Creole Culture and Caribbean Cuisine: Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet Reveal a Calendar of Exciting Foodie Events for 2022

February 2022… // It is an exciting year ahead for foodies around the globe, as Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet release a calendar of monthly food and drinks events throughout 2022. Each month guests can expect to sample the culinary delights of St Lucia, combining Creole culture and all things Caribbean. Whether it’s embarking on a chocolate and truffle tour in March; taking part in a Fisherman’s Feast in June; or enjoying an elegant lobster and Champagne pairing in November, there are plenty of delicious events to take part in this year to celebrate St Lucia’s local and sustainable cuisine.

Vegan Dish

January – Celebrating Creole Roots

The culinary journey begins with Celebrating Creole Roots, spotlighting the practice of growing and preparing organic fruits and local spices of the island. This month guests can also expect one-of-a-kind dining experiences across the resort: in the famous Treehouse restaurant, romantic beachfront table set ups, and tailored cookery classes.

February – St Lucian Independence Food Festivals

To celebrate the island’s 43rd year of Independence this month, Annou We-y invites the world to join Chef Elijah in the Jade Club, showcasing his Cook Like a Lucian sessions. Guests can expect an exciting evening on 22nd February for the anniversary holiday of Independence, where Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet’s culinary team will host a sunset wine pairing evening.

Cooking in Paradise at Jade Mountain

March – Cooking in Paradise

Guests can bask in harmony for Cooking in Paradise in the month of March. Led by James Beard award-winning Chef Allen Susser, diners will cook up the freshest seasonal ingredients, encouraging a sense of local island community. Experiences this month also include  farm-to-table Wednesday lunches; and tasting menus compiled by Chef Elijah; beach burgers, bean-to-bar chocolate and truffle tours led by Executive Pastry Chef Sherma; before ending the week with Sunday rum mixology classes on the beach.

April – Sustainable Tropical Tribute to Earth

In April, guests have the option to venture to the exciting Farm to Fork Ital event, led by the resorts’ culinary team and Farm Manager Damian, to harvest fresh ingredients and cook a delightfully sustainable meal in the elements of the green sanctuary that is the Emerald Estate Farm. Alternatively, a personal seasonal tasting menu by Chef Elijah can be prepared for guests to enjoy at their own leisure.

Spices at Jade Mountain

May – Jazz! Food & Arts Festival

May is all about the island jazz scene with nightly jazz and dining evenings in the resort’s sophisticated Jade Club or in the Petit Piton Lounge, where traditional Caribbean rum cocktails are served. Guests can dance to the beat of the steel drum band or witness live Creole cooking on Tuesday evenings whilst sampling Yasha’s Emerald Estate craft-brewed beers. Cuisine is combined with local artwork at the collaborative Palette to Palate event hosted by the resorts’ culinary team.

June – Caribbean Fisherman’s Festival

Fishing is a huge part of Caribbean life and what better way to play a part than attending June’s exciting events celebrating the fruits of the ocean? From Chef Rubin’s West Indian Seafood Tandoori class to Tropical Gourmet Mondays at Balawoo, and Green Fig & Lionfish beach dinners on Fridays, guests are sure to enjoy the summer culinary charms St Lucia has to offer. On the last Sunday in June, guests can pull up a chair at Fete Peche or the Fisherman’s Feast; a thanksgiving celebration honouring the treasures of the sea. Combining European sparkling wines with a delicious seafood tasting menu, Chef Elijah offers guests the playful “Bubbles and Fin” experience.

Mango Madness at Jade Mountain

July – 15th Annual Mango Madness Festival

July invites guests to escape to tropical landscapes with each bite of the juiciest mangoes from Chef Allen Susser’s events Mad, Mad Mango Festival25 Mango Mojitos, and Night of 1000 Mangoes Dinner. The classic summer symbol, St Lucia’s 100 different mangos are transformed into a variety of treats which guests can learn more about through July’s mango-themed activities, from a mango treasure hunt at Nick Troubetzkoy’s organic Emerald Estate to West Indian chutney workshops on the beach. For a truly unique experience, guests can treat themselves to a Mango Bajita Massage under a 100-year-old mango tree.

August – Roots, Rum & Beer

Available every Monday for the whole month of August, guests are invited to grab a punchy rum cocktail for the Roots & Rum event, featuring a four-course rum pairing dinner for a taste of paradise; or join Yasha Troubetzkoy for a private brewery tour and beer tasting at Emerald Estate, followed by a picnic lunch overlooking the farm’s lush landscapes.

Spices at Jade Mountain

September – Spices of the Caribbean

In September, The Jade Club presents the Night of ’22 Spices dinner, showcasing a tasting menu combining the wonderful fresh spices the island has to boast. Including a mixture of Caribbean spice workshops, Tandoori cooking classes and spiced rum mixology classes, September is sure to take the tastebuds on a tantalising journey.

October – Creole Heritage & Chocolate Month

Guests who visit St Lucia in October can experience a chocolate journey like no other. Jade Club offers guests the pleasure to indulge from dawn until dusk with chocolate croissants and French toast for breakfast, bittersweet chocolate ganache on the beach, double chocolate chunk ice cream and chocolate martinis, before settling down for a 5-course exotic savoury and sweet all-chocolate evening meal. Chocolate classes are abundant with Executive Pastry Chef Sherma’s chocolate truffle making class, wine-pairing, and organic chocolate making classes at the Emerald Estate after their proud Bean to Bar tour.

Lobster & Champagne

November – Caribe Food & Wine Festival

In November guests can attend the Lobster and Champagne festival, blending different cultures through the art of lobster cuisine, which has been influenced by many cultures and presented by Jade Club’s very own Chef Elijah. The event pairs freshly cooked lobster with a glass of the finest champagne to celebrate the dedication of the fishermen and farmers to bring this mouth-watering experience to life.

December – Festive Celebrations St Lucian Style

During St Lucia’s Winter Solstice, guests can celebrate the Festival of Lights by joining Jade Mountain for the Feast of Saint Luce with Chef Elijah’s six-course Christmas tasting menu; starting with his award-winning chowder with tarragon and cognac, followed by pistachio crusted lamb rack, and finishing on the local favourite, black rum cake. The perfect way to end the evening is on the Celestial Terrace sipping cocktails and marvelling at the starry night sky. On New Year’s Eve guests can enjoy a 6-course tasting menu alongside a complimentary champagne cocktail and evening entertainment, before gathering on the Celestial Terrace for a grand fireworks display to wrap up a tremendously foodie 2022.

Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet aim to take guests on a 12-month journey through St Lucia’s sustainable cuisine from farm to plate. Throughout the year, guests can celebrate the passion of the island’s produce and the sustainable practises they aim to teach by combining great food, enlivening drinks and a wonderful sense of community.

Nightly rates at Jade Mountain start at US$ 1,100 (£835*) in a Sky Sanctuary based on double occupancy. Rates are subject to 10% service charge and 10% VATTo book visit www.jademountain.com *Prices in pound sterling correct as per today’s exchange rate.

About Jade Mountain St. Lucia

Designed by architect and owner Nick Troubetzkoy, Jade Mountain is set high on the hills overlooking Saint Lucia’s Pitons World Heritage Site and comprises of 24 open-air Infinity Pool Sanctuaries and 5 Sky Jacuzzi Suites – each of which is a carefully designed, individual work of art and architecture. Set within a 600-acre estate complete with two beaches, five restaurants, two spas and a chocolate laboratory, Jade Mountain produces 40% of the food served at the resort at its very own organic farm.