fp Turks and Caicos

Love will be in the air on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m. at the second annual Hopelessly Romantic.

The Turks and Caicos Friends of the Arts Foundation (TCFAF) hosts the event hoping to increase membership. Last year’s event proved a huge success with more than 200 new memberships sold.

All monies generated from this fundraiser will go back into various TCFAF programs and workshops. The evening will enchant guests with music from the islands’ most beautiful voices, delicious culinary delicacies prepared with love from local chefs and a hopelessly romantic atmosphere at the beautiful Stargazer Villa.

There will be all styles of music, so bring your dancing shoes! Returning from last year are Wendy Hayward on piano, and such artists as Alan Lenathen and Herbie Swann, Janardo LaPorte and his saxophone, as well as the amazing voices of Cora Malcolm, Candy Barotti, Julian Garland, David Been, Addison Stoddard, Cristina Zaccheo and Josie Smith. Many new talents will join them to entertain you during the evening.

Several local chefs will battle out their creative and savory meals in a culinary competition. Watch as they whip up their most tantalizing and seductive hors d’oeuvres, canapés, small plates or desserts as they are displayed and tasted by a panel of judges. Chefs in the competition will be judged on innovation, artistry on the plate, taste, and relevance to the romantic theme.

Last year’s first place award went to Amy Caffarel from Pine Cay’s Meridian Club for her small seductive desserts. Second place went to Tiki Hut’s Derrick Carter for his mille feuille shortbread with Chantilly crème and shaved Verona chocolate. Third place went to Annick Vernay’s vegetable skewers on a pineapple, followed very closely by Amanyara Chef Fritz Zwahlen’s small plates of cannelloni and croquettes.

Tickets are $40 and include a champagne cocktail, wonderful culinary delights made by talented island chefs, live musical performances and membership to TCFAF.

Tickets for the event are available at the Unicorn Book store and Saltmills Diner. Secure parking provided by Scotiabank and Security Management Services, with regular shuttle service to and from the villa by Grace Bay Car Rentals.

For more details, visit www.tcfaf.com or call 941-4617.