ANGUILLA, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Anguilla Culinary Experience (ACE) returns for its sixth year April 28 through May 2, 2027. The festival brings together international guest chefs, food lovers and Anguilla's own culinary talent for five days of collaborative dinners, beachside bartending and cooking competitions, and other interactive culinary experiences — along with a full menu of reasons to linger in one of the Caribbean's top-rated destinations. Chef Marc Forgione of New York has joined as a guest chef for the 2027 festival. 

At its heart, ACE is also about investing in Anguilla's future. The festival raises funds for culinary and hospitality training programs while giving young Anguillians opportunities to work alongside visiting and local chefs and gain valuable hands-on experience. The result is an annual gathering that feels good in more ways than one: exceptional food, genuine connections and an opportunity to make a difference. 

"The Anguilla Culinary Experience is a true celebration of who we are as a people and what makes our destination so extraordinary," said Jameel Rochester, director of tourism for the Anguilla Tourist Board, a key partner and supporter of the festival. "Our culinary heritage, world-class dining and, most importantly, the warmth and creativity of our people distinguish Anguilla on the global stage."

"Being recognized as the Caribbean's Leading Culinary Destination at the 2026 World Travel Awards is a testament to the dedication, passion and excellence of our culinary and hospitality professionals. Through ACE, we are not only showcasing our exceptional tourism product but also creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation of Anguillians to learn, grow and become leaders in our industry. ACE beautifully brings our 'Taste. Feel. Live. Anguilla' campaign to life, and we look forward to welcoming both returning and first-time visitors in 2027," he added.

The 2026 festival showcased ACE at its best. Over five days, award-winning guest chefs and Anguilla's culinary stars cooked side by side at restaurants, resorts, villas and on the beach, turning the island into a collective dining room.

Highlights from 2026 included a music-filled opening night party at beachfront Karaya; wine-pairing dinner at Jacala with Grands Vins de France; multicourse dining experiences at Malliouhana, Four Seasons Resort Anguilla and Zemi Beach House; a six-hands dinner at luxury Villa Alegria; a murder-mystery dinner at Savi Beach Club; guided tastings in Zemi's Rhum Room; an island rum crawl by Moke with Quest Experiences; a sunset sail with Calypso Charters; and the annual Cape Air & NCBA Beach Barbecue co-hosted by Trudy Nixon of TRUE Anguilla Magazine & TV Show and Janine Edwards of Sunset Homes Anguilla and JanineConnects.com.

Held at Anguilla Great House, the barbecue brought residents and visitors together for food fresh off the grill and spirited mystery-basket bartending and cooking competitions. Taking home first-place medals for 2026 were Sandbar bartender and floor manager Kyrleson Klaren and private chef Karan Kumar. Sandbar bartender Kelly Hodge's recipe won the annual rum punch tasting.

"ACE has always been about bringing people together in a way that feels genuinely Anguillian," said festival co-founder and Villa Alegria Anguilla owner Wendy Freeman. "You come for the food, but you leave with lifelong friendships."

Festival proceeds support the next generation of Anguillian hospitality professionals through 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.

"I love the interesting menus and beautiful presentations, but most of all, I love the people," said repeat ACE attendee Nora Motter Stark. "Everyone, whether hosting or a fellow guest, is so welcoming and friendly. Anguilla is one of my favorite places in the world and ACE makes it feel even more special."

Between events, visitors have plenty of time to experience more of the destination — from Anguilla's 33 beaches and 35 square miles of natural beauty to its more than 100 bespoke restaurants and distinctive island experiences.

Luxury real estate and villa rental agency Trophy Properties Caribbean has joined the 2027 festival planning team. "Taking on a leadership role for ACE is a natural fit for our team, because making people feel at home is what we do best. We can't wait to help curate delicious experiences that feel special and distinctly local," said Melise Peffer, business development manager at Trophy Properties Caribbean.

The ACE 2027 event schedule, full chef roster and ticket information will be available in the coming weeks. Sign up to be notified on the ACE website at www.AnguillaCulinaryExperience.com and follow ACE on Facebook and Instagram at @anguillaculinaryexperience. To become an ACE 2027 sponsor, email anguillaculinaryexperience@gmail.com.

About Anguilla Culinary Experience (www.AnguillaCulinaryExperience.com)

Anguilla Culinary Experience (ACE) is an annual destination-wide food and wine festival created in 2022 by a group of Anguilla villa and restaurant owners, chefs and resort leaders who share a passion for the island's bountiful seafood, farm-fresh ingredients and exceptional culinary talent. ACE brings local and international chefs together around shared kitchens and tables while raising funds for culinary and hospitality youth education in Anguilla. More than a food festival, ACE is an invitation to explore the island's history and tradition through its food, while making personal connections that last long after the final course.

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SOURCE Anguilla Culinary Experience