Lifestyle

Tacos N’ Tequila: The Showdown for People’s Choice

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Guests indulged in a variety of flavorful dishes and drinks from more than twenty vendors, lining the edge of Paradise Harbor at the Tacos and Tequila event during the Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival 2026.

Published

4 hours ago

March 13, 2026

Denielle Miller

NASSAU , BAHAMAS – Guests indulged in a variety of flavorful dishes and drinks from more than twenty vendors, lining the edge of Paradise Harbor at the Tacos and Tequila event.

Attendee – Tacos and Tequlia

“Now you better, let’s make sure this taste good. Now if this ain’t taste good I ga let you know what’s popping. That’s why I choose you you looking like a woman of business. Like the children is say, clock it. “

The reaction from hundreds of attendees on Thursday night at the Nassau Paradise Island Wine and Food festival’s “Tacos and Tequila” event was eccentric.

Guests indulged in a variety of flavorful dishes and drinks from more than twenty vendors, lining the edge of Paradise Harbor.

Each of them added a spicy or sweet twist to Mexican-inspired cuisine and classic treats.

As guests moved through the grounds, a lively mariachi band kept the energy high, with many taking to the sand to dance along.

It wasn’t just about food and fun, the night also featured a little friendly competition.

The coveted People’s Choice award was up for grabs, as chefs vied for bragging rights.

Executive chef of Four Seasons Ocean Club, Lester Dean said that the event is less about competition and more about celebrating culinary talent.

Lester Dean – Executive Chef, Four Seasons Ocean Club

“We here to have fun and showcase the hotel and showcase Bahamian talent”

Chef Julie Lightbourn, representing Sip Sip agreed, but said that she also had her eyes set on the People’s Choice title, while looking to defend her crown at Taste of Paradise.

Julie Lightbourn – Chef, Sip Sip

“I’d like to get two straight, so that would be good. Like One Family? Yea exactly, or Saxons I is a Saxons. “

Another chef hoping for back-to-back wins was executive chef of Kitchen Culture, Deja Rutherford.

Deja Rutherford – Executive Chef, Kitchen Culture

“You see me come looking for you right. You did you did I’m excited for that. Now remember last year you won People’s Choice. For Jerk Jam. Now you in the competition for Tacos and Tequila this year you in it again for Jerk Jam? We in all the competitions so we’ll be out Taco’s and Tequilas, Taste of Paradise and Jerk Jam. You think you carrying all three? Boy if we carry all three that will make such a statement that we belong here. We belong here. I don’t think no one even in Junkanoo ever win three straight? Three straight! “

In the end, it was Claudio’s that walked away with the People’s Choice title for Tacos and Tequila.

The festival continues on Friday night, with another highly anticipated showdown, Taste of Paradise.