Français
The kickoff of the 13th edition of the St. Barth Gourmet Festival drew a large crowd to the Rockefeller Space for the Village’s opening on Tuesday, November 10. Crowded aisles, glasses filled with original concoctions, and a shared sense of excitement: this launch set the tone for a week of culinary delights.
© CTTSB / Juliette Remi, Photographer
From the very start of the evening, the excitement was palpable around the stands of the Village Gourmand. Residents, visitors, and food enthusiasts flocked to kick off this week celebrating the culinary arts. “It’s a must-see event—the atmosphere is incredible,” says Christian, a resident of the island.
The warm atmosphere and the enthusiasm of the crowd once again attest to the popular success of this grand celebration of flavor. At the harbor, all the top restaurants participating in the festival have their own dedicated booths. The public enjoys a varied selection of gourmet offerings: fresh fish, savory bites, and fine dishes conceived and prepared on-site by the kitchen teams from the island’s restaurants. It’s an ideal opportunity to sample the chefs’ creations at more affordable prices than those charged in restaurants throughout the week. This event also highlights the commitment of the Saint-Barthélemy Territorial Committee for Fisheries and Aquaculture (CTPA), which promotes local industries and products.
Amid the partners’ booths and cooking demonstrations, visitors stroll at their own pace, enjoying the lively conversations and enticing culinary aromas. “It’s incredible to see so much creativity concentrated here. It’s a feast for the eyes, and everything is delicious,” enthuses Emily, who came to spend a few days in Saint-Barth with her family.
Maxime from Select wins the mixology competition with his creation, the Mahi Brasa. ©Laura Battistella
The Art of Mixology Takes Center Stage
The highlight of this opening night, the highly anticipated bartending competition, had the audience buzzing. Facing an eclectic panel of judges—comprising Julien Ecourtemer (head bartender at the Rainbow Café in Saint Martin), guest pastry chef Claire Heitzler, Laure (representative of Ets H. Lédée), Diane (a tourist from El Salvador), and Hugo (an island resident)—five local mixologists competed to showcase their creativity in elevating tequila.
After the tastings and deliberations, Maxime, representing Le Select, took first place with his bold creation “Mahi Brasa,” an original cocktail blending Codigo Blanco tequila with a Mahi Mahi-infused Reposado tequila, enhanced with coconut rum, roasted pineapple syrup, and lime juice.
He was joined on the podium by Aurélie (Fouquet’s), who took second place with her “Tété Mam Jak,” and Sylvio (Eden Rock), who took third with “Noce Rosa,” followed closely by Émilie (Grain de Sel) and Yohan (Bonito).
Guest chef Esteban Salazar is working throughout the Gourmet Festival at Fouquet’s St. Barth in Gustavia. © CTTSB / Juliette Remi Photographer
Youth Takes Center Stage at the Petites Toques Competition
A must-attend event for the younger generation, the Petites Toques competition once again brings together the island’s aspiring pastry chefs this year for a moment of sharing and culinary delight. Organized by the CTTSB at the Festival Village, this culinary event allows children to let their imaginations run wild under the watchful eye of an exceptional jury. Last year, 6-year-old Stella Solé Luu won over the jury with her “Doudou d’amour,” a reimagined version of the “Tourment d’amour.” For this new edition, it’s the turn of the new young contestants to try to impress three renowned chefs who have come to evaluate their creations on the theme of chocolate or fruit purée. This year’s jury includes Esteban Salazar, a former “Top Chef” contestant who works at Finka and has been invited by Fouquet’s St-Barth, Amaury Bouhours, Michelin-starred chef at Le Meurice Alain Ducasse, invited to Nikki Beach, and Álvaro Clavijo, chef at El Chato in Bogotá, appearing at Grain de Sel.
