St. Maarten Flavors Kick-off Event: “Let the Tastin’ Begin!” a Unique Culinary and Networking Experience
Philipsburg, St. Maarten — The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA) is thrilled to announce the kick-off of St. Maarten Flavors with a one-of-a-kind event: “Let the Tastin’ Begin!”. Taking place at NIPA on October 24th from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM, this event will celebrate St. Maarten’s vibrant culinary scene while spotlighting the next generation of hospitality and culinary professionals.
This special evening will serve as a SHTA Mixer, welcoming members, sponsors, and participants of St. Maarten Flavors, the month-long celebration of St. Maarten’s diverse culinary offerings. The event will showcase the incredible talent emerging from NIPA’s Hospitality and Culinary Program, as students collaborate with chefs from participating restaurants to prepare and serve hors d’oeuvres inspired by St. Maarten's rich array of cuisines.
"Let the Tastin’ Begin!" is not just a culinary celebration but also an invaluable opportunity for students to gain firsthand experience in networking within the industry. These aspiring chefs will present their dishes and share the unique backstories behind their creations, providing a personal touch to the evening's offerings while introducing them to the critical role that professional connections play in their future careers.
SHTA is proud to support this initiative as part of its ongoing mission to foster the local workforce and talent pipeline. The event will also promote NIPA's monthly lunches, where the public can continue to enjoy culinary creations from these talented students.
Sol will be a presenting sponsor, underscoring their commitment to nurturing St. Maarten’s youth through educational initiatives and community support. As a long-time supporter of NIPA's programs, Sol continues to play a key role in promoting educational opportunities for the island's students.
“We are honored to support NIPA in their mission to provide professional vocational education that will prepare all students to succeed at their chosen career pathway, and in particular those who have chosen the Culinary program” Robert-Jan James, General Manager Sol St. Maarten and BVI states; “By supporting NIPA we can help these students unlock their potential and build a brighter future for themselves and our society.” This partnership underscores Sol’s dedication to making a positive and lasting impact in the communities where we operate. We firmly believe that investing and supporting our young students is critical to the overall development of our community and country as a whole.
In addition to Sol, several other key partners and sponsors of St. Maarten Flavors will also be honored at the event, including the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, PDG Supplies, Orco Bank and Prime. Together with our generous partners, we continue to make strides in elevating St. Maarten’s culinary scene and investing in its future.
The evening will also serve as an ideal networking platform for SHTA members, sponsors, and participating restaurants, allowing for meaningful connections in a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere.
For restaurants interested in joining this exciting culinary initiative, there’s still time to sign up! Participants can benefit from exclusive promotional opportunities, including personalized videos, boosted social media posts, and media coverage in The Daily Herald.
St. Maarten Flavors is celebrating its third edition and grateful for the partnership with St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, and our sponsors: PDG Supplies, SOL, Orco Bank, Prime Distributors, Visit St. Maarten, SXM Talks, Island 92, The Daily Herald, Trakx and Winair. Of course, the many restaurants that decided on an early sign up to benefit from continuous promotions should soon be joined by many other establishments offering 1 course or 3 course options throughout the month of November.
About St. Maarten Flavors
St. Maarten Flavors is an annual event throughout the month of November, celebrating the island’s vibrant food culture. From traditional Caribbean dishes to modern fusion cuisine, the event highlights the diversity and creativity of local chefs and restaurants. For more information and to sign up, visit www.stmaartenflavors.com or contact us at events@shta.com
