Anguilla – October 30, 2026 -- The Anguilla Culinary Experience (ACE) returns for its sixth year from April 28 to May 2, 2027, with five days of chef collaborations, beachside bartending contests and cooking competitions across the island. New York chef Marc Forgione has joined the 2027 lineup as a guest chef.
Last year's festival turned the island into a shared dining room
In 2026, award-winning guest chefs and Anguilla's own culinary stars cooked side by side at restaurants, resorts, villas and on the beach. The program included a music-filled opening night party at beachfront Karaya and a wine-pairing dinner at Jacala with Grands Vins de France. Multicourse dinners ran at Malliouhana, Four Seasons Resort Anguilla and Zemi Beach House, and a six-hands dinner took place at Villa Alegria.
Other events included a murder-mystery dinner at Savi Beach Club, guided tastings in Zemi's Rhum Room, an island rum crawl by Moke with Quest Experiences and a sunset sail with Calypso Charters.
The beach barbecue crowned its 2026 competition winners
The annual Cape Air & NCBA Beach Barbecue, held at Anguilla Great House, drew residents and visitors for grilled food and mystery-basket bartending and cooking competitions. Sandbar bartender and floor manager Kyrleson Klaren and private chef Karan Kumar took first-place medals. Sandbar bartender Kelly Hodge's recipe won the rum punch tasting.
Festival proceeds fund hospitality training for young Anguillians
ACE raises money for culinary and hospitality programs at Anguilla Community College, Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School, the Anguilla Youth and Business Foundation and the Anguilla National Culinary Team. Young Anguillians also get hands-on experience working alongside visiting and local chefs.
Festival co-founder and Villa Alegria Anguilla owner Wendy Freeman said, "You come for the food, but you leave with lifelong friendships."
Tourism officials point to a 2026 World Travel Awards title
Jameel Rochester, director of tourism for the Anguilla Tourist Board, cited the island's recognition as the Caribbean's Leading Culinary Destination at the 2026 World Travel Awards. He said ACE brings the board's "Taste. Feel. Live. Anguilla" campaign to life.
Between events, visitors can explore Anguilla's 33 beaches, 35 square miles of natural beauty and more than 100 restaurants.
A luxury villa agency joins the 2027 planning team
Trophy Properties Caribbean, a luxury real estate and villa rental agency, has joined the festival planning team. Business development manager Melise Peffer said the company will help curate experiences that feel "distinctly local."
The 2027 event schedule, full chef roster and ticket information will be released in the coming weeks. Interested visitors can sign up for notifications on the ACE website or follow @anguillaculinaryexperience on Facebook and Instagram.