Providenciales, Turks and Caicos – Reported by Elite Traveler, the private jet lifestyle magazine
Grace Bay Resorts, in partnership with the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board and The Wine Cellar, proudly announces chef John DeLucie’s participation in the Second Annual Caribbean Food and Wine Festival, taking place November 1 to 3. DeLucie, chef and owner of The Lion in the West Village and Crown on the Upper East Side, has become one of New York City’s most sought after chefs over the past decade, making him an ideal fit for this year’s three-day festival.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have John DeLucie involved in this year’s culinary line-up and feel this is a huge testament to the success of the inaugural Caribbean Food and Wine Festival,” says Nikheel Advani, co-chair at the Caribbean Food and Wine Festival. “The Caribbean Food and Wine Festival’s primary objective is to bring together the best chefs from around the world and attracting the attention of one of New York City’s brightest culinary talents will certainly raise the bar for future festivals.”
Having grown up in a traditional Italian-American family, DeLucie was constantly surrounded by great food. He quickly discovered that a career in the culinary world was his true calling and after culinary school, he took some time to explore the culture and cuisine in France, Italy and Spain. It was during this time that John defined his cooking style, fusing modern cooking techniques with European flavors. Since then, he has cooked at Arizona 206, Oceana and The Tribeca Grand before teaming up with Graydon Carter to open the Waverly Inn. After great success as a founding chef and partner at Waverly Inn, DeLucie opened his first solo venture, The Lion, in May 2010 to resounding acclaim. Most recently, DeLucie opened his second restaurant, Crown, located just steps away from The Metropolitan Museum of Art on Manhattan’s iconic Upper East Side.
This year’s festival has expanded into a three-day celebration of Caribbean cuisine and culture, with the popular Gourmet Safari, now in its sixth year, as the marquee event. The festivities will kick off on Thursday, November 1, with a welcome reception and five-course meal prepared by special guest chef John DeLucie and Executive Chef Fritz Zwahlen of Aman Resort. DeLucie will also lead an intimate cooking demonstration and book signing for festival-goers that evening.
On November 3, guests are invited to attend a carefully curated food and wine tasting at The Veranda Resort and Residences, boasting gourmet chocolates, cheeses, seafood, meats and local favorites. Following the food and wine tasting, the first ever Street Food Fair will take place, showcasing the expert grilling and barbeque techniques of over 15 chefs from the island’s leading resorts and restaurants. The Street Food Fair will also incorporate a friendly grilling competition between a local and guest chef.
www.caribbeanfoodandwinefestivaltci.com