1st St. Maarten Flavors ends; Chef Renata de Weever asked to coach “Taste of the Caribbean” Committee

As the November month officially ended of the St. Maarten Flavors, the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA) and the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau (STB) have asked Chef Renata de Weever to join the exploratory committee as a coach of a new national culinary team, to which she responded positively. During St. Maarten Flavors, funds were collected for launching a new St. Maarten talent team to this prestigious Miami contest.

Chef de Weever currently works at Morgan Resort’s SALT restaurant, after a career at various renowned restaurants domestic and abroad. The last St. Maarten culinary team contending in the “Taste of the Caribbean 2017”, of which Chef de Weever was captain, brought nine medals back to St. Maarten.

The St. Maarten Flavors program, running throughout the full month of November, saw 49 St. Maarten restaurants and bars offer sharply reduced-price menus at a fixed price of $49 for a three-course dinner to $17.50 for a special or cocktail combination to residents and visitors.

At its well visited website Stmaartenflavors.com, menus and locations of participating restaurants were found. An adjoining auction led to support funds of a new St. Maarten team to take part in the prestigious “Taste of the Caribbean” culinary competition in Miami.

A first survey amongst participating restaurants shows an overall positive experience, measured in St. Maarten Flavors signature dishes sold, extra or new clients (re)gained and media exposure for individual restaurants and the St. Maarten culinary sector, both domestic and abroad.

Organizing committee member Lisa Coffi of the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau calls on restaurants interested in a second edition to let us know soonest via events@shta.com. "St. Maarten Flavors is intended to resonate our standing of the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean worldwide, and we will continue to do so, including references to this successful program, so it is good to be on board early.”

The organizing committee cordially thanks PDG Supplies, Rainforest Adventures, Caribbean Liquors & Tobacco (CLT), Sol Gas, Prime Distributors, VISIT Magazine, Island 92 radio, Trakx, SXM Talks and X104.3 radio, for playing an important role in making the inaugural St. Maarten Flavors a success. In addition, St. Maarten Flavors would like to thank Port St. Maarten, Princess Juliana International Airport, St. Maarten Timeshare Association (SMTA) and many local influencers for support of the program.

Moreover, SHTA and STB would like to thank the Restaurants, bars and gelaterias that made St. Maarten Flavors 2022 possible: 3 Amigos, Al Pasha, Amasterdam Aziana, Balls & Wine, Bamboo House, Beirut, Big Cees, Bold Buddha, Bovin Steakhouse, Captain’s Rib Shack, Castaway Beach Bar & Restaurant, Cindy’s Roti, Cocky Turtle, Dutch Blonde Beach Bar, Emilio’s, Fabie’s Hangout, Fit Foods, Fleming’s Café, Gelateria Milano, Infinity, Irie Gardens, Jai’s Contemporary Fusion Cuisine, Jax Steakhouse, Jimmy the Original Fatboy BBQ, Kingsman, Lagoonies, La Patrona, La Perle Bleu Restaurant, Mario Bistrot, Melange International Grill, Ocean Lounge, Palapa Grill, Pelikaan Brewery, Pineapple Pete’s, Pink Pearl, Pure Ocean, Quarantine Quisine, TJ’s Cassava Coal Pot, Rendez Vous, Sale & Pepe, Salt, Sexy Beef, Spices of India, The Pier Beach Bar & Restaurant, The Shell, Topper’s Restaurant, Uncle Bob’s Deli and Veranda Market & Bistro.

Finally, gratitude goes out to the foodies taking part in St. Maarten Flavors!