5th Annual Martinique Gourmande Festival - Building on the success of past editions, the Comité Martiniquais du Tourisme unveils its fifth culinary extravaganza!

MONTREAL, Sept. 6, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Today at 5 p.m., at Atelier et Saveurs, the Comité Martiniquais du Tourisme / Martinique Tourism Authority (CMT) will kick off its annual culinary event, Martinique Gourmande, which runs from September 8 to 23 this year in sixteen restaurants and bars in Quebec. These gourmet establishments will offer original culinary creations with a French Caribbean twist. For two weeks, the host restaurants will regale the public with the flavours of Martinique as interpreted by their own chefs, to give everyone the opportunity to be bewitched by the exotic blend of flavours inspired by Creole cooking. An extraordinary experience!

The taste of success since 2008
The first Martinique Gourmande was held in 2008, and the number of fans has grown steadily ever since. This year, many restaurants in Montreal and across Quebec will take part in the festival, adding Martinican rums and specialties to their menus. "We started this event to create a unique connection between Quebec and Martinique. The culinary festival offers a prelude to what visitors will experience when they come : from small beachside snack bars to multi-starred gourmet restaurants, the experience is rich and varied," explains Tourism Commissioner Karine Roy-Camille. The festival's partnering restaurants include Ateliers et Saveurs, Bistro Cocagne, Carte Blanche, Chez Chose, La Crêperie du marché, Grain de sel, Grenadine, L'Incrédule, Le Lab, Barraca, Le Manoir des Sables, Le Petit Medley, Point G, Poisson Rouge, Presqu'île and Saveur Soleil. The subtle exotic combinations of Martinican cuisine will delight the palates of the event's participants, who will be transported to Martinique with every bite!

Celebrity chef Guy Ferdinand, directly from Martinique, will be in the kitchen at Bistro Cocagne along with Chef Alexandre Loiseau on September 7 starting at 5:30 p.m, not to be missed. Festival-goers who try one of the menus offered by the participating establishments will double their chances of winning a one-week dream vacation for two at the Club Med Buccaneers' Creek, in Martinique.

Festive weekend at Jean-Talon Market
On September 8 and 9, Martinique Gourmande will set up shop at the Jean-Talon Market for a colourful weekend. Tastings will be offered to introduce visitors to a variety of products from Martinique: traditional acras, colombo bo kay, a selection of smoked herring and spiced cod salad toasts, and delicious sweets such as exotic fruit jams, coconut sherbet, and more. Martinique's famous chocolate-and-butter-bread will be served from 9 to 10 a.m. An excellent opportunity to explore the tastes of the Flower of the Caribbean, Martinique!

Follow Martinique Gourmande in the blogosphere
For the duration of the event, guest blogger Marie-Julie Gagnon will bring Martinique Gourmand to life in the social media. Here are some links to follow Marie-Julie:

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/RencontrezLaMartinique
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/MeetMartinique
• Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/meetmartinique

About Martinique (www.lamartinique.ca)

Martinique sits in the heart of the Caribbean, at the centre of the Lesser Antilles. The Flower of the Caribbean, the world capital of rum, the native island of the famous poet Aimé Césaire…no matter what it's called, Martinique is one of the world's most charming and attractive destinations. With the majestic Mont Pelée and the Rocher du Diamant, it appeals to nature lovers and sailing enthusiasts alike. Martinique is an overseas region of France that attracts interest for its delicious culinary specialties, the natural beauty of its contrasting landscapes, its history, its rich culture, its friendly people and much more. The Empress Josephine, wife of Napoleon I, was born and raised in Martinique. Saint-Pierre, the Caribbean Pompeii, is located in the northern part of the island. The famous Yoles Rondes Tour sailing race and the Rum Route, a tour of the agricultural distilleries, provide more unique and memorable discoveries. Martinique, a magical and authentic experience!

A world-class culinary event!
http://martiniquegourmande.ca

SOURCE: Martinique Gourmande

Source:
Comité Martiniquais du Tourisme
www.lamartinique.ca
Antoine Omère
T 514 844-8566
[email protected] 

Media relations:
Carolann Simard
BICOM Communications
T 514 223-6770, ext. 225
[email protected]