Nassau Paradise Island Wine and Food Festival blends flavor and education

As more people travel to enjoy impeccable food from some of the world’s best chefs, food festivals are more than just another abundant feast. At the Nassau Paradise Island Wine and Food Festival, the event serves a side of education with all the fun, flavor, and festivities.  

At any time of the year, Atlantis Paradise Island has a robust culinary scene that delights guests. From local Bahamian chefs to restaurants featuring globally recognized Michelin-starred and James Beard Award-winning chefs, the resort boasts more options than other destinations in the region.  

Returning for a second year, the Nassau Paradise Island Wine and Food Festival is the brain child of Lee Schrager, the founder of the iconic South Beach Wine and Food Festival. Given that event’s legendary success, this Bahamian event draws some of the best culinary talent from around the globe.  

Similar to how SOBEWFF uses the culinary event to feed and educate guests, the Nassau Paradise Island Wine and Food Festival continues that concept. This year’s event line-up showcases that educational aspect, but the approach is subtle. No one is going to feel like they are sitting in a classroom with pen and paper. Each event sparks a conversation that will continue long after guests return home.  

The event line-up features culinary legends like Jose Andres, Nobu Matsuhisa, and Martha Stewart. In addition, Bahamian chefs will show how local ingredients can seamlessly blend with ingredients from around the globe.  

While each event has a theme, it is the sustainable, cultural, and informative conversation that joins those discussions which makes this event special. For example, during the Jose Andres event, he will not only discuss conch but also can share some insight on using lionfish and sustainable fishing practices.  

Lionfish looks like a formidable fish, but it is vital for chefs to showcase how to use these invasive species in creative ways. Even though lionfish might not necessarily be found in the grocery store, it can be used in restaurants. When a well-known chef invites diners to try and become knowledgeable about this food, it can influence how and why people order dishes at restaurants. This educational aspect is a huge benefit from these food festivals.  

This event shows that fun, flavor and education can go hand in hand. Whether guests choose to bring some spices from Bahamian dishes to their Sunday supper or are inspired to cook more as a family through the interactive all-ages demonstrations, Nassau Paradise Island Wine and Food Festival can blend a getaway with a food conversation that will last long after guests return home.  

The Nassau Paradise Island Wine and Food Festival runs from Wednesday, March 13 – Sunday, March 17, 2024. More information and ticket availability can be found at npiwff.org.