SAINT-MARTIN:--- The island of Saint-Martin is set to celebrate its rich culinary landscape with the return of the Festival de la Gastronomie for its fifth edition. This highly anticipated event, running from November 9th to November 22nd, 2025, promises to be an unforgettable showcase of the island's unique blend of Caribbean, French, and international flavors. The festival aims to reinforce Saint-Martin's identity as a premier culinary destination, boost the local economy by supporting agriculture and fishing, and unite the community through the art of food.
This year's festival will feature an impressive lineup of local talent and international culinary stars. The event's patron is Chef Laurent Huguet, a consultant chef with a Michelin star and 33 years of experience in prestigious kitchens. He will be joined by a distinguished panel of jury presidents, including mixology expert Arthur Sutley, Boston-based chef and Hell's Kitchen finalist Jason Santos, and Texas barbecue icon Kevin Bludso. A team of seven local chefs—Shane Huggins, Gaëlle Mussington, Kareem Brooks, Danitza Dormoy, Kénila Hyman, Angéla Marcenat, and Ashanta Daniel—will serve as the 2025 ambassadors, representing the island's vibrant culinary scene.
The festival schedule is packed with a diverse array of events designed to appeal to all food lovers. The celebration kicks off on November 9th with "Taste of Sunrise" at Loterie Farm, a brunch event featuring the local chef ambassadors. The official launch will take place on November 10th with a free, open-to-the-public event on the Boulevard de Grand-Case, the island's culinary capital.
Throughout the festival, attendees can participate in a variety of activities:
- Gastronomy Village: On November 14th and 15th, the Marigot Seafront will transform into a bustling village featuring local producers, food trucks, restaurants, and caterers.
- Cooking Workshops: From November 15th to 17th at Marina Fort Louis, adults and children can learn from renowned chefs in hands-on workshops. Special "Sip n' Cook" sessions will pair cooking with cocktails.
- Competitions: A series of thrilling competitions will highlight the island's talent. These include a BBQ Competition (Nov. 16), Private Chefs Competition (Nov. 12-13), a High School Student Competition (Nov. 17), and the prestigious "Best Table of Saint-Martin" competition (Nov. 18, 19, & 21).
- Special Evenings: The festival will host several exclusive ticketed events, including a "Food & Cocktails Pairing" (Nov. 20) and a Charity Dinner at the Daniella Jeffry Vocational High School (Nov. 20), with a menu crafted by chefs Xavier Isabal, Laurent Huguet, and Angela Marcenat.
A major highlight is the Closing Evening on November 22nd. The Marigot Seafront will host an all-inclusive event featuring over 15 guest chefs from across the Caribbean, including Haiti, Grenada, Curaçao, and the British Virgin Islands, for a grand celebration of regional cuisine.
The festival not only serves as a platform for culinary excellence but also as a significant economic driver for Saint-Martin. By spotlighting local products like Guavaberry Colombier Tradition and connecting producers with a wider audience, the event strengthens local supply chains. The extensive media coverage, with press and influencers attending from Canada, the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean, will further promote Saint-Martin as a creative and flavorful destination on the global stage.
From discovery menus at participating restaurants across the island to specialized wine-and-cheese pairings, the 5th Festival de la Gastronomie invites residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in a two-week celebration of food, culture, and community.
