Food and Beverage
Paradise Found: Atlantis Announces Star-Studded 2026 Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival
The culinary event of the year is returning to the Bahamas, and it’s bringing some serious star power with it.
Atlantis Paradise Island has just announced the fourth annual Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival, set to take over the legendary resort from March 11-15, 2026. If you’re a foodie looking for the ultimate Caribbean culinary experience, this is your moment—tickets are already on sale at npiwff.org.
A Lineup That’ll Make Your Taste Buds Dance
This year’s festival is pulling out all the stops with an impressive roster of culinary heavyweights. Making their festival debuts are celebrity chef Antonia Lofaso, acclaimed chef Ian Kittichai, Emmy Award-winning TV personality and bestselling author Rachael Ray, and James Beard Foundation and Emmy Award-winning chef Tom Colicchio.
But the new faces are just the beginning. Returning favorites include James Beard Award-winning chefs Aaron Sánchez and JJ Johnson, the legendary José Andrés (founder of World Central Kitchen), Food Network favorite Michael Symon, and Michelin-starred chef Michael White. The festival also celebrates Bahamian culinary talent, featuring local legends like Julie Lightbourn of Sip Sip, Kenneth McKenzie of McKenzie’s Fresh Conch, and Wayne Moncur of Sun & Ice.
And because great food deserves great entertainment, the festival is bringing in award-winning rock band Sugar Ray and DJ Pauly D to keep the party going.
Events You Won’t Want to Miss
NPIWFF 2026 isn’t your typical walk-around tasting event (though it has those too). The festival is designed to give culinary enthusiasts unprecedented access to some of the world’s most celebrated chefs through intimate, once-in-a-lifetime experiences:
Catch & Cook with Tom Colicchio takes a small group on a luxury fishing adventure where you’ll cast lines with the Top Chef judge himself, then transform your catch into a culinary masterpiece.
Paella on the Patio with José Andrés promises an unforgettable celebration of Spanish cuisine, with Andrés showcasing his finest paella recipes paired with exceptional wines.
Wine Dinner with Rachael Ray offers an intimate evening at the resort’s stunning Ocean’s Edge bluff—imagine sunset views, incredible food, and conversation with one of America’s most beloved food personalities.
Jerk Jam with JJ Johnson & Antonia Lofaso celebrates the iconic Caribbean flavor with a performance by Sugar Ray to keep the energy high.
Tacos & Tequila with Michael Symon & Aaron Sanchez brings Mexican flavors and premium tequila together for a fiesta featuring DJ Pauly D.
Other standout events include the Island Food Tour with Michael Symon (which sold out quickly last year), Carmine’s Sunday Supper celebrating the restaurant’s 20-year journey at Atlantis, and R&B Brunch with JJ Johnson featuring a live performance by a legendary R&B artist.
More Than Just Great Food
What sets this festival apart is its commitment to giving back. Proceeds support the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and preserving marine wildlife and endangered habitats throughout the Bahamas and Caribbean seas. Since 2005, the foundation has worked tirelessly on conservation efforts for coral reefs, sea turtles, sharks, manatees, and cetaceans.
So while you’re indulging in world-class cuisine and rubbing elbows with celebrity chefs, you’re also contributing to vital conservation work in one of the world’s most beautiful marine environments.
The Ultimate Culinary Destination
It’s no accident that Atlantis Paradise Island was chosen to host this festival. The resort has established itself as the culinary capital of the Caribbean, boasting more globally recognized, Michelin-starred, and James Beard-winning chefs than any other destination in the region. With over 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges—including Fish by José Andrés, Nobu by Nobu Matsuhisa, and Paranza by Michael White—the resort is a year-round destination for serious food lovers.
Add in Aquaventure (one of the world’s largest waterparks), the world’s largest open-air marine habitat with over 65,000 aquatic animals, five miles of white sand beaches, and the newly opened tennis and pickleball center, and you’ve got the perfect backdrop for a food festival that’s as much about the experience as it is about the cuisine.
How to Get Your Tickets
Festival passes are available now at npiwff.org and atlantisbahamas.com. You can purchase all-access Festival Passes (including entry to the three signature events: Jerk Jam, Tacos & Tequila, and Taste of Paradise) or Wine Dinner Passes (access to three intimate wine dinners). Bundle your tickets with room packages and save up to 15% on festival tickets.
For the latest updates, follow @NPIWFF and @AtlantisBahamas for the most up-to-date festival details. For additional restaurant information, visit atlantisbahamas.com and follow @ParanzaAtlantis and @ShakeShackAtlantis.
Whether you’re a dedicated foodie, a fan of celebrity chefs, or simply someone who appreciates the finer things in life, the 2026 Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival promises an unforgettable week of culinary excellence, Caribbean hospitality, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Paradise is calling. Will you answer?
SOURCE Atlantis, Paradise Island
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.
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Beverages
Grazing and Gifting: Sweet Solutions for the Holiday Rush
Grazing and Gifting: hMake holiday entertaining and gifting easy with Florida Citrus. Discover delightful recipes—like Scallops with Grapefruit Butter and Citrus Salad with Burrata—and send sweet, healthy citrus gift baskets to loved ones for a memorable, stress-free season.
Grazing and Gifting: Sweet Solutions for the Holiday Rush
(Family Features) If you feel yourself slipping into the last-minute rush of the holiday season, still searching for dazzling recipes and abundant gifts, rest assured – you’re not alone. Light, refreshing ingredients for spectacular meals are just a click away, and they can make for the perfect presents, too.
Abundantly sweet and simple, Florida Citrus Gifts are a simple way to share holiday cheer with family, friends and loved ones. From cheerful boxes to beautiful baskets and more, they offer options in all shapes and sizes, loaded with freshly picked tangerines, grapefruits, oranges and mandarins. They’re easy to send and even easier to enjoy, providing a one-of-a-kind (and healthy) way to share holiday cheer in memorable meals like Scallops with Florida Grapefruit Butter, sure to become a household favorite for years to come. Pair it with a light and refreshing Florida Citrus Salad with Burrata featuring fresh grapefruit and oranges mingling with peppery arugula and creamy burrata to bring a bit of balance to holiday dining. No festivity is complete without libations, and this Florida Grapefruit Brandy Sour can be a staple at your beverage station. Just mix freshly squeezed Florida Grapefruit juice with brandy, simple syrup, bitters and egg white (for froth) then finish with sparkling water. Find deliciously thoughtful ways to share the sweetness of the season with loved ones by visiting PickFLA.com, which features an interactive map to find a range of gift options that fit your holiday needs. 
Florida Grapefruit Brandy Sour
Recipe courtesy of the Florida Department of Citrus Prep time: 5 minutes Servings: 1- 1 3/4 ounces brandy
- 2 1/2 ounces freshly squeezed Florida Grapefruit Juice
- 1/3 ounce simple syrup, or to taste
- 2 dashes bitters
- 1 egg white
- ice cubes
- 1 ounce sparkling water
- Florida Grapefruit twist, for garnish
- In cocktail shaker, add brandy, Florida Grapefruit juice, simple syrup, bitters and egg white. Shake vigorously 15-20 seconds to create frothy texture.
- Add ice cubes to shaker and shake 15 seconds to chill drink.
- Strain into chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Pour light splash of sparkling water over top to enhance effervescence.
- Garnish with grapefruit twist.
Scallops with Florida Grapefruit Butter
Recipe courtesy of the Florida Department of Citrus Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 3 minutes Servings: 4- 2 Florida Grapefruit
- 1 fennel bulb
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus additional for searing, divided
- 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
- 1/8 teaspoon, plus 1 pinch, salt, divided, to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon, plus 1 pinch, pepper, divided, to taste
- 1 small bunch fresh cilantro
- 12 scallops with empty shells
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Peel and cut one Florida Grapefruit into segments. Squeeze remaining grapefruit and reserve juice.
- Wash and finely chop fennel. In bowl, mix fennel with olive oil, sherry vinegar and 1 pinch salt and pepper.
- Mix and add fresh cilantro. Keep a few leaves for garnish.
- In hot frying pan, drizzle with olive oil then sear scallops 1 minute on each side.
- Remove scallops from pan then deglaze with reserved Florida Grapefruit juice. Let it simmer slightly and add butter to make sauce. Add 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper.
- Place 1 tablespoon fennel salad in washed shell, top with three scallops and coat with grapefruit butter.
- Finish with reserved cilantro leaves and fresh grapefruit segments.
Florida Citrus Salad with Burrata
Recipe courtesy of the Florida Department of Citrus Florida Citrus Vinaigrette:- 1/3 cup Florida Grapefruit Juice
- 1/3 cup Florida Orange Juice
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons shallots
- sea salt, to taste
- fresh pepper, to taste
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup white vinegar or cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 Florida Grapefruit, peeled and cut into segments
- 3 oranges, peeled and cut into segments
- 1 bunch radishes, sliced thin and cut into sticks
- 1/3 cup pistachios, grilled and coarsely chopped
- 1 cup arugula
- 2 tablespoons dill, chopped
- sea salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces burrata
- To make vinaigrette: In small bowl, mix Florida Grapefruit Juice, Florida Orange Juice, orange zest, cider vinegar, honey, Dijon, olive oil and shallots until dressing is emulsified. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside. Vinaigrette will keep 7 days in refrigerator.
- To make pickled onion: Place sliced onion in airtight canning jar.
- In small saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar and salt. Bring to boil and pour over sliced onion in jar. Add small amount of water to completely cover onion. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. Pickled onions will keep 15 days in refrigerator.
- To make burrata salad: In bowl, combine Florida Grapefruit and Orange segments; add radish sticks, toasted pistachios, arugula and dill. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Place salad on large plate, top with coarsely chopped burrata and drizzle generously with citrus vinaigrette and pickled onion.
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
Author
Last Updated on December 12, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Balance Fall Comfort Foods with a Lighter Bite
(Family Features) Before turning your attention to the comfort of filling soups and slow-cooked meals, give warmer weather one last hurrah. If you have any garden veggies leftover, this Cucumber and Tomato Salad offers a light, tasty dish that’s perfect for packing to the office. Discover more recipe ideas for any season at Culinary.net.
Cucumber and Tomato Salad
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy” Servings: 4-6- 3 medium or large cucumbers
- 2-3 vine tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion (optional)
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced dill
- 1 tablespoon mayo
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Peel and slice cucumbers. Deseed, if desired. Coarsely chop into bite-size pieces. Slice and chop tomatoes. Place cucumbers and tomatoes in large bowl with chopped onions, if desired.
- To make dressing: In separate bowl, mix apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, dill and mayo. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour over cucumber mixture and mix well.
- Top with shredded Parmesan cheese and serve.
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
Food
Fresh Del Monte Honored at Rabobank Leadership Summit: Shaping the Future of Food
Fresh Del Monte was honored at the Rabobank Leadership Summit for its commitment to responsible growth, innovation, and sustainability in the global food industry. Discover how this visionary company is shaping the future of food.
Heap of fresh fruits and vegetables
Fresh Del Monte Honored at Rabobank Leadership Summit: Shaping the Future of Food
Fresh Del Monte was honored among 400 distinguished guests during Rabobank’s annual Leadership Summit held in New York City on Thursday, December 4.
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
