The San Pedro Lobster Fest block party on Saturday, July 15th, saw hundreds of tourists and locals enjoying the celebration in honor of the Caribbean spiny lobster season. The annual festival was held at the Honourable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Arena starting at 5PM, showcasing the best in lobster dishes, colorful and creative restaurant booths, live music, celebrity chef appearances, and the highly anticipated food and drink competition. The massive celebration following the week-long Lobster Crawl was the conclusion to San Pedro’s Lobster Festival.
The block party featured lobster-themed booths set up by island restaurants, non-profits, and businesses. The host, celebrity Chef Sean Kuylen visited each stall, allowing them to introduce their offerings. The Panerrifix Steel Band provided entertainment throughout the evening, bringing Caribbean tunes and the local touch of the San Pedro Dance Academy and DJ Debbie. The line of entertainment included TLC Band and Bussa B Band.
Of course, the event’s highlight was the food, and this year’s competition challenged local restaurants to create innovative lobster dishes and themed drinks. A group of judges led by island chef celebrity Jennie Staines had the difficult task of choosing the winner of the best lobster dish and cocktail among 15 submissions. All scores were collected, and while the best booth of the festival was selected, the tabulator handed over the list of winners. Chef Kuylen and members of the San Pedro Lobsterfest took to the stage and announced the winners. Secret Beach’s Happy Island Beach Bar and Grill took home the grand prize in the drink category with their ‘Tipsy Pineapple.’ In second place was Jyoto Sushi Bar/Japanese Restaurant and taking home third place was last year’s top winner Estel’s Dine By The Sea.
Anglers Seafood and Restaurant in downtown San Pedro impressed the judges with their Lobster Chaya Tamales in the food category. Cooked to perfection, it was a tasty, well-balanced dish. Chef Staines said this is derived from the Yucatec Maya in Mexico, and the lobster twist made this delicacy even better. The second place in the food category prize went to Happy Island Beach Bar and Grill, and third place to Cool Beans Café. The award for the best overall booth also went to Anglers Seafood and Restaurant.
A few raffles were held, with a handful of lucky winners going home with fabulous prizes. The San Pedro Lobster Fest Committee was acknowledged for their hard efforts in organizing another incredible lobster extravaganza.
The eating, drinking, and partying continued until the wee hours of the morning.
