Dubbed the “grandest crustacean feast in the Caribbean,” Anegada’s Lobster Festival returns November 30th to December 1st. Spiny lobster is a ubiquitous delicacy in the Caribbean but on Anegada in the British Virgin Islands, local restaurants have been perfecting the preparation of the sweet crustacean, from serving it in an unpretentious manner fresh from the grill to magically transforming the prized seafood into decadent ice cream.
For more than a decade, the festival has crafted a tasty treasure hunt across the unassuming island with delightful lobster dishes and tropical cocktails as spoils. Anegada is called the “drowned island” due to its low elevation, only 28 feet above sea level, and flat surface. However, this flat feature, unique amongst its more undulous British Virgin Islands’ neighbors, makes for great driving and exploration of the tropical destination. Views of varying shades of cerulean and turquoise waters lapping at miles of white sand beaches create a perfect weekend of eating for visiting lobster aficionados.
For the shellfish allergy-challenged foodie, the island offers a bounty of seafood dishes aside from spiny lobster. Anegada is home to a bustling commercial fishing community and provides most of the fresh fish and lobsters in the BVI, so a variety of other seafood dishes can be expected from the many quaint restaurants that dot the island’s shores. Aside from good eating, visitors can expect lively Caribbean beats as DJs and Soca artists perform at various venues and boat parties slated throughout the festival weekend.
Although often overlooked for larger islands in the BVI, Anegada’s inhabitants have turned the humble island into a must-visit for foodies by offering a seat at their table, one filled with plates of savory Caribbean fare and sweet spiny lobster at the center.
At this year’s Anegada Lobster Festival, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy the fresh spiny lobster, fish, or meat of their choice at 13 participating restaurants: Anegada Reef Hotel, Big Bamboo, Cow Wreck, Flamingo Pride, Flash of Beauty, KG’s Cafe, Lil Bits, Lobster Trap, Potter’s by the Sea, Pink Flamingo, Sid’s at Pomato Point, Tipsy, and Wonky Dog.
This year’s new features include a competition for the best lobster sampler, where the winner will receive the first-ever ALFFY Award, and the introduction of a sampler voucher, which will be given out to patrons to enjoy free samplers from participating restaurants.
Click here for more information about the event.
Photo Credits: bvicalendar.com | bvitourism.com | findyello.com | caribjournal.com
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