Discover the festival’s stellar lineup of luminaries who gathered at Atlantis Paradise Island, the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean.
From left to right: Chef Robert Irvine, Chef Andrew Zimmern, Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Martha Stewart, Chef Alex Guarnaschelli, Chef José Andrés, Chef Alon Shaya, Chef Duff Goldman, Mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim, Chef Michael White, Chef JJ Johnson. Photo courtesy of Atlantis Paradise Island.
From Wednesday, March 13 to Sunday, March 17, 2024, Atlantis Paradise Island transformed into the ultimate foodie haven as the much-anticipated second annual Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival took center stage. Culinary maestros, including Michelin-starred and James Beard Award-winning chefs, descended upon the island to contribute their unique flair and expertise to the festivities.
This five-day affair beckoned travelers and locals alike to sample an eclectic mix of dishes, from fine dining creations to inventive street food-inspired delights, accompanied by live musical performances.
Below, we share our top five favorite experiences at Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival 2024.
We Loved the Vibe: Martha Stewart Played Hostess
Industry icon Martha Stewart pictured at her Garden Party Lunch on Saturday. Photos courtesy of Atlantis Paradise Island.
This award-winning television show host, bestselling author and lifestyle brand founder curated two exceptional dining experiences. On Friday, Martha Stewart treated guests to an intimate wine dinner at Ocean’s Edge Bluff–the newest special occasion event space at Atlantis Paradise Island. Amid the stunning seaside scenery, the talented chefs of Atlantis crafted a menu paired to perfection with Stewart’s hand-selected wines as she shared insightful stories during the soirée. The following afternoon, Stewart returned to host a Garden Party Lunch within a secret outdoor venue.
We Loved the Cooking Demos: Chef Robert Irvine Sharpened His Knives
Chef Robert Irvine seen at Jerk Jam on Saturday. Photos courtesy of Atlantis Paradise Island.
For three nights straight, celebrity chef Robert Irvine of Food Network’s "Dinner: Impossible" could be found socializing with guests and fellow chefs. On Friday, Irvine led a limited-edition wine dinner before joining fellow chef JJ Johnson the following evening for Jerk Jam where he led a live cooking demonstration of Jerk-Style Charred Tomahawk Steaks. Attendees were excited to learn that Johnson–a beloved NY chef and award-winning cookbook author–will be opening his own spot at Atlantis later this summer.
We Loved Eating Dessert First: Duff Goldman Brought Sweet Treats
Chef Duff Goldman at the Cake & Ice Cream Social on March 15. Photos courtesy of Atlantis Paradise Island.
Pastry chef and television personality Duff Goldman appeased festival attendees’ sweet tooths at the Cake & Ice Cream Social on Saturday, March 16, where he showcased his crowd-pleasing cakes and shared stories about how he pushes the bounds of baking. Chef Goldman’s delectable confections were also featured at his Sweet and Savory Brunch on Sunday, amid the Bahamian sunshine.
We Loved the Music: Wyclef Jean Performed Late-Night
Haitian rapper and musician Wyclef Jean wows attendees with his festival performance at Jerk Jam. Photos courtesy of Atlantis Paradise Island.
On Saturday, superstar musician Wyclef Jean closed out the Jerk Jam party with an exclusive live concert singing his hip-hop and reggae-fused tunes beachside.
DJ Kim Lee from Netflix’s "Bling Empire" returned to the Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival for a set at the Thursday Tacos and Tequila event while award-winning artist Hezekiah Walker, Jr. led the Sunday Gospel Brunch in song at Atlantis’ upscale Café Martinique.
We Loved the Deeper Meaning: Guests Gave Back
Proceeds from the festival supported the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, which preserves the biodiversity of native marine wildlife and their ecosystems. Established in 2005, this private nonprofit foundation strives to uphold the Bahamian seas as a sanctuary for endangered species, safeguarding their livelihood for generations to come.
The Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival will return March 12-16th in 2025, a must-attend event for discerning epicureans. Follow @npiwff for updates.
To learn more about the upcoming event–and culinary delights–at Atlantis Paradise Island this year, visit atlantisbahamas.com.
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