There are some people who simply eat to survive & others who live to eat. Whether you're a foodie-in-training or a true culinary connoisseur, a luxury travel to Turks & Caicos for The Caribbean Food & Wine Festival will allow you to mix & mingle with your own kind as well as celebrity chefs, acclaimed winemakers from around the world & local gastronomy gurus.
This isn't just any festival, either. From Oct. 31 – Nov. 2, you'll have the chance to attend pairing seminars, sample street fare, meet with industry stars & even tour some of the best restaurants in the area on a Gourmet Safari. According to Turks & Caicos Weekly News, there are only 80 spots for these festivities, meaning you'll actually get some one-on-one time with the chefs & winemakers. On top of it all, you'll be staying in one of the most stunning spots in the Caribbean. Ready for your gourmand getaway? Here's a guide so you know what to expect on your luxury vacation:
Day 1 The only way to kick off an epicurean event like this one is with craft cocktails & a 6:30 p.m. welcome dinner at The Regent Palms. The meal will be led by Chef Tiffany Derry of Top Chef fame – & since she made it to the final four in Season 7, your taste buds are surely in for a treat. Meanwhile, you'll savor wine from Napa to South Africa at a tasting at Jai Boutique.
Once you've gotten your fill of food, the festivities continue with a Patrón-sponsored after-party where the tequila will be flowing.
Day 2 While men have traditionally dominated the culinary world, all that is changing. At 1 p.m., celebrate notable female chefs at The Women of Wine Luncheon, where you'll sample their most delectable dishes. Then rest up, because you'll need a lot of energy & an empty stomach to hop between the best restaurants in Providenciales at the Seventh Annual Gourmet Safari.
Start with an aperitif & light hors d'oeuvres at the Grace Bay Club, then make your way to Coyaba for appetizers. At this gazebo-style restaurant, you'll dine in a tropical garden surrounded by colorful scenery.
You're sure to be satiated by the end of this adventure, as you'll be served not one but two different main entrées. The first is prepared by Seven Stars, while The Regent Palms provides the fish course. Save room for a decadent dessert at The Gansevoort hotel.
Day 3 The action starts early on the final day of the festival with a four-course food & wine pairing at 11 a.m. There, you'll match up cheeses, chocolates, meats & seafood with various glasses of vintage vino.
Are you glued to the TV when reality cooking contests are on? The Street Food Fair is your chance to try some truly authentic & unusual eats while also seeing a competition firsthand. Starting at 3:00 p.m., you'll have the chance to observe 12 of the island's most skilled chefs go head to head in a cookout, & you'll get to sample their barbeque ribs as well as other fare.
At 8 p.m. that night, the Dinner with the Stars at Grace Bay Club is sure to end your experience on a special note. Xoliswa Ndoyiya will be preparing the memorable meal, & she certainly has the talent to lead the event: She worked as the personal chef to Nelson Mandela for more than 20 years. She's also pleased the palate of other famous people, including Bill Clinton, Oprah Winfrey & actor Danny Glover.
