Antigua and Barbuda’s Restaurant Week which runs from May 7 to 21, will feature a host of celebrity chefs including Jamaican-American chef, DeVonn Francis.

Francis will join colleagues in the culinary field, namely US-based Chef Tanya Holland and Antiguan-born Chef Claude Lewis as the country dines in the culinary festival’s first week.

“We are thrilled to welcome such an incredible roster of international and local chefs to help support the launch of our new flagship Antigua and Barbuda Restaurant Week. Not only will it help us raise visibility for our gastronomy in the region and around the globe, but it is going to play an important part in helping us foster our on-island culinary talent,” said Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism, Charles Fernandez.

The celebrity chefs will collaborate with locals and Chef Holland who will host “a culinary experience” today (May 9) at The Wild Tamarind Restaurant in the eastern Caribbean country.

“We can’t wait to taste the culinary wonders these chefs will be preparing to highlight the local wonders of Antigua and Barbuda. We’re sure our guests’ eyes and taste buds will be delighted,” Fernandez added.

“This new annual event has been designed to showcase the best the twin-island has to offer in culinary – from favourite local casual hotspots to three-course menus at the best restaurants on the islands. Not only will local chefs be showcasing their best work, but [the] celebrity chefs will be joining to help elevate awareness of this exciting new event,” the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) said.

The schedule of events for Restaurant Week will include Prix Fixe menus from over 30 restaurants and the ‘Eat Like A Local’ interactive map.

For his part, Chief executive officer (CEO) of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Colin C. James stated: “This has been an incredible year so far for Antigua and Barbuda, where we are seeing travellers around the world choose Antigua and Barbuda as their vacation destination in unprecedented numbers. Key to this demand for year-round visits is our packed calendar of events. Travelling and experiencing local cuisine goes hand-in-hand with making sure you have an extraordinary visit. By adding Restaurant Week to our calendar, we are highlighting our local talent and showcasing our exceptional culinary scene for visitors and residents alike.”

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