There is nothing that is quite as enthralling as cooking outdoors, so to speak. The crisp atmosphere, the breathtaking Caribbean Sea scenery and the sounds of the wind all combine together to provide the best experience ever. At StolenTime, the cooking classes on the terrace became popular among the resort guests, and I too, became more than thrilled at the thought of taking my linen apron and rolling up my sleeves to get down to business.
I arrived at the class where I was greeted by a smiling face that belonged to our instructor, Chef Marcus. He had many cooking secrets to share but most importantly, the spoils of the island. In front of me, there was a healthy selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, and spices. Everything about the set-up was ‘real’ with products obtained from local farmers.
I could not have been more excited to explore Saint Lucia’s culinary delights. The featured item up for creation was a Farine and Avocado Tropical Salsa, which consisted of lots of spices and vibrant greens. And for a sweet end to it all, there was a well-known dessert made of coconut. That was delicious, and one just imagines it with such ease.
Before commencing, the chef took a pause to explain about the definition of cooking within StolenTime. It is about more than just preparing a meal: It is about looking around and noticing everything, taking time and being present with the food. This kind of attitude is so much in sync with the meaning of StolenTime which urges all of us to stop and take time for ourselves and others. The kitchen set-up, located on the terrace is also community-oriented in nature – it acts as an informal space resulting in good food and better company.
Once we began the cooking class, it became obvious that this was not merely the taking up of a class; it was much more than that. With Caribbean flavors, I mastered the art of trimming the vegetables and grilling it: “They are bold yet delicate with citrus and herbs.
But when the moment came, and we sat down to feast our eyes on all the goodies that we passionately created, it was not just food but an event. We shared a meal on the terrace, and every morsel we ate tasted more delicious than the last because the dish was made by us.
Should you be at StolenTime for some reason, make sure you do not let go of the chance to attend one of these cooking classes on the terrace. It’s more than enhancing your cooking abilities. It’s also getting immersed into the island and cherishing the little things.
