Jesson & Co / MNI Alive
Monday, January 22, 2024
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
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
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
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.
