The British Virgin Islands (BVI) will once again come to life with the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean at a Taste of Virgin Gorda. Taking place at The Ruins at Nail Bay on Saturday, March 22 from 5 – 10 p.m., the highly anticipated spring tasting event will showcase the culinary brilliance of the BVI, specifically from establishments on Virgin Gorda, with live cooking demonstrations, tastings, entertainment and more.
Under this year’s theme, “Vivid Hues,” guests are encouraged to don their most colorful attire while indulging in the best of Virgin Gorda’s gastronomic offerings. The event will feature a curated selection of the island’s beloved restaurants, including Chez Bamboo, Coco Maya, Exquisite Delights, Island Pot, Lee’s Roadside Bar and Grill, LSL Bake Shop, Moka, Sugarcane Restaurant, The Jerk Pit and Winnie’s Steak House. Each participating restaurant will bring its signature flavors to the Food Cave, offering guests the opportunity to sample various dishes, all while enjoying beverages that complement them. In addition to the culinary delights, Taste of Virgin Gorda guests will enjoy live entertainment from local musicians Syothesax and Final Faze and music by DJ Quanie.
“The Taste of Virgin Gorda is a true celebration of the British Virgin Islands’ rich culinary heritage, showcasing the incredible talent of our local chefs and restaurants,” said Clive McCoy, the British Virgin Islands’ Director of Tourism. “The event not only highlights the diverse flavors of Virgin Gorda but also brings together our community and visitors for an unforgettable evening of food, music and culture.”
Among the event highlights is a live cooking demonstration from celebrity Chef JJ Johnson, an award-winning culinary innovator, author of ‘The Simple Art of Rice’, and television host of ‘Just Eats’ on CleoTV. His acclaimed New York-based restaurant, FIELDTRIP, emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients and global flavors through rice. The live cooking demonstration will be at 8 p.m., where Johnson will bring his signature Afro-Latino Caribbean flavors to the BVI.
“The flavors of the Caribbean have been instrumental to me in my upbringing and culinary career, so I’m thrilled to be heading to the BVI for Taste of Virgin Gorda,” said Johnson. “Through the live cooking demonstration, I look forward to sharing my Afro-Latino Carribbean roots, showcasing bold, fun flavors and rich culinary traditions of the BVI.”
Tickets are $100 per person and include an open bar and free samples from participating restaurants and are available for purchase from the BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission Offices at St. Thomas Bay Jetty, Virgin Gorda and at Road Town Ferry Dock, Tortola. Speedy’s is offering a special roundtrip rate of $25 for patrons traveling from Tortola. Complimentary roundtrip shuttle service from the ferry to the event venue will be available for guests arriving from Tortola. This event is sponsored by Road Town Wholesale (RTW).