Step into the heart of St. Croix’s culinary scene at the Chicken Shack’s Coquito Festival 2023. The event unfolded with coquito tasting, a vibrant music scene, and a spirited competition for the best-decorated bottle. As the day ended, those who missed the festivities eagerly anticipated joining the celebration next year.
It was an amazing day at the Chicken Shack St. Croix on December 16, 2023. Festival of fun, music, food, coquito tasting, and best decorated bottle. As many people gathered on this fabulous day. They came to taste the flavors of traditional, vegan, guava berries, pistachios, and many delicious flavors of coquitos. If you missed it this year. Then next year you can plan to be a part of this festive event.
Edna Santiago – Best Decorated Table/Presentation 2023
Location: La Reine Chicken Shack on Kings Hill is open from 10 am -6 pm of normal business hours, Monday – Saturday, and closes on Sundays. It is a nice atmosphere to get a bit to eat. The aroma of roasted chicken is very delightful.
What to expect?
- It is a coquito-tasting contest, so you are the judge also, but it is fairly judged by the committee judges who will carefully evaluate the presentation and the taste of the coquitos.
- Expect a grand stage of local music performance, and the announcements of the winners, 1st place best coquito, 2nd and 3rd, including a place for best-decorated bottle/presentation.
- The Mocko Jumbies are amazing to see, dancing and entertaining folks are always a day of cheers. Walking on stills, with the cultural costumes, straw hats, and the mask. I have to admit they are my favorite joy to see.
- You, as the judge, will walk to each table sample the taste of the coquito, and buy a bottle that you like the most. There will be large, small bottles of coquito. Vendors will be selling jewelry, leather sandals, cake treats, and more.
The Chicken Shack is where you can buy food such as roasted chicken, johnny cake and drinks. See the menu here.
What is Coquito? It is a drink that has flavors that are delightful, smooth creamy, spice of nutmeg, cinnamon, coconut, and the secrets of traditional ingredients that are not shared but only tasteful.
See 2022 Best Coquito and Best Decorated Bottle/Table Presentation
Every Year Edna Santiago’s coquitos and table presentation is outstanding, and many will come out to see what Mamasita Coquito is presenting. It’s a Wow to see and taste, with her vegan traditional flavor of no rum, some rum, and plenty of rum. People and judges are always looking forward to her efforts. Contact 340-626-6201 to order your bottle. The next batch of coquito is on December 22nd and December 30th, 2023.
To Visitors, Is this your first time and you’re excited? Be ready and be prepared for a day of cultural experiences.
How to prepare for this event?
- Set the date in your calendar
- Bring some cash, most of the vendors only expect this form of cash payment
- Wear sneakers or sandals, the ground is graveled, and it is an outdoor event
- Bring a folded chair
- Bring your tissue paper for bathroom use
- Although the Chicken Shack has plenty of food and drinks. You can also bring bottled water to keep you hydrated.
- The weather is not promising, so make sure you have an umbrella at hand
Safety
If you’re bringing the child, be sure to teach your kids not to run into the road. Although the event is near the roadside, children must stay with their parents or guardians.
Conclusion:
The St. Croix Coquito Festival 2023, held at La Reine Chicken Shack, was a tapestry of flavors and music. Edna Santiago’s win in the Best Decorated Table/Presentation category added to the excitement. Mark your calendars for next year’s extravaganza, promising a blend of traditional and innovative coquito flavors, and prepare for a cultural journey at the Chicken Shack – a hub of tastes and togetherness.