Skip to main content

EVENT | A taste of Saint Lucia with Chef Nina Compton has us dreaming about a getaway to the tropical island!

What comes to your mind when you hear about Saint Lucia? Of course the obvious would be the sunny climate, rainforest, their famous cocoa and beaches and ocean... but what about their diverse culinary profile, street food, and Top Chef finalist & fan favourite, Chef Nina Compton? We had the pleasure of getting a taste of Saint Lucia with a menu inspired by Nina's native, Saint Lucia and cocoa.




Having been a Top Chef fan, I've been watching chef Nina Compton cook her way to the finals on season 11 and quickly became a fan. She's also the current Culinary Ambassador of Saint Lucia!

Her recipes are inspired by her native Saint Lucia and this night was no different. Each dish, beginning from the appetizer, entree to dessert, plus the cocktails were created  highlighting cocoa, as the Island grows some of the finest grade of cocoa in the world.

Cocoa isn't the only thing Saint Lucia is proud to offer its guests. The vibrant island is much more than a sun vacation or a , but it's a destination for foodies, romance and adventure seekers with attractions such as Piton Mountains (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), a rainforest with volcanos, upscale dining as well as street food and more.  Being categorized in the foodies market, we would love to take a trip to Saint Lucia for a true farm to table experience - after all, they source fresh food from their land and sea!

However, for the time being, we were happily being spoiled with Nina's cocoa-tastic menu:
Photo by: Becca Lemire
Cocoa Tea Martini

Photo by: Becca Lemire
 Cocoa Dusted Tuna Tataki with mango

Photo by: Becca Lemire
Chocolate BBQ Meatballs

Spiced Chocolate Soup with Fois Gras & Baby Vegetables

Cocoa Braised Short-ribs, Polenta & Baby Vegetables

Pumpkin Budino with Salted Caramel & Chocolate Crumble

Now, there you have it! What a wonderful night of a deliciously crafted menu. It has me dreaming about eating my way through the island! My favourite was definitely the dessert - it has to be the best dessert I have had... and I'm not exaggerating.


  -Our meal at this event was complimentary but opinions are our own-
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

REVIEW | Light Cafe

We find Baldwin Village to be a street in Toronto that is ever growing. You'll never know what to expect in terms of businesses that will pop up! Not to mention it's diverse food culture including gelato, ramen, Italian, Filipino food and so much more. It doesn't surprise us at all that Light Cafe decided to take residence on Baldwin.  I have traveled quite extensively through Asia and can say with confidence that Light Cafe looks exactly like a cafe you would find in Taiwan. Not only is it spacious inside, I love the minimalist decor inside which provides a calming atmosphere. I could see myself sitting at the cafe for hours (within reason haha) and getting some work done.  The first thing that we noticed and I'm sure many of you will as well - is the living wall. I don't think I've ever been to a restaurant where there was a living wall but I've always wanted one of my own. With the natural sunlight coming in with the wall, it's the perfect place to f...
Post a Comment
Read more

WORKSHOP | Sausage Making Class at The Healthy Butcher on Eglinton!

Recently named 'Best Butcher in Toronto' by Now Magazine, the Healthy Butcher   just may become your go-to butcher shop for organically & locally-sourced meats as well as sustainable seafood!  It's no surprise that The Healthy Butcher caters to those that 'live to eat' as they're passionate about food themselves. In fact, they're so serious, that they offer educational and fun workshops on roasting, knife skills, butchering and lots more... The hands-on workshops and classes are held on weekday evenings and range from $40 to $125 per person depending on the class.  With an intimate group, you'll be sure to learn a new set of skills at these 2.5 hr classes at The Healthy Butcher in the company of other food lovers.  When I first heard about their workshops, I thought it would be a perfect team-building exercise for co-workers but it would be great to take friends or family as it's a great time overall. The Healthy Butcher Sausage War Media Class w...
Post a Comment
Read more

REVIEW | Cafeteria

[Guest Writer: Jonathan L.] For my first food blogging experience, I head over to a pre-opening at Cafeteria by Playa Cabana with Monica from the Food Sisterhood. The newest addition to the Mas Playas group is located on College and Dovercourt, an area with many up-and-coming restaurants.  We are seated at a table with fellow bloggers, Laney & Nick from  Best of Toronto , Jess from  Where Jess Ate , and Jess' fiance, Mike. While he refuses to contribute to her blog, he has at least put a sufficiently sizeable ring on her finger to warrant a few perks (ha ha).   Cafeteria boasts a lively ambiance.  Despite not being officially launched, the restaurant is bustling with walk-ins, undoubtedly attracted by the rustic charm of Cafeteria's decor.  The highlights are vintage wood and tile finishes throughout, and a set of floor to ceiling wrought-iron gates in the style of traditional Mexican courtyard architecture.   Before the meal begins, I warm my pa...
Post a Comment
Read more