2026 Food Fete kicks off on JVD

The 2026 BVI Food Fete kicked off on Saturday as the month-long Jost Lime & Dine event series got under way with 15 restaurants celebrating Valentine’s Day on Jost Van Dyke.

The sister-island event, now in its third year, will run every weekend for a month, culminating with Glow Night on March 14.

The inaugural evening, dubbed the “Jost Lovers’ Lime,” drew Tortola couples who flocked to participating restaurants Saturday evening before returning on the special late ferry at around 11 p.m.

“I think it went well — swimmingly well,” said Randy Singh, co-owner and manager of the Tipsy Shark.

Nearly 100 patrons boarded the 6:30 p.m. boat on Saturday, according to Carolyn Blackett, the BVI Tourist Board’s events coordinator for JVD.
“There were about 84 people who had reservations,” Ms. Blackett told the Beacon. “This is an increase from last year’s opening event.”

She added that patrons also lauded the later departure from West End: 6:30 p.m. versus the regularly scheduled 6 p.m.

Mr. Singh said his restaurant rant offered special dishes including stuffed chicken breast, spinach and cream cheese, scallops and shrimp. The restaurant served more than 65 people, and more than a third of them came as part of Lime & Dine, he added.

The proprietor said he was glad to participate but would like to see more involvement from up-and-coming musicians from the territory.

“That’ll be a great initiative,” Mr. Singh said. “Investing in local talent, giving them a platform and pushing them forward.”

The evening, however, was not without music. Included in the weekend’s event were live performances by artists such as Tanya Stephens, Melanie Amaro, DJ Dre and MC Rashidi.

DJ Cal J spun records at the ferry dock to mark the beginning of the Lime & Dine season.

On the island

Foxy’s Tamarind Bar was a nucleus for partiers later in the night.
“We had a nice little turnout — a little lower than we expected, but we’re in good spirits,” said food and beverage manager Darren Jones.

Mr. Jones said more than 125 reservations were made that night, and about 300 people attended the live music in the restaurant’s “Outback” concert area.

“Everybody was well fed and very happy,” Mr. Jones said.

He added that an additional upscale barbeque of seafood, steak and corn was added to the regular menu specifically for the Lime & Dine.

JVD resident John Smith attended the concert at Foxy’s on a double date.

“Right now I’m just eating, and I’m going back in,” Mr. Smith said after exiting the Outback with a full plate of steak, pasta salad and corn. “I heard the event was over here, so I came. I wanted to come out and try it out. It’s a good vibe.”

Want to go?

The Jost Lime & Dine continues through March 14. On Fridays and Saturdays throughout the promotion, the final ferry departure from West End to Jost Van Dyke will leave at 6:30 p.m., and the final return ferry back to Tortola will leave at about 10:45 p.m.

Guests with proof of a restaurant reservation made through the BVITB’s booking service are eligible for a ferry rate of $20 roundtrip, while other passengers pay $30.