Bona Mama chefs received the award for “Best Table in Saint Martin” at the Loterie Farm closing party. (Robert Luckock photo)
PIC PARADIS--The Orient Bay restaurant Bona Mama won the prestigious “Best Restaurant of Saint Martin 2025/2026” award on Saturday night at Loterie Farm as the 2025 Gastronomy Festival wrapped up with announcement of remaining winners and presentation of prizes.
Bona Mama, which had placed first in the City Stars category, competed against four other restaurant category winners (Le Temps des Cerises-Beach Stars, Creole Delights and 978 Sanctorum which tied for first place in Authentic Stars, and Maison Mere-Gourmet Stars), in the grand finale on Friday at Marina Fort Louis to decide the overall competition winner. The judging was done by blindfolded invited chefs relying only on taste and smell.
The People’s Vote (Coup de Coeur du Public) was won by La Terrasse Rooftop for the fourth time. The Mixology competition was won by La Trattoria (Yolène Peyrard), with Alizé in second place (Veronica Jacquemod) and Karibuni came in third (Mathieu Merlet).
The Private Chefs competition was won by Chef Fioni, with Taste of Joy second and Chef Jackson third.
Winner of the Food Truck competition was Pasta-Atra, second place to Luma Memento and third place to Shy Snack.
The BBQ overall title for Best BBQ went to Quality Food, second to Aunt Aline and third place Soul Sisters Catering Services.
The Dessert competition was won by Temps des Cerises, second Ocean 82, and third P’Tit Bistro.
Six students took part in the Daniella Jeffry Lycée charity competition. The winner went to Boubonne Meloick, second place to Cecile Roberts, and third place to Barlettet Louis Day Khinyay. Four invited chefs, including Godfather of the Festival, Lauren Huguet, assisted the students prepare a three-course dinner. Mixologist/Judge Mia Mastroianni prepared the cocktails and former student and local chef ambassador Angela Marcenat assisted with the desserts.
Some 55 persons paid 75 euros per head for the dinner, with proceeds going back to the catering school for new projects. The class level of the students ranged from Final Year (Terminal), Bac Pro, and CAP Terminal. The judges were very impressed with the students’ talent and skill level.
Sous Préfète Marie-Hildegarde Chauveau, Vice President Dominique Louisy and Territorial Councillors Steven Cocks and Audrey Gil assisted in presenting the awards while Marc Ménard emceed the evening.
Following the awards ceremony the food stands opened. The range of stands included for the first time the islands of Grenada, Haiti, British Virgin Islands, Curaçao, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Saint Martin/St. Maarten.
“This event would not have been possible without the restaurants, private chefs, food trucks, invited international chefs, local ambassador chefs, all businesses and sponsors,” said Tourism Office President Valérie Damaseau in her closing remarks. She presented her entire team on stage. “I want you to give a big applause for the festival that is organised by the tourism office, 100% in house.”
Live music from the stage was electrifying with artists such as Natisha Hanson and Kenyo Baly getting the crowd dancing. Finally, the star ingredient for the 2026 festival was announced as coconut.
