Food, Glorious Food: It’s all about Gastronomy in St. Martin

Restaurant Le Karibuni on Pinel Island
Author

Jesson & Co / MNI Alive

Release Date

Monday, January 22, 2024

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The Festival de la Gastronomie in St. Martin has quickly become the region’s foremost celebration of all things food. Chefs and foodies gather from around the globe to honour the flavours of this beautiful island over 11 packed days of tastings, workshops, and culinary celebrations. It’s only part of why St. Martin is known as “The Culinary Capital of the Caribbean”, but it’s certainly one of the most compelling reasons to visit. 

2023’s edition held in November proved to be an incredibly memorable affair, with its myriad food trucks, celebrity chefs, curated discovery menus, musical performances, and so much more:

Sorrel, the honoured Ingredient of St. Martin's 2023 Gastronomy Festival

Sorrel, the honoured Ingredient of St. Martin's 2023 Gastronomy Festival

The Beauty of Sorrell: In November 2023, locals and travellers were treated to dishes made with the star ingredient: Sorrel, a unique plant with plenty of vitamins and minerals. Similar to spinach but with a spicy kick, Sorell can be whipped up into jam, jelly, syrup or spice. The eclectic dishes captured the hearts and tastebuds of everyone who tasted them. What’s this year's ingredient? We’ll reveal it at the very end!

Delicious Foods: Those who participated in November’s event could taste the extraordinary combination of St. Martin's finest foods. With local and guest chefs left to their own devices to create, those in attendance had the chance to taste delights from two Michelin-starred chefs, Chef Patrick Jeffrory from France, and many other incredible culinary artists from Canada, Belgium, the United States, and Africa. 

New Flavours to Discover: It’s more than just a menu: it’s a complete experience. With fresh foods to try at every corner of the 3-day pop-up culinary village in the center of Marigot, those who came hungry had the chance to taste from 30 restaurants, food trucks, and cocktail craftspeople - and vote for their favourites. Among the many fine eateries honoured at the festival, Del Arti Ristorante emerged as the winner of the Gourmet Star category, Le P'tit Bistro took home the City Star, and Chez Ginette the Authentic Star.

Elected officials and the team of participating chefs gather for St. Martin’s Gastronomy Festival closing night ceremony

Elected officials and the team of participating chefs gather for St. Martin’s Gastronomy Festival closing night ceremony

Please find bellow the list of winners you may want to add to your next St. Martin itinerary:

Beach Stars

1ère place : Coco Beach

2ème place : Aloha Beach

3ème place : Tropic's Beach Bar

City Stars

1ère place : Le P'tit Bistro

2ème place : Bona Mama

3ème place : Sao Asian Factory

Authentic Stars

1ère place : Chez Ginette

2ème place : Strickly Local

3ème place : Rosemary's

Gourmet Stars

1ère place : Del Arti Ristorante *OVERAL WINNER!

2ème place : La Villa Hibiscus

3ème place : Maison Mère

The Mixology Finalists

Le Pressoir

La Villa Hibiscus

Le Karibuni

Gastronomer or not, this event has something for everyone, as participants this year enjoyed the outstanding atmosphere and welcoming smiles of St. Martin. Next year's main ingredient - as promised - will be the iconic Guavaberry, grown right on the island and traditionally valued in rums. Prepare for a tasty treat next year, and check out https://www.festival-st-martin.com/en for more information. 

 

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