Anguilla Culinary Experience 2025: Where Island Flavors Meet Global Talent in a Lavish Five-Day Festival
An Elevated Affair: ACE 2025 Brings Culinary Mastery to the Shores of Anguilla
For five exquisite days next spring, Anguilla transforms into the epicenter of global gastronomy. Returning for its fourth year from April 30 to May 4, 2025, the Anguilla Culinary Experience (ACE) promises a sophisticated fusion of culture, cuisine, and community, firmly establishing the island’s standing as the Caribbean’s premier culinary destination.
Set against the idyllic backdrop of 33 white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, ACE is more than a gourmet getaway—it’s a destination-wide celebration of Anguilla’s culinary heritage, world-class hospitality, and the chefs and visionaries who shape its future.
A Taste of Talent: The 2025 Lineup
The festival’s headlining names span continents but share a common ethos: elevating fresh, local ingredients through artistry and passion. Leading the charge is Anguilla’s own Chef Kerth Gumbs, Culinary Director of Malliouhana and winner of BBC’s Great British Menu, joined by fellow local talents Chef Wilson Macedo and Chef Kelston “Sweets” Connor. Their Dream Team will ignite the festivities with “Taste the Magic of Malliouhana,” a lavish seaside soirée that fuses Caribbean flavors with modern culinary technique across the resort’s three signature restaurants: Celeste by Kerth Gumbs, Bar Soleil, and Leon’s at Meads Bay.
Joining the festival from abroad are Chefs Doug Psaltis and Hsing Chen, the celebrated duo behind Chicago’s Andros Taverna, Mano a Mano, and the New York Times-acclaimed Asador Bastian. Chef Sébastien Barrière of Saint-Martin, Chef Alain Laurent of Jacala, and wine expert Leigh Ann Reed from California’s Napa Valley complete the distinguished roster.
A Refined Itinerary of Immersive Events
ACE 2025 is meticulously curated to entice seasoned travelers and discerning palates. Its hallmark is the seamless pairing of luxury experiences with hands-on interaction, making guests feel like true insiders.
Opening Night: A Culinary Spell at Malliouhana
On April 30, Malliouhana, ACE’s Platinum Partner, opens its doors for a vibrant evening of coastal fine dining, where Gumbs and his team promise a “taste revolution” rooted in Anguilla’s culinary soul. Guests booking Malliouhana’s ACE package enjoy exclusive access to this kickoff celebration.
May 1: Roman Feasts and Rooftop Revelry
Thursday presents a culinary crossroads. Chef Sébastien Barrière teams up with Chef Gerard MacDonna of Sharky’s Anguilla for “Flavors of Altamer,” a journey from rooftop cocktails to an oceanfront terrace dinner highlighting indigenous island ingredients. Meanwhile, Savi Beach Club’s “Bacchus Feast” indulges in Roman excess with Italian stations, live music, and a spirited dance party under the stars.
May 2–3: Global Collaboration and Wine Pairing Perfection
Friday brings a collaboration of rare pedigree as Chefs Psaltis, Chen, and Carrie Bogar of Veya unite for a six-hands wine dinner. Hosted by ACE co-chairs Neil and Wendy Freeman and Steve and Debbie Haines, these intimate evenings at Villa Alegria invite guests into the homes—and kitchens—of Anguilla’s tastemakers.
Over at Jacala Beach Restaurant, Chef Alain Laurent curates “Napa Valley Wines and French Fare with Caribbean Flair” alongside wine authorities Nathalie Le Sénéchal and Leigh Ann Reed, offering an oenophilic exploration of Raymond Vineyards, DeLoach, and Elizabeth Spencer Winery.
May 3: The Return of the Island’s Favorite Showdown
On Saturday, the NCBA & Cape Air “Beach BBQ + Basket & Bartending Battles” electrifies Rendezvous Bay. As island chefs and bartenders compete in mystery ingredient challenges, the day evolves into a festive beachfront feast—with barbecue, mixology, and a healthy dose of friendly rivalry. Winners receive a career-boosting mentorship from Kerth Gumbs and his Malliouhana team, along with a cash prize and serious bragging rights.
Beyond the Table: Immersive Culinary Discovery
ACE 2025 offers more than refined dining—it invites guests to immerse themselves in Anguilla’s culinary rhythms. Travelers can:
Master ceviche with Chef Manu Calderon of Four Seasons Resort & Residences Anguilla
Join a progressive island lunch or Johnny Cake cookout
Hop into a Moke with Quest Experiences to uncover the island’s best rum punch
Explore hidden beach bars, scenic trails, and some of the Caribbean’s most acclaimed restaurants
A Purposeful Celebration of Culinary Culture
While indulgent, ACE carries a deeper mission: fostering future talent. The festival directly supports culinary and hospitality education initiatives, offering young Anguillians access to mentorships, real-world training, and scholarships. By placing students alongside visiting chefs, ACE ensures its impact lasts far beyond the final toast.
“ACE 2025 will once again bring together an extraordinary lineup of local and international culinary talent, showcasing Anguilla’s fresh seafood, native ingredients, and world-class hospitality… This festival not only elevates Anguilla’s global reputation as a must-visit gastronomic destination but also plays a vital role in fostering the next generation of culinary stars.”
Stacey Liburd, Director of Tourism for the Anguilla Tourist Board
Where Culture and Cuisine Converge
Each event on ACE’s itinerary is a testament to Anguilla’s enduring appeal—not only as a destination, but as a cultural force in the world of food and hospitality. Whether indulging in a rooftop wine pairing or beachside barbecue, guests leave with more than memories. They take home a taste of Anguilla’s identity: refined, welcoming, and quietly extraordinary.