Island Flavours Unleashed Returns in 2026 After Sold-Out Debut A Night of Chefs, Community, and Culinary Storytelling on Martha’s Vineyard
After a completely sold-out debut that had the Island buzzing, Island Flavours Unleashed returns on March 6th for another unforgettable evening celebrating Martha’s Vineyard’s vibrant culinary scene at the Harbour View Hotel from 6-8:30pm.
Produced by the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, co-sponsored by the Harbour View Hotel, and supported by Cronig’s Market, this warm and inviting event brings together some of the Island’s most respected chefs for a live cooking demonstration and tasting experience rooted in creativity, connection, and community.
Hosted by celebrity chef Jon Ashton, Island Flavours Unleashed features Executive Chef Juan Martinez of the Harbour View Hotel, Chef Carlos Montoya of Maker Café, and Dan Martino of Cottage City Oysters. Together, these chefs will share exclusive recipes, cooking techniques, and the stories behind the flavours that define Martha’s Vineyard.
Guests will enjoy an engaging evening of laughter, learning, and exceptional cuisine while getting to know the talented chefs who help make the Island a sought-after culinary destination.
Chef Jon Ashton brings a global perspective shaped by a lifetime in kitchens around the world, from his early days cooking alongside his grandmother in Liverpool, England, to a career that has partnered with iconic brands including Disney, Four Seasons, Cuisinart, Condé Nast, and many more. Known for his belief that cooking is a universal language of joy and connection, Ashton infuses the event with warmth, storytelling, and infectious enthusiasm.
Chef Juan Martinez, executive chef at the Harbour View Hotel was classically trained at the Culinary Institute of America and has cooked at world-class destinations including The Greenbrier, Four Seasons Boston, and The Little Nell in Aspen. His passion for farm-to-table cuisine and local sourcing aligns beautifully with the Vineyard’s rich agricultural and fishing traditions.
Chef Carlos Montoya, co-founder and executive chef of Maker Café, brings more than 20 years of experience cooking in New York, Boston, and Martha’s Vineyard. His “inspirational cooking” style blends classic French technique with global influences, and his career includes cooking for Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.
Dan Martino, co-founder of Cottage City Oysters, rounds out the lineup with a compelling story of regenerative aquaculture. A former television producer turned oyster farmer, Martino and his family have become international leaders in sustainable 3D oyster farming, helping to position Martha’s Vineyard at the forefront of environmental innovation.
Last year’s event sold out and quickly became one of the most talked-about culinary experiences on the Island. Tickets are expected to move quickly again.