North Caicos and H.J. Robinson High School on Grand Turk will all take part in the exciting event.

The Li’l Chef programme was started to foster an interest in the culinary arts among secondary students.

“We are creating avenues for Li’l Chefs to work in the industry in order to create a smoother transition from academics into the work environment,” explains Musgrove. “We want them to see culinary arts as not just a job, but a profession.”

Chef de Cuisine at the Grace Bay Club Eion Laird, a former li’l chef himself, says he is excited to work with the young chefs. “We want to nourish the young talent of the country,” he said.

The aspiring chefs will have the opportunity to see all the hard work that goes into becoming a professional chef as well as learn tips from the pros.

“We are happy to share our expertise and knowledge with the Li’l Chefs, they are the future of the TCI,” added Chef Wolfgang von Wieser.

The event is a wonderful showcase of partnerships across the tourism industry with partners including The Wine Cellar/Discount Liquors providing top wine makers and sommelier; independent restaurant Coyaba; resort restaurants Bagatelle, Krave, Parallel 23 and Seven; and the Veranda Resort and Residences along with the Tourist Board.

Nikheel Advani, festival co-chairman, says this year’s Gourmet Safari and Caribbean Food and Wine Festival are can’t miss events. “Tickets are selling out… It is going to be a lot of fun!”

For reservations and inquiries, call 232-5151 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .