Chef Wendell Lawrence of Holland House was among the first to present a signature three course menu for St. Maarten Flavors.
PHILIPSBURG--Up to now, fifteen St. Maarten restaurants have commenced their preparations for St. Maarten Flavors, which signifies Culinary Month in November, highlighting the variety of flavours on island. Eateries will be offering a signature three course meal for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Restaurants currently working on a special November St Maarten Flavors Menu are Aziana, Bold Buddha, Bovin Steakhouse, Dutch Blonde Beach Bar, Emilio’s, Infinity, Jax Steakhouse, La Patrona, Ocean Lounge, Pure Ocean, Topper’s, SALT, Three Amigos and Veranda Market & Bistro. All participating restaurants will provide their signature menu for $49 every day of the week this upcoming November.
Holland House was among the first to announce its culinary activities during the Flavors Festival through its Ocean Lounge restaurant, located on Philipsburg’s boardwalk. Celebrated St. Maarten Master Chef Wendell Lawrence has composed a menu that starts off with a pan seared sesame tuna tataki, wasabi foam, wakame and soy glaze, followed by the main course consisting of pan seared steak with smoked butter, crispy onions, triple fried potato chips and emulsion.
The final course will be a banana creme brûlée with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For the ultimate experience Ocean Lounge offer additional enhancing features with, daily wine pairing options and guest DJs and live music on Fridays nights.
Holland House General Manager Paul Boetekees wholeheartedly supports the St. Maarten Flavors concept. “We are inviting local and visiting “foodies” alike to explore the variety of cuisines St. Maarten offers,” Boetekees said. “These cuisines range from local style street food to fine dining restaurants. St. Maarten is known to feature a record number of restaurants per square mile worldwide!”
Asian Fusion restaurant Aziana, located in Bobby’s Marina, brings a St. Maarten Flavors course set true to the renowned strengths of the managing Wong family, Indonesian – Asian cuisine. Aziana’s three course menu offer starts with vegetarian spring and shrimp tempura rolls, followed by a main course of nasi, babi pangang and chicken sate combination. Vegetarians have the option of a spicy mock duck with choice of one side. All of the above will be topped off with a coconut speculaas cheesecake mousse topped with passion fruit and berry sauce.
The Wong family stands proud of their chef Ado. “This three-course menu combines all we embody as Aziana – a mix of Indonesian, Asian flavors with touches of kingdom delicacies,” the chef said.
Aziana offers a peek into its renowned kitchen during St. Maarten Flavors month by offering complimentary “Do It Yourself Sushi” Masterclasses on November 5 and 26. Organizers suggest making reservations early as seating is limited.
During the month of November, St. Maarten Flavors showcases the great variety of culinary delights St. Maarten has to offer. Restaurants from both sides of the island can enroll in this program at a modest rate, with discounted rates for members of the SHTA. Details are available at www.stmaartenflavors.com.
Those enrolled offer great deals to patrons ranging from samplers or one course bites, starting at $17.50 to full three course dining experiences at $49. Revenues of the event will be used to launch a new generation of St. Maarten culinary talents to the next edition of the prestigious “Taste of the Caribbean” event in Miami in 2023.
