MARIGOT--The island of Saint-Martin is preparing to tantalize taste buds once again as it announces the 5th Annual Festival de la Gastronomie, taking place November 11 to 22, 2025. Organized by the Saint-Martin Tourist Office, this beloved culinary celebration brings together chefs, food lovers, and travelers from across the Caribbean and beyond for nearly two weeks of flavor, creativity, and cultural pride.
This year’s featured ingredient, passion fruit, promises to inspire inventive menus, colorful cocktails, and unforgettable dishes that highlight Saint-Martin’s tropical flair. More than just a competition, the festival is a lively tribute to the island’s rich culinary heritage and its growing reputation as the Gastronomic Capital of the Caribbean.
A Taste of What’s to Come: Media Dinner at Baratie
To mark the countdown to the festival, a special media dinner was held today at Baratie Restaurant in Marigot, bringing together journalists, chefs, and tourism officials for an exclusive preview of this year’s theme. Guests were treated to a multi-course menu showcasing passion fruit in creative and unexpected forms, offering a first glimpse of the flavors that will define the 2025 edition.
The evening also served as a platform for the Saint-Martin Tourist Office to share updates on the expanded festival program and to highlight the event’s continued role in promoting local gastronomy, hospitality, and culture.
A Celebration of Taste and Talent
The festival opens with a “Taste of Sunrise” seaside breakfast on November 9, followed by the official launch event in Grand Case on November 10 — the island’s iconic dining street transformed into a pedestrian culinary promenade filled with live music, aromas, and island rhythm.
From November 11 onward, restaurants across the French side will offer special “Discovery Menus” centered around passion fruit, while a packed schedule of activities unfolds:
wine pairings, 4-hands dinners, mixology shows, children’s workshops, and the ever-popular BBQ and food truck competitions.
The heart of the festivities, the Village de la Gastronomie at Marigot’s waterfront, will return on November 14–15 with more than 30 stands offering tastings, cooking demos, and live entertainment. Entry is just €5, inviting everyone to savor the best of Saint-Martin’s cuisine.
Competition, Creativity, and Caribbean Camaraderie
This 5th edition raises the bar with live public competitions featuring the island’s top restaurants, private chefs, and students from local culinary schools. Judges this year include celebrity pitmaster Kevin Bludso and chef-restaurateur Jason Santos, alongside local culinary icons.
The Restaurant Competition Finals and Mixology Showdown on November 21 will lead into the Grand Finale on November 22, a spectacular closing evening uniting guest chefs from across the Caribbean for a final feast of regional flavors and performances.
Honoring the Passion of Saint-Martin’s Cuisine
The festival’s honorary patron, Chef Laurent Huguet, will preside over this year’s events, supporting the island’s chefs and mentoring young culinary talents. True to its mission, the festival continues to nurture local youth and hospitality students through workshops, masterclasses, and competitions that blend learning with creativity.
“Saint-Martin’s gastronomy is an expression of who we are, vibrant, generous, and passionate,” said Valérie Damaseau, President of the Saint-Martin Tourist Office. “This 5th edition celebrates not just our food, but our people, our culture, and the art of sharing it.”
Taste the Passion, Feel the Island
From the aroma of barbecue smoke drifting over Marigot to the refined plating in Grand Case’s fine-dining establishments, the Festival de la Gastronomie Saint-Martin invites locals and visitors alike to taste, learn, and celebrate together. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie, a curious traveler, or simply in search of an authentic island experience, November in Saint-Martin is the place to be.
For more information, full program, and registration details: www.festival-st-martin.com
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