A new Weekly Culinary Calendar has been introduced by the award-winning Caribbean resort, Jade Mountain, to supplement its celebrated annual culinary festivals.
What makes these events unique for gourmands and chocolate lovers is that all the produce comes from Emerald Estate, the resort’s organic farm in the hills above Soufriere on the isle of St. Lucia. In addition to all the perks of a luxury Caribbean resort, your farm to table experience includes visiting the farm and selecting ingredients such as vanilla beans, cocoa, bay leaf, nutmeg and fruits of cinnamon and coconut trees, varieties of mango, and sour oranges.
Each week offers 11 ways to sharpen your cooking skills and increase your appreciation of fresh ingredients. Programs include:
- Cocoa Tree to Chocolate Bar which features a jungle stroll through the resort’s private Emerald Estate providing insights into the roasting, grinding and conching of cocoa beans (redistribution of fats to maximize flavor) with a sampling and bar of the estate’s organic chocolate.
- A Tandoori Cooking Class on the beach in late afternoon introduces you to the spicing secrets of St.Lucian/East-Indian Fusion dishes like Chicken Tandoori.
- Chocolate, Wine and Paradise presents surprising pointers on pairings of wine and the world’s favorite aphrodisiac.
- Learn how to create exotic rum drinks in a Saint Lucia Rum Mixology Class led by a Jade Mountain mixologist.
When not focused on culinary delights, Jade Mountain offers a true island paradise escape. Juse named #5 in Conde Nast Traveler’s List of the World’s Best Beach Resorts, its tranquil setting offers views of the old French colonial town of Soufriere and Twin Pitons which are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its 22 cantilevered suites designed as sanctuaries and reached by bridges have private pools in place of a fourth wall, inviting in the surrounding scenery. The extraordinary architecture conceived and built by visionary owner Nick Troubetzkoy is perfectly in balance with its natural surroundings.
Enveloped by an 
infinity pool, dining in the Jade Mountain Club on a private hillside terrace has endless views from every table. Exclusively for resident guests, its Jade Cuisine, created by James Beard Award winner Chef Allen Susser, is a modern fusion of tropical, cultural and Caribbean flavors reflective of seasonal changes. On select evenings, you’ll enjoy entertainment ranging from local jazz musicians to acoustic guitarists.
Most Weekly Culinary events accept a maximum of six participants to enable everyone to participate fully in the workshops and hands-on cooking demonstrations. Some events are free; some involve a fee.
This year’s annual food festivals include:
- March 20-24: Cooking in Paradise celebrating locally-grown Caribbean cuisine.
- June 12-17: Mango Madness Festival featuring the versatility of the mango.
- October 2-6: Jade Mountain’s Discover Chocolate offering a hands-on experience in the world of cacao and chocolate.
- December 11-15: Spices of the Caribbean presents a look into the island’s Spice Box, creating flavors of exotic places for the plate.
For complete details on all events, go to http://www.jademountain.com/events.html. For resort information and reservations, call 800-223-1108 or visit http://www.jademountain.com
