ST MAARTEN RESTAURANTS START PREPARING FOR NOVEMBER’S ST MAARTEN FLAVORS
Over the past weeks, more than 15 St Maarten restaurants have commenced their preparations for St Maarten Flavors, which signifies Culinary Month in November, highlighting the variety of flavors on island. Not only will restaurants be offering a signature three course meal for residents and visitors to enjoy, specialty drinks and other experiences will be presented alongside the dishes.
Restaurants currently working on a special November St Maarten Flavors Menu are amongst others Aziana, Bold Buddha, Bovin Steakhouse, Dutch Blonde Beach Bar, Emilio’s, Infinity, Jax Steakhouse, La Patrona, Ocean Lounge, Pure Ocean, Topper’s, SALT, Three Amigos and Veranda Market & Bistro.
Holland House is among the first to announce its culinary activities during the Flavors Festival through its Ocean Lounge restaurant, located on Philipsburg’s landmark boardwalk. Celebrated St Maarten Master Chef, Wendell Laurence, has composed a terrific menu, starting off with a Pan Seared Sesame Tuna Tataki, Wasabi Foam, Wakame and Soy Glaze, followed by the main course consisting of Pan Seared Steak with Smoked Butter, Crispy Onions, Triple Fried Potato Chips and Emulsion. The final course will be a Banana Creme Brûlée with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream. For the ultimate experience Ocean Lounge offer additional enhancing features with, daily wine pairing options and guest DJs and live music on Fridays nights.
Director & General Manager Paul Boetekees is elated to participate: “We are inviting local and visiting “foodies” alike to explore the variety of cuisines St Maarten offers. These cuisines range from local style street food to fine dining restaurants. St Maarten is known to feature a record amount of restaurants per square mile worldwide!” As with the other participating restaurants, Ocean Lounge will provide its signature menu for $49 every day of the week this upcoming November.
Further down on Philipsburg’s famed boardwalk, Asian Fusion restaurant Aziana brings a St Maarten Flavors course set true to the renowned strengths of the managing Wong family, Indonesian – Asian cuisine.
Aziana’s three course menu offer starts with Vegetarian Spring and Shrimp Tempura rolls, followed by a main course of Nasi, Babi Pangang and Chicken Sate combination. Vegetarians have the option of a Spicy Mock duck with choice of one side. All of the above will be topped off with a Coconut Speculaas Cheesecake Mousse topped with Passion Fruit and Berry Sauce.
The Wong family stands proud of their chef Ado: “This three course menu combines all we embody as Aziana – a mix of Indonesian, Asian flavors with touches of kingdom delicacies”. Aziana offers a peek into its renowned kitchen during St. Maarten Flavors month by offering complimentary “Do It Yourself Sushi” Masterclasses on November 5th and 26th. Organizers suggest to make reservations early as seating is limited.
During the month of November, St Maarten Flavors showcases the great variety of culinary delights St Maarten has to offer. Restaurants from both sides of the island can enroll in this program at a modest rate, with discounted rates for members of the SHTA. Details are available at www.stmaartenflavors.com. Those enrolled offer great deals to patrons ranging from samplers or one course bites, starting at $17.50 to full three course dining experiences at $49. Revenues of the event will be used to launch a new generation of St Maarten culinary talents to the next edition of the prestigious “Taste of the Caribbean” event in Miami in 2023.
For more information about St Maarten Flavors hosted by the St Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA), the St Maarten Tourism Bureau (STB) and PDG Supplies are more than welcome to contact events@shta.com and joining the St Maarten Flavors newsletter.