BVI News

Gourmet Soiree pulls crowd | Proceeds go to top tourism students

Top tourism students across the territory’s public school system are the beneficiaries of the well-attended annual Gourmet Soiree — one of the main events on the BVI Food Fete calendar.

The event was held at the Scrub Islands Resort and Marina on Thursday.

Speaking to BVI News, Public Relations Manager at the BVI Tourist Board (BVITB) Keith Dawson said the event is more than sampling great food.

“The Gourmet Soiree is actually a fundraiser. We have given awards for the past three or so years to the students who have done the best for their respective public schools in tourism,” Dawson said.

He further said there were other benefits to the culinary event.

“It’s also building up the culinary repertoire of our youngsters and chefs to create interest in the culinary field. I think we have been successful in doing so because of the exposure and other opportunities that have been given to them that the BVITB has provided,” he said.

Dawson said he believes last night’s turnout was a testament to the growing awareness of the top culinary offerings of the territory.

The evening started with entertainment and cocktail at the resort’s reception area then moved to the north beach area for dessert and more enjoyment.

There was a mixture of international chefs and local chefs including a mixologist and those from the BVI National Culinary Team.

Other events 

Meanwhile, Management Trainee currently in Public Relations at the BVITB Yohance Smith said the month of activities at Food Fete aims to promote the BVI as a culinary destination.

The five-year-old event continues with ‘Taste of Tortola’ which is scheduled to take place at the Queen Elizabeth Park in Road Town on Saturday, November 9. 

This will then be followed by the Cooper Island Rum Festival on November 16, the Jost Pork & More Festival on Jost Van Dyke on November 17, and the Anegada Lobster Festival on November 30 and December 1. 

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7 Comments

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  1. My Wish says:

    I hope that we can include an annual ‘Nyam Up’ where all local food vendors, and nationals of other countries living here, can cook up mouthwatering dishes and showcase their talents, thus adding their delightful treats to the whole month-long culinary experience held in November each year.

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    • true says:

      There is already. Taste of Tortola is open to anyone who wishes to attend and cook, also VG has their own event as does Jost & Anegada, so where have you been living for the past 6 years as that’s how long the Tortola event has been running?

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  2. Honest Review says:

    The event was amazing. I actually had a great time. HOWEVER; the “gourmet” selections left a lot to be desired. I feel like I paid for the souvenirs, the venue and the alcohol. Many of us left hungry. Please please please, next time do a better job at ensuring that the standard and selection of the meal/s match the ambiance (and the price tag lol). Shout out to Nyamming btw. I went back for more after tasting my first sample.

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  3. Harneys says:

    The turnout was good! But definitely lack of food, imagine I skipped lunch. They know we black people does eat a big plate.
    The setting was inviting, mood was chilled. Who did the lighting, any info to share?

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    • Greedy says:

      The Gourmet Soiree is NOT a dinner. But more a cocktail type reception. If you want dinner then be prepared to spend more. I am sure Scrubs Restaurant was open

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    • Queen says:

      @ Harneys , Lighting was done by local company named Ambiance Lighting VI . Mr. Joel Frett and his team did a fantastic job . The mood was perfect for that event. You can find his information on Facebook or Instagram.

  4. bill ri says:

    since the bvi’s major income is tourism and yacht chartering i think it’s great that you train your young locals to up their game. as a charterer we love coming down and spending a week in your fabulous charter ground and great stops every night…….great weather, great boats, great harbors,bars and restaurants make for a fun filled week. scrub island is great but be cautious that you don’t get to many of them (planning committee) profits leave the island to marriott headquarters and the local charm of BEC and Soggy Dollar and the like gets diminished. hope to see you all soon, love BVI over Miami Remember….it’s the customers choice

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