CULINARY WEEK IN SAINTE-MARIE: MAY 10-16, 2010
Every year during May, the region around Sainte-Marie on the northeast Atlantic coast of Martinique devotes a full week to celebrate its rich agricultural bounty and the vibrant food culture that thrives in the area. The annual event is known as Semaine Gastronomique (or Culinary Week, in English) and features cooking demonstrations, gala dinners, promotional parties, and international competitions between top chefs not only from Sainte-Marie and Martinique, but also well-known master cooks who are invited to come from other parts of the Caribbean and even regions of France to show of their skills with local ingredients.
The contests are not confined to the kitchen. Besides the competitions for main dish cooking, desserts and baking excellence, there are prizes for decorating banquet tables beautifully and the fine art of formal napkin folding. Expert bartenders vie for the coveted Golden Shaker award, so you can be sure that flavorful rum punches and cocktails prepared by talented “mixologists” will be flowing.
Since its beginning more than a decade ago, one of the goals of Semaine Gastronomique has been to raise awareness of Martinique’s unique tradition of Creole and French cuisine as a core asset for the island’s tourist industry—so visitors are welcome and there are always plenty of opportunities for guests from abroad to sample the delicious tastes and sensations that abound throughout the week.
In 2010, the event is scheduled for Monday, May 10, through Saturday, May 16. The food is good in Martinique any time of year, but you will never find a better way to discover the pleasures of the table as they are celebrated on the Island of Flowers than Semaine Gastronomique in Sainte-Marie.
If you would like more information about travel, accommodations and other tourist attractions near Sainte-Marie or any region of Martinique, please contact the Martinique Promotion Bureau/CMT USA at info@martinique.org
Bon appetit!