Jade Mountain Announces 2010 Culinary Festivals

I don’t know about you but one of my favorite aspects of traveling is the food.  I go on vacation so that I can treat my body both inside and out so, while I enjoy those amazing spa treatments, I also want to nosh on some tasty treats from around the world.

image courtesy of Jade Mountain

If you are like me, then you might want to check out Jade Mountain, which will be celebrating several food festivals in 2010 headed up by Chef Allen Susser and his team.  The fare will be comprised of delicious local fruits and ingredients that have been grown right in the resort’s backyard.

Interested?  If so, check out the upcoming events:

Cooking in Paradise “The virtues of a locally grown Caribbean cuisine” (April 9, 10 & 11) – Take a guided tour to the reservoir, brush up on your tropical fruit knowledge at an in-depth workshop or take a walk into the nearby local town of Soufriere and peruse through St. Lucia’s exotic markets.  Need more?  Try a tasting tour of Jade Mountain’s own Organic Garden at Emerald Estate or take in a cooking class with Chef Allen. The fantastic three day event also includes fruit sampling at picnic and grilled lunches, a tour of the historic plantation and a champagne mango cocktail and buffet brunch at the neighboring Anse Mamin Beach.

Mango Madness or 1001 Things You Could Do To A Mango Before You Die (June 11, 12 & 13) – This yearly favorite is hosted personally by Chef Allen Susser, who is a definite authority on the many varieties of mangos. The activities include a mango chutney workshop, mango cocktail party, mango tasting and demonstration Mango Madness cooking class. The highlight is the “Night of 1000 Mangos” dinner at the Jade Mountain Club. The farewell event will include a Mango Champagne Brunch served on the beach at Anse Mamin estate.

Spices of the Caribbean (October 9, 10 & 11) – Learn about the specific combinations of herbs, spices, and flavorings that characterize the great dishes of the Caribbean. The three day spice fest will include walking and tasting tour of the Organic Garden at Emerald Estate, Chef Allen’s cooking class “Spices of the Caribbean,” a visit to Soufriere local town markets and specially prepared lunches and a five-course dinner spectacular Seasonal and Sustainable Menu using local grown fare.

Discover Chocolate Festival (December 10, 11 & 12) – This delicious, interactive and exotic introduction to the world’s favorite aphrodisiac explores cacao’s history in St Lucia, dating back to the 1700s.  There are more than 1000 cacao trees on both the Anse Mamin Plantation and in Emerald Estate.  The festivities will be kicked off with a “Chocolatini Party” and will also include chocolate tasting and a dinner highlighted by exotic chocolate desserts.

For more information or to book your trip, please contact 800-223-1108, email jademountain@ansechastanet.com or visit www.jademountainstlucia.com.