Bermuda's first Culinary Arts Festival has been given a big write-up in the prestigious Forbes.com business website.

A lengthy article on the four day festival at the Fairmont Southampton Princess Hotel stated the festival was a bigger success than anticipated and should be even better next year with some fine tuning.

The article complained, however, that there was only “token” use made of local ingredients at this month's festival because most produce was flown in and said the Island's closeness to New York - rather than its cuisine - made it a good choice for a food festival.

“Bermuda seemed more apt as a venue for the festival for its convenience to the East Coast, its abundance of luxury hotels and restaurants and its natural beauty than for any kind of culinary reasons,” the article stated.

“Plans are in the works for a second festival featuring the same format but this time with a slightly different line-up of chefs.

“Other changes the organisers are considering, based on feedback, involve more wine seminars, free time to explore the Island and the possibility to sample the food being demonstrated.

“While the first festival had its flaws, with some tweaking, the second should prove even better.” The festival, organised in conjunction with Gourmet magazine, featured top chefs from the US and England