Last Saturday, a "discovery dinner" was held at Le Baratié restaurant in Concordia, for members of the local and regional press, showcasing passion fruit in all its forms. A three-course meal punctuated by exclusive revelations about the upcoming festivities.
The setting is cozy, the lighting subdued, and the welcome warm for this press conference unlike any other. At the bar, Yolène Peyrard, voted the island's best mixologist in 2024, presents her two signature creations: the passion fruit-tonka margarita and the passion fruit-chicha mocktail.
Shane Huggins, ambassador chef and owner of Le Baratié, then began the first course with foie gras en torchon topped with a veil of passion fruit. During the interlude, Aïda Weinum, director of the Tourist Office, spoke: "The official launch of the Festival will take place on November 10 in Grand-Case, with a unique experience combining lighting, tastings, and festivities. A free event open to all."
The Daniella Jeffry Vocational High School, a long-standing participant in the Festival, will also be showcased: on November 15, with the student cooking competition supervised by the ambassador chefs, and on November 20, during the charity evening. A young audience acclaimed by Aïda Weinum and Antoine Genty, representing the school: "We want to inspire the young Saint-Martinois of the Daniella Jeffry High School, make them want to become chefs after their diploma and to make their region shine with their talent."
While the main course is served, the new features of this 5rd edition are announced: while a supplement of €5 per person will be required to enter the village, the space will be larger and the stands more numerous. This year, the public is invited to attend the private chef competition in the Bellevue Gardens, for the modest sum of €15.
Valérie Damaseau, president of the Tourist Office, closed the evening by welcoming the ever-growing enthusiasm surrounding this emblematic event on the island, whose long-term goal would be an inter-island Caribbean gastronomic festival. _THERE
https://faxinfo.fr/en/festival-de-la-gastronomie-un-diner-de-presse-haut-en-saveurs-en-guise-de-pre-lancement/
