American celebrity chef to feature in ‘Taste of Virgin Gorda’

Celebrity chef JJ Johnson is set to feature in the highly anticipated Taste of Virgin Gorda on Saturday, March 22, at The Ruins in Nail Bay.

The annual spring tasting event showcases the culinary delights of Virgin Gorda and the wider British Virgin Islands under this year’s theme, “Vivid Hues.”

The BVI Tourist Board announced that Johnson, an award-winning culinary innovator, author of The Simple Art of Rice, and host of Just Eats on Cleo TV, will deliver a live cooking demonstration. He is the owner of the acclaimed New York-based restaurant FieldTrip, which emphasises fresh, locally sourced ingredients and global flavors through rice.

Johnson expressed his excitement about participating in the event, stating, “The flavors of the Caribbean have been instrumental in my upbringing and culinary career, so I’m thrilled to be heading to the BVI for Taste of Virgin Gorda. Through the live cooking demonstration, I look forward to sharing my Afro-Latino Caribbean roots, showcasing bold, fun flavors, and celebrating the rich culinary traditions of the BVI.”

The event invites attendees to dress in their most colorful attire while sampling dishes from some of Virgin Gorda’s top restaurants. Guests will experience a curated selection of signature flavors from local chefs, complemented by beverages that enhance the tasting experience.

Director of Tourism Clive McCoy highlighted the cultural significance of the event, describing it as a celebration of the British Virgin Islands’ rich culinary heritage and the exceptional talent of its chefs and restaurants. He noted that Taste of Virgin Gorda brings together the community and visitors for an unforgettable evening of food, music, and culture.

Taste of Virgin Gorda is part of the BVI Food Fête, a series of events throughout the year that promote the territory’s vibrant food tourism. Tickets are $100 per person, inclusive of an open bar and complimentary samples from participating restaurants. They are available for purchase at the BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission Offices at St. Thomas Bay Jetty, Virgin Gorda, and Road Town Ferry Dock, Tortola. Speedy’s is offering a special roundtrip ferry fare of $25 for attendees traveling from Tortola, with complimentary shuttle service from the ferry to the event venue.