|
 |
|
 |
|
MEET THE SPICEMAN
The heart of our rich Caribbean cuisine lies in the mysteries of its exotic concoctions. There is a small stand in the heart of Marigot's open air market that effuses the Caribbean, drawing you in with its inspiring abundance of color, tastes and scents. This is the stand of The Spiceman, Miguel Lilia.
Originally from Martinique, Miguel has become a cornerstone of St Martin's cuisine circuit with many chefs and home-cooking enthusiasts coming to source ingredients from his treasure |
|
trove of Caribbean herbs, spices and sauces.
His trade is a combination of science, art and tradition and he has carried on with his family's customs and many
spicy secrets learned from his grandparents. Often spending weeks on end traveling around Caribbean islands such as Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Granada and Dominica to source his unique wares, he even ventures far afield as the Amazonian forests, Brazil, Africa and Madagascar to bring back the frehest and most unusual spices which have visitors clamoring at his stand for ingredients, gifts, advice and aphrodisiacs !
Miguel explains how this "Spicy Culture" dates back thousands of years and how herbs and spices have been the foundation for cosmetics, perfume, medicinal purposes, food and rum ! Spices are an important part of the Caribbean culture and he is pround of his heritage and the fact that he is able to share his knowledge and inspire and educate visitors in the wonders of the Caribbean spice culture.
"The spice of life is about trying new things" says Miguel. "I want to help educate people and encourage them to try something different from our Caribbean islands... and of course to take something home to remember your vacation".
Miguel has recently launched his line of spicy sauces, known as Kalina products, which include a wide range of unique flavors such as
Creole, jerk, banana ketchup, and garlic, as well as hot sauces flavored with mango, pineapple, passion fruit, papaya and green pepper. The sauces are available in many stores on the island but for the true experience, go to the local market in Marigot and look for the Spice Man's stand. For all those who love to spend creative time in the kitchen and with an adventurous palate, no visite to St Martin would be complete without meeting The Spiceman !
Best Gastronomy St Martin 2007
|
|
|
|
|
