Get ready for a night of food and fun for a great cause at the 13th Annual Flavors of St. John on Saturday night, November 23, at the Westin Resort and Villas.
The main fundraiser for Rotary Club of St. John, each year Flavors brings the island’s best chefs and most talented mixologists together under one roof, and pits them head to head in friendly competition.
Responding to requests from participants, Rotary Club officials this year have changed the judging process. Instead of judging the dishes in the middle of the event, when some of the most popular dishes have already sold out, Rotary’s secret panel of culinary experts will sample the fare ahead of the crowds.
Participating chefs will set up and prepare their dishes from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and judging will take place between 5 and 6 p.m., before the event opens to the public.
With judging out of the way and food ready, the Westin’s conference room doors will open at 6 p.m.
Just short of a month left before Flavors, 19 restaurants have already signed up for the event, explained Rotary Club of St. John past president and Flavors chairperson Bruce Munro.
“We have 19 positive signatures taking part and two more are close to singing on,” said Munro. “There could be three more as well, so we’re expecting to have about 25 participants.”
And it’s not too late to take part, Munro added.
“People are signing on and space is going, but we welcome additional participants,” he said.
Competition categories will also be different at this year’s Flavors. Out is the Bar Food category from previous years, leaving chefs and bartenders to compete for Best Appetizer, Entree, Dessert, Mixology and People’s Choice.
While enjoying delectable fare from some of the island’s best restaurants, attendees will also have the opportunity to sip on fantastic vintages, Munro explained.
“The wine, sponsored by West Indies, is going to be awesome this year,” he said. “We’re going to have eight tables that will take you around the world. There will be wine from everywhere from California to New Zealand and Argentina.”
Also new this year is the night’s live entertainment. The crowd will surely fill the dance floor all night long as Cool Session Brass is set to keep attendees on their feet.
Funds raised at Flavors support Rotary’s college scholarships for local students and other community projects, according to Munro.
“We do many important projects in the community,” he said.
Tickets will be available soon at Connections, Chelsea Drug Store, St. John Hardware and Trevor’s Activity Center in Mongoose Junction. Tickets are $100 in advance and $110 at the door. Hospitality employees with valid health cards will enjoy a discounted rate of $75 for tickets.
The night will also feature an exciting silent auction. Participants will have the chance to bid on items ranging from gift certificates to local restaurants, jewelry, hotels stays, boat trips and more.
Along with Munro, Rotary members Gary David and Alice Krall are also helping to organize this year’s Flavors.
Don’t miss Flavors and the opportunity to taste some of the best chefs on St. John cooking all in one place while sipping wines from across the globe and dancing to great local music on Saturday night, November 23, at Westin Resort and Villas.
To register for the event or for more information email Munro at munrosvi@gmail.com.
