A new event has been added to the popular Bermuda Gourmet Getaway this year.

The five-day gastronomic festival will now also include the first ever "Taste Bermuda" event which is sponsored by Bacardi and will be held on Thursday, February 28 — the festival's opening night.

Twelve of Bermuda's most popular restaurants will offer samplings of their finest dishes and guests will have an opportunity to meet some of the most celebrated chefs in the industry. "It is very exciting to showcase in one arena the best of local cuisine," says Vernon Pemberton, vice president of Bermuda Premium Spirits Ltd. in a press release. "This is the first time ever that such an event has occurred in Bermuda, and we anticipate that it will be well received."

Michael Brennan, managing Director of Bacardi Bermuda office added: "This is a great forum to introduce the joy and satisfaction of crafting food and enjoying beverages responsibly."

The line-up of the local restaurants includes Heritage Court at Hamilton Princess, Greg's Steak House, Waterlot Inn, Barracuda Grill, Ristorante Primavera, Black Beard's Hideout, Griffin's Bistro, Wilkes Catering, Hibiscus Restaurant Grotto Bay Hotel, The Hog Penny, The Pickled Onion and Fourways Inn, among others.

Visiting celebrity chefs from overseas include Jason Wilson, Seattle; Matt Gennuso of, Providence RI; Jon Ashton of, Orlando, Florida; Jeff Tunks, Washington DC; and Todd Winer of New York.

Taste Bermuda will take place from 7.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. at the Bacardi Limited worldwide headquarters building on Pitts Bay Road.

Tickets are available at www.boxoffice.bm. For more information on the Bermuda Gourmet Getaway, visit www.bermudagourmetgetaway.bm.