By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
CJ Travel Editor
St. Lucia’s newest adults-only resort, Serenity at Coconut Bay, offers guests the option of dining in an impressive 10 restaurants – nine at neighboring sister resort Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, as well as the exclusive on-property restaurant The Greathouse.
And now, even though it just opened in June, the 36-suite all-inclusive has announced plans to debut yet another dinnertime dining option: a 10-seat chef’s table featuring the Creole cuisine of much-loved local chef Barbara Burke, popularly known as “Aunty Debbie.”
The chef (and former singer) is loved for the flavorful Creole cuisine she served at her popular Vieux Fort restaurant, which she recently closed, planning to retire. But she was convinced by management to lend her culinary talents to Serenity’s Greathouse, where, as of October 1, guests will be able to enjoy the true flavors of the island in the elegant intimacy of the restaurant’s private dining room.
At an exclusive event on Sunday night CJ sampled her signature spread – a bountiful presentation of local side dishes including fried okra; breadfruit balls; curried pumpkin calcari; eggplant au gratin; and caramelized sweet potato with laced with cinnamon and nutmeg – ¬ all ¬accompanied, just as it was at Aunty Debbie’s restaurant, by heaping platters of cooked-to-perfection protein (chicken, fish and beef).
And while we can’t guarantee that Serenity guests will be treated, as we were, to a rousing impromptu after-dinner concert, we’re confident that they’ll leave Aunty Debbie’s dinners delighted with this unique and authentic taste of St. Lucia.