Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month 2026: A Feast for the Senses and a Boost for Tourism

Antigua and Barbuda is gearing up for an exciting Culinary Month 2026, which promises to be an extraordinary celebration of food, culture, and Caribbean heritage. This annual event, set to run throughout May 2026, highlights the island nation’s rich culinary traditions, featuring local chefs, Caribbean food experts, and international guest chefs. As the islands continue to shine as a top destination in the Caribbean, this culinary event is poised to be a major catalyst for boosting tourism, drawing food lovers and culture enthusiasts from around the world.

A Culinary Experience Like No Other

The Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month is a month-long celebration of everything food-related, designed to showcase the region’s vibrant culture and the immense talent of its chefs. From May 1 to May 31, 2026, visitors and locals will be treated to a series of immersive culinary experiences that will explore local dishes, Caribbean cooking traditions, and global flavors, all served with a side of culture and entertainment. This initiative celebrates Antigua and Barbuda’s identity and positions the islands as a gastronomic hub in the Caribbean.

The event’s prestige has been heightened by Antigua and Barbuda’s recent recognition as the Caribbean’s Best Emerging Culinary City Destination for 2025 at the World Culinary Awards. This prestigious accolade reflects the islands’ growing influence in the global culinary scene and enhances the allure of Culinary Month as a premier tourism event.

Key Events and Signature Experiences

Culinary Month 2026 will feature a variety of signature events designed to delight food enthusiasts:

• Eat Like A Local Experience: Encouraging tourists to explore authentic Antiguan and Barbudan food, this experience highlights dishes that reflect the islands’ heritage and traditions.
• Antigua and Barbuda Restaurant Week (May 3–17, 2026): Over 50 local restaurants will offer fixed-price menus at three price points ($25, $50, $75). This event offers visitors an accessible way to explore local cuisine while supporting the island’s hospitality industry.
• FAB (Food, Art & Beverage) Fest (May 23, 2026): Held at Cedar Valley Golf Course, this festival will feature chef demonstrations, live music, local vendors, and more. It’s a celebration of the fusion of food, art, and culture that defines Antigua and Barbuda.
• Caribbean Food Forum (May 21, 2026): A hybrid regional conference bringing together experts in the food industry, hospitality professionals, and chefs to discuss food sustainability, trends, and innovation.

Special Culinary Events and Dinners

Alongside Restaurant Week and FAB Fest, the Culinary Month will host a range of special events:

• May 22, 2026: Collaboration dinner at Rokuni at Sugar Ridge featuring renowned UK chefs Andi Oliver, Kareem Roberts, and Kerth Gumbs.
• May 24, 2026: A Puerto Rican-inspired BBQ with Chef Angel Barreto at The Hut, Little Jumby.
• May 27, 2026: Collaboration dinner at Catherine’s Café on Pigeon Point Beach, with chefs Paul Carmichael, Tristen Epps, and Claude Lewis.
• May 29, 2026: Fundraising dinner celebrating Caribbean women chefs at Moon Gate Hotel & Spa.
• May 30, 2026: A beach party & cookout finale at Wild Tamarind Restaurant, featuring Chef Devan Rajkumar.

These exclusive dining experiences will not only highlight Antigua and Barbuda’s rich culinary landscape but also promote the islands as a leading destination for luxury culinary tourism.

Guest Chefs and Culinary Talent

Culinary Month 2026 will welcome a roster of distinguished chefs of Caribbean heritage from around the world, including:

• Andi Oliver (UK / Antigua and Barbuda)
• Claude Lewis (Jersey City / Antigua and Barbuda)
• Paul Carmichael (New York / Barbados)
• Devan Rajkumar (Toronto / Guyana)
• Angel Barreto (Washington, D.C. / Puerto Rico)
• Kareem Roberts (Cambridge / Antigua and Barbuda)
• Nina Compton (New Orleans / St. Lucia)

These chefs will bring their talents to the islands, collaborating with local culinary experts to create innovative dishes and memorable dining experiences.

Boosting Antigua and Barbuda’s Tourism Industry

The culinary event serves as a key driver for tourism by bringing international travelers to the islands. The combination of rich local food traditions, top chefs, and unique culinary experiences is expected to generate significant interest in Antigua and Barbuda as a must-visit destination for food tourism in 2026. Tourists seeking both cultural experiences and high-end food offerings will be enticed by the varied food experiences on offer during Culinary Month.

This month-long celebration is not only a feast for the senses but also a powerful tool to boost the local economy. With increased tourist arrivals and international exposure, the event helps strengthen the islands’ hospitality sector while promoting sustainable food tourism practices.

Why Culinary Month Matters

In addition to promoting Antigua and Barbuda’s culinary diversity, the event also highlights the importance of sustainable tourism. The Eat Like A Local Experience and Culinary Month initiative encourage responsible travel that supports local businesses and helps preserve the island’s cultural heritage. Visitors are encouraged to discover the real Antigua and Barbuda through its people, food, and traditions.

As Antigua and Barbuda continues to gain international recognition as a top culinary destination, Culinary Month 2026 promises to attract even more global attention to the island’s thriving food scene, making it an essential part of the island’s tourism calendar. It is set to become an annual highlight that showcases the best of the Caribbean food culture while providing unforgettable memories for visitors and boosting tourism for years to come.

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Grand Hyatt Deer Valley Welcomes Michelin‑Level Sushi By Scratch: A Game-Changer for Utah’s Culinary and Tourism Scene

In a thrilling development for Utah’s culinary and tourism landscape, Sushi By Scratch Restaurants is set to open its doors at the prestigious Grand Hyatt Deer Valley in Park City, Utah, in February 2026. This marks the debut of the renowned, Michelin‑level omakase experience in Utah, offering guests a once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity to enjoy a truly elevated dining experience in one of the most exclusive destinations in the United States.

A Michelin‑Level Experience Arrives in Utah

Sushi By Scratch, a name synonymous with exquisite culinary craftsmanship, has earned global acclaim for its omakase‑style tasting menus, which feature ultra‑fresh seafood and innovative, complex flavour profiles. Founded by the dynamic husband‑and‑wife duo Phillip Frankland Lee (Executive Chef) and Margarita Kallas‑Lee (Pastry Chef), this acclaimed concept is now bringing its one‑of‑a‑kind dining experience to Utah.

Located in the heart of Park City, the luxurious Grand Hyatt Deer Valley will host this intimate sushi experience, promising to be a major draw for food lovers and tourists alike. Sushi By Scratch is not just a meal; it is a sensory journey where art, tradition, and innovation meet to create an unforgettable experience. Utah’s growing reputation as a prime culinary destination will surely be enhanced by this partnership, bringing more food tourism to the state.

An Intimate and Exclusive Dining Experience

At Sushi By Scratch Deer Valley, guests will enjoy an intimate dining setting, seating just 10 guests per night. The experience is carefully curated, with three sushi masters guiding diners through a 17‑course omakase tasting menu. The journey begins with a welcome cocktail and canapé service, before diving into the stunning sushi dishes prepared using the freshest ingredients flown in directly from Tokyo’s Toyosu Fish Market twice a week.

The restaurant’s attention to detail extends beyond the food to the overall atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for tourists seeking a luxury experience while exploring Park City. The minimalist yet elegant environment reflects the precision and artistry behind each dish, heightening the emotional connection between food, ambiance, and guests.

Signature Dishes That Will Delight the Senses

The Deer Valley menu will showcase both new creations and signature dishes from Chef Phillip Frankland Lee, including:

• Yellow‑painted Hamachi served with sweet corn pudding and sourdough breadcrumbs (from Kallas‑Lee’s renowned sourdough)
• Aged Bluefin Tuna, served with homemade soy sauce and freshly grated wasabi
• Roasted Bone Marrow Nigiri seasoned with sea salt and soy sauce
• Crispy Unagi, fried in bone marrow fat with yuzu kosho and lemon
• Matcha Bon Bon dessert, paired with a Hot Green Tea infused with umeshu plum wine and smoked lavender honey

Each dish is a work of art, both visually and in taste, embodying the fusion of traditional Japanese culinary techniques with innovative twists, making it the perfect offering for visitors in Park City looking to treat themselves to an unforgettable dining experience.

Exclusive Drink Pairings to Complement the Experience

To further elevate the dining experience, an in‑house beverage program will feature premium Japanese sake and whisky. Guests can choose from three distinct pairing options:

• Three sakes, two micro‑cocktails, and a beer
• Six sake pours
• Six Japanese whisky pours

Beverages will also be available à la carte for those who prefer a more customized pairing to their tasting journey. This curated selection of drinks not only complements the flavors of the sushi but also enhances the luxury dining experience at Sushi By Scratch Deer Valley.

Boosting Tourism in Park City, Utah

The arrival of Sushi By Scratch at Grand Hyatt Deer Valley is more than just a culinary milestone. It is a strategic development that is expected to boost tourism in Park City, Utah. The city, already famous for its world‑class ski resorts, is poised to become a key destination for food tourism as well. With its stunning natural beauty and now, Michelin‑level dining, Park City will continue to grow as a luxury tourism hub that attracts visitors from across the world.

Tourists looking for an exclusive, high‑end experience will now have another compelling reason to visit Utah. For both locals and international guests, the opening of Sushi By Scratch represents a perfect fusion of gastronomy and tourism that is sure to elevate the state’s reputation as a premier luxury destination.

A Perfect Match: Luxury Dining and Ski Resort Luxury

Located inside the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley, the Sushi By Scratch experience seamlessly blends with the resort’s luxurious offerings. With Park City known as a year‑round travel destination, combining world‑class skiing in the winter with mountain recreation in the summer, the addition of an exclusive Michelin‑level restaurant is sure to attract more affluent visitors who seek the very best in both luxury accommodation and fine dining.

The intimate, high‑quality sushi experience will undoubtedly appeal to the upscale clientele visiting the resort, who are looking for more than just a place to stay—they want experiences that match the opulence of their surroundings. The Sushi By Scratch restaurant fulfills this need, making it a must‑visit destination for tourists exploring Park City.

A New Era of Dining and Tourism in Utah

With its opening at Grand Hyatt Deer Valley, Sushi By Scratch is set to redefine luxury dining in Utah. For visitors seeking an extraordinary culinary experience, this exclusive omakase restaurant will be a draw like no other. As the experience combines Michelin-level sushi, premium drinks, and a stunning resort setting, it represents an ideal fusion of gastronomy and tourism, offering a world‑class experience for both food lovers and tourists.

As Utah continues to solidify its reputation as a top destination for travelers seeking unique experiences, Sushi By Scratch will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in bringing more visitors to this vibrant state, further elevating its culinary and tourism scenes.

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Air Canada Aeroplan Partner ITA Airways to Boost Tourism with New Redemption Options

Air Canada Aeroplan frequent-flyer programme has made an exciting move, adding ITA Airways, the Italian carrier that succeeded Alitalia, as a redemption partner. Starting now, Aeroplan members can use their hard-earned miles to book flights on ITA Airways. This opens a world of new possibilities for travelers looking to explore Rome, Milan, and other iconic Italian destinations.

This new partnership signals a major shift in the way Canadians and tourists can access Italy, giving a significant boost to tourism between Canada and Italy. The expanded partnership allows travelers to connect to Italy’s rich culture, history, and beauty more easily than ever before. As travel resumes globally, this announcement underscores a vital step toward making travel more accessible for millions of tourists.

ITA Airways: A New Era for Italy’s National Carrier

ITA Airways is Italy’s national airline, formed as the successor to the once-iconic Alitalia. ITA has been gradually restructuring its network, focusing on enhancing its fleet, expanding its routes, and improving its services to remain competitive in the global aviation market. In 2025, ITA Airways was acquired by the Lufthansa Group, which led to the airline leaving the SkyTeam alliance to prepare for integration into the Star Alliance by 2026.

The alignment with the Star Alliance opens exciting prospects for passengers, especially for those utilizing Air Canada’s Aeroplan program. This means more global routes, easier connections, and the opportunity to earn and redeem points across multiple airlines, including the likes of United, Lufthansa, and now, ITA Airways.

The Impact of the Air Canada and ITA Airways Codeshare

With the new codeshare partnership between Air Canada and ITA Airways, travel between Rome, Milan, and Canada will become even more convenient. This collaboration will help streamline connections between North America and Italy.

• Air Canada will place its “AC” code on selected ITA Airways flights from Rome to destinations across Italy, North Africa, Israel, and Albania.
• ITA Airways, in turn, will offer its “AZ” code on select Air Canada flights between Canada and the United States.

This expanded network ensures that travelers from Canada, especially those flying from cities like Toronto and Vancouver, have seamless access to Italy. And for Europe-bound Canadians, this partnership helps reduce the stress of booking long-haul flights, fostering smoother transitions from one destination to another.

What It Means for Aeroplan Members and Tourism

For Aeroplan members, the new partnership with ITA Airways creates new opportunities to redeem miles for flights to Italy. This is more than just a win for travelers; it’s an emotional opportunity for those looking to explore Italy’s romantic cities, world-famous architecture, and vibrant culinary scene. From Rome’s historic landmarks to Milan’s fashion-forward avenues, Aeroplan members now have the power to unlock these treasures with their points.

Redemption availability varies, and while the system may show fewer flights initially, the growing network ensures that many destinations within Europe (Rome Milan, for instance) are already visible in Aeroplan’s award listings. However, transatlantic flights on ITA Airways might be limited until the airline fully integrates into Star Alliance.

This development is expected to boost tourism in Rome, Milan, and the broader Italy region, as travelers now have more flexibility and value in booking flights with Aeroplan points. Tourists will be able to explore Rome’s ancient ruins, Milan’s stylish streets, and beyond, thanks to this enhanced connectivity.

Connecting Canada and Italy: A Strategic Move for Tourism

For both Canada and Italy, this partnership is poised to generate major tourism gains. Italy has long been a top destination for Canadians, and with Air Canada’s robust route network and the ease of booking with Aeroplan points, we can expect to see even more Canadians flocking to iconic destinations like Rome, Milan, and the Italian countryside.

Moreover, this collaboration opens doors for more North American travelers heading to Italy, whether it’s for a romantic vacation, a family trip, or an Italian business venture. Connecting cities like Toronto and Milan offers both leisure and business travelers flexibility and an enhanced flying experience.

The ability to redeem points on ITA Airways’ Italian routes gives visitors direct access to the rich culture, cuisine, and heritage that Italy offers. Italy has long been a country steeped in tradition and vibrant culture, and now, with Aeroplan’s inclusion of ITA Airways, it’s becoming even more accessible to people across the globe.

A Partnership that Brings People Closer

In the end, this partnership not only offers convenience and affordability for travelers but also highlights the deepening ties between Canada and Italy. As we see the benefits of Aeroplan’s partnership with ITA Airways, the connection between these two countries strengthens, paving the way for an era of increased tourism, business exchange, and cultural exploration.

In conclusion, Aeroplan members now have access to Italy’s most iconic cities and beyond, making this partnership a game-changer in the world of frequent flyer programs. Whether you’re booking your next getaway to Rome, Milan, or a hidden gem in Italy, this expansion is poised to provide more opportunities for unforgettable travel experiences.

Boosting Global Travel with Aeroplan and ITA Airways

The partnership between Air Canada and ITA Airways highlights a new chapter in the world of travel loyalty. With Aeroplan opening up new redemption opportunities, tourism in Italy is poised for a significant boost. Thanks to seamless connections, simple booking, and unmatched destinations, travelers from Canada and beyond can look forward to a smoother, more rewarding travel experience.

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