St. Lucia's Jade Mountain resort will celebrate several food festivals in 2012 brought to you by consulting chef, Allen Susser, and his team. He will explore the versatile and delicious local fruits and ingredients growing right in the resort’s backyard.
Here are the 2012 Culinary Event dates:
March 30- April 2 - Cooking in Paradise extols the "The virtues of a locally grown Caribbean cuisine." During these three delicious days participants will have guided expeditions to the reservoir, an in-depth tropical fruit work shop, walks into nearby local town of Soufriere viewing St. Lucia’s exotic markets, tasting tours of Jade Mountain’s own Organic Garden at Emerald Estate, and of course a cooking class by Susser. And there is plenty of fruit sampling at picnic and grilled lunches, tropical fruit stations. The event ends with a champagne mango cocktail and buffet brunch at the neighboring Anse Mamin Beach followed by a tour of the historical plantation and the local fruits and spices that grow there.
June 15 - 18 – Mango Madness or 1001 Things You Could Do To A Mango Before You Die is a yearly favorite. Susser, who is the author of a mango cookbook and the definite authority on mangos, will host the event personally. He and his team, celebrate the many varieties of mangos available in St Lucia. The activities include a mango chutney work shop, mango cocktail party, mango tasting and a Mango Madness cooking class- the highlight being the "Night of 1000 Mangos" dinner at the Jade Mountain Club. Participants in the Mango Madness will join in mango field trips to the resort owned organic and historical plantations of Anse Mamin and Emerald. The farewell event will include a mango champagne brunch served on the beach at Anse Mamin estate.
September 7 -10 - Spices of the Caribbean captures the flavors of faraway places. Specific combinations of herbs, spices, and flavorings characterize the great dishes of the world’s cuisines. These mixtures are influenced by the foodstuffs native to each region, being distinctive by the climate, architecture of the land and local culture. The three day spice fest will include walking and tasting tour of the resort's Organic Garden at Emerald Estate, Susser's cooking class, “Spices of the Caribbean," a visit to Soufriere local town markets and specially prepared lunches and a five-course dinner.
December 13 - 16 - Discover Chocolate Festival is a delicious, interactive and exotic introduction to the world’s favorite aphrodisiac - chocolate. Cacao has a history in St Lucia that dates back to the 1700’s. The event starts with a “Chocolat-tini” party. Susser will share his talents and passion for chocolate. Guests can take pleasure in a complimentary chocolate martini and taste local, seasonal chocolate inspired savory finger foods. Following dinner, clients can choose from exotic chocolate desserts, including a lush double dark chocolate fondue.
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