Category: Food and Drinks

There is something more to afternoon tea at StolenTime than simply a short respite. It is a full-fledged experience designed for us to slow down and take it all in. Overlooking the hallowed shores of Malabar Beach while still upholding this centuries-old tradition, it becomes a matter of leisure and pleasure as a mix of various teas, pastries, and finger foods is furnished. StolenTime afternoon tea is, as all things in our beautiful boutique resort, devoted to peace and into which one invariably wraps oneself either to share with a company or simply be with oneself.

The History of Afternoon Tea
During the early 19th century, tea consumption in Britain increased tremendously and it was around this time that Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford is said to have complained of “having that sinking feeling” during the late afternoon.

The cure for this, she found, was a pot of tea and a light meal during the afternoon, taken in her boudoir or in rooms at Woburn Abbey where guests were welcomed to join her. This was unusual for the time as it was standard for people to only take two main meals a day, breakfast and dinner; however, this tradition that the Duchess had started became so increasingly popular that other social hostesses quickly became inspired to adopt the idea of afternoon tea and soon the concept spread. Before long, nearly all of fashionable society were sipping tea and nibbling sandwiches in the middle of the afternoon and soon after, the entire nation!

Sadly, nowadays afternoon tea is usually only an occasional luxury for the British, a welcome break from a stressful day shopping in town or a birthday treat in a country house hotel. However, here at StolenTime, we offer guests the chance to indulge in this British tradition every afternoon and take time and effort to ensure that your experience with us will be a fantastic and memorable one that you’ll be looking forward to every day with us.

What is Afternoon Tea like at StolenTime?
Served between 4 pm and 6 pm, “afternoon tea” is a quintessentially British tradition that we have adopted at the resort to provide guests with a lovely window to socialise and indulge in a few afternoon snacks

With afternoon tea, there is no set menu in the traditional sense and the food is usually displayed around tables for guests to come and help themselves; however, there are staples that always remain consistent in their offerings.

“A selection of freshly prepared finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and preserves, a variety of homemade cakes and pastries, your choice from a range of teas.”

Typical sandwiches include smoked salmon and cream cheese, cucumber, egg and cress, coronation chicken and ham and mustard. Scones can vary from plain scones, to scones with raisins or chocolate chips, all served with clotted cream and different preserves such as strawberry or cherry jam.

Teas can range from British classics such as Earl Grey or English breakfast tea to more rare and complex tones such as Darjeeling, Asam and Lapsang Souchong.

Introduced as early as the 19th century to stem the hunger and anticipation of dinner, we integrate our signature style of cuisine with local ingredients and fresh produce providing our own unique and modern twist to enhance and elevate the experience.

With our open grill, where you can watch our chefs cook your beef sliders exactly to your liking or our plentiful and vibrant displays of home-made cakes and pastries, we try to go far and above by offering delicious variations each day that still complement the more classical offerings of scones, sandwiches and of course, tea.

The Health Benefits of Afternoon Tea
Furthermore, did you know that Afternoon Tea is also good for you? Research shows that not only is afternoon tea a fun and joyful experience, it also has many health benefits.

Reduces heart disease: Black teas contain high levels of flavonoids, a type of antioxidant found in plants that help to reduce the risk of heart disease and regulate blood pressure.

Aids digestion: For people suffering from indigestion or IBS, herbal teas such as camomile or peppermint are incredible at relaxing and easing the digestive system, nausea, abdominal pain and bloating, thanks to their antispasmodic properties.

Promotes Gut Health: There are powerful antioxidants in tea such as polyphenols (found in English breakfast tea) which encourage the growth of good bacteria as well as reduce the growth of potentially harmful bacteria in the gut. Gut health is very important to your health and wellbeing and there is so much research now into how our gut health can also positively impact our mental health as well. Therefore, it’s so important for us to look after ourselves and fuel the body with gut-friendly food and drinks such as tea.

Reduces inflammation- Ginger tea is well known for its powerful anti-inflammatory benefits that can be used to reduce arthritis muscle pain, as well as many other inflammation-related conditions. Also, turmeric tea was found to have similar properties to help treat stiffness and pain symptoms and offer a similar effect to pain medication in relation to inflammatory joint conditions.

Some studies suggest that catechins can have an anti-cancer effect and that regular tea drinkers can also benefit from a lower risk of developing cancer. This is because teas like green tea in particular obtain a sub-group of polyphenols called catechins, which can be effective in reducing the development of new cancer cells and reducing the spread to cancer cells.

We think you will thoroughly enjoy having afternoon tea with us here at StolenTime and would love to encourage guests to take part in this experience. Whether you prefer the social aspects, health benefits or just simply want to indulge in some delicious sweet treats, we think there’s something for everyone and furthermore:

Who could refuse afternoon tea by the Caribbean sea?

There is something about mixology that is considered magical. It is more than just a skill of mixing a drink and the right flavours; it is about weaving a narrative through all the senses. The sounds as the ice blocks and different ingredients poured, the smells everywhere, the colours created and how about the first sip; either pulling in surprises or calming the senses. But when you throw in the mix of health and wellness, pleasure becomes even nicer in mixology – this is because it ceases to be just an indulgence but a drink for the body, mind and spirit.

It is at StolenTime in Saint Lucia that we have further escalated the wellness approach to drink mixing. This resort, set between white sands and green bushes has always been an escape from the rat race for those who want some spa time, self-development and get back to the joys in life. Since there seemed to be a barrier while introducing wellness in our drinks, it had to be removed. Be it a thirst-quenching warm or cold drink after a yoga session, an immune-boosting drink or just a drink for the sake of it while the sun goes down, our drinks and ordering program is more than expected for your well-being.

The Evolution of Mixology: Post-Cocktail Age Shift to Health-Oriented Drinks
Prior to discussing the process we are using to make healthier drinks at StolenTime, it is important to discuss the history of mixology. In the past, it was all about concentration—creating a perfect blend of sweet, sour, bitter and umami. Even in the past, bartenders have always been molecular gastronomy practitioners who combine items to make an epic experience. Gradually, their attention to fresh-product-based ingredients – herbs, fruits, and other organic products has increased, indicative of a healthy trend in food consumption.

At StolenTime, we believe that mixology is a part of the wellness journey. Just like yoga helps in body-mind alignment or meditation helps in focusing our mind, these healthy drinks also promise similar balancing and nurturing concerns. It is not only quenching one’s thirst but nourishing one’s self in all aspects.

Ingredients: The Core of Wellness Mixology
The ingredient is king to the creation of a healthy drink. On the island of Saint Lucia, there is an ample selection of fresh, local fruits and vegetables, herbs, and spices, which provide the foundation for our healthy cocktails. Each item is chosen with care not only for taste but for its nutritional value as well.

Let us consider one of our commonly found ingredients, which is fresh turmeric. It’s known to have healing properties, and a little lemon or another sour ingredient would make a brilliant refreshing drink good for aching muscles after a hard day of exploring the island. Another one of our favorite ingredients is ginger which is well known to have properties that aid in digestion. After some yoga on the beach, a ginger lime spritz with a sprinkle of mint would hit the spot.

Fruits and vegetables are great but things like celery, chia seeds, moringa etc. are like superfoods and we love using them as well. Celery is an extremely healthy flowering plant that provides a lot of vitamins and minerals and makes smoothies/mocktails coloured pretty green. Chia seeds help provide some texture since they are high in fibre and help in keeping the body moist. Because of the numerous ways it improves one’s health, moringa has been nicknamed “the miracle tree”. As a result, moringa is often added to herbal teas or cocktails for an energy boost rich in antioxidants.

Alcohol Substitutes and Conscious Consumption of Alcohol
Indeed, for many, any break would not be complete without a cocktail in hand. However, at StolenTime, we are changing the experience of the vacation drink. Yes, we do provide classic cocktails for those who wish to treat themselves, however, there is also a rising trend towards mindfulness which encourages one to enjoy alcohol-free drinks without compromising on the taste or experience.

All mocktails are prepared with the same dedication and effort as any other real cocktail. The components include freshly squeezed juices, herbal blends, and sparkling water, and we have fictitiously made some beverage options that feel indulgent but are void of drunkenness. One of the most popular drinks with the guests is the combination of seedless watermelon, Lemon juice, Cantaloupe, Banana, pineapple, and Basil – “Summertime Blast”. It is an excellent beverage to enjoy while waiting for the sun to go down.

For the more adventurous patrons requiring a little kick but not enough to leave them tipsy, we like to facilitate the making of: “session cocktails”, which are cocktails that you can have multiple servings of and still feel sober at the end: low on the vodka, but plenty of other flavours added in to fill you up with a satisfying drink. These drinks use lower-proof spirits, that help the drinker buzz themselves without the scampering dehydration or hangover after a cocktail binge.

StolenTime’s Principles of Mixology Coexists With Comfort and Health
It is also important to note that mixology at StolenTime is also an active and engaging process. Guests are happy to participate in such classes as it allows them not only to learn something new but also to spend time with other people and understand how various elements can affect taste and health. Classes in the process of making healthy cocktails are gaining popularity among our guests because of these benefits.

Quite recently in one of the lessons, I had the chance to pick the brains of our mixologist, as he guided us on how to make a drink that was not only delicious but healthful as well. We proceeded to use fresh island pineapples which are said to have anti-inflammatory properties and accompanied it with coconut water to make it more refreshing. Then adding some cucumber and mint it would make it a higher temperature beverage which helps too while providing nice herbs. What was the final outcome? A lovely vitamin-enriched mocktail ideal for the hot afternoon further down our session.

While pouring, chopping, and beating ourselves in the act of making cocktails, I should say the atmosphere was quite electric. The intention was more than just drink preparation; it was about interaction, education and nostalgia for the effectiveness of ideas, starches and greenery when used in the proper ratios.

Beverages with Functionality: Inner Recovery
At StolenTime we were particularly excited because it allowed us to do something that many establishments these days seem to forget – develop functional beverages. These include drinks aimed at addressing specific health issues, with detox smoothies as well as immune tonics and others.

It seems that our breakfast smoothie, fondly dubbed the “Coconut & Mango Breakfast,” is very popular with the early risers. The drink consists of Chia Seeds, coconut milk, Vanilla extract, Mango, and flaked coconut which makes it packed with nutrients. There is no crash that one usually gets from caffeine, as this drink is purely herbal.

For those getting ready for bed at night, we offer is a very interesting ‘Calm Elixir.’ A selection to choose from chamomile tea, peppermint and the addition of honey to soothe the mind whilst preparing the body for a good night’s rest.

Taking the Experience Beyond the Resort
The interesting thing about our mixology classes and offerings is, they are meant, not just for the enjoyment of the guests while on holiday, but also when they go home. We would like our guests to further extend their wellness journey even after leaving our resort. Be it picking up a tumeric powder and making a drink which helps to reduce inflammation or preparing an impressive chia seed mocktail, we offer all the information and tools that are requisite for following such healthy lifestyles.

A Sip of Stolen Moments
Ultimately, mixology at StolenTime is about experiences. It’s about appreciating simple elements and appreciating how long It takes to do something lovely and most of all, it’s about the joy of filling your body with something wholesome and delectable from within you.

Next time you are on the quiet beaches of Saint Lucia, take a step back and indulge in a cooling drink whilst watching the world obey your command to slow down. Because at StolenTime, we have made an unwritten promise to ourselves… every sip should be transported to the taste buds, every moment should be captured and the experiences should be crafted to allow one to reconnect with self and the environment.

Here, as in many other bars, mixology is not just shaking cocktails but capturing stolen moments creatively one healthy sip at a time.

Smoked Fish Roulade

Ingredients

white wine Vinegar        4oz

Water                                2oz

Cloves                              0.1oz

Cardamon                        0.1oz

Star Anise                         0.2oz

Fennel Seed                     0.1oz

Dill Leaf                           0.5oz

Salt                                    0.5oz

Smoked Fish                    2.5oz

Carrot Julienne                  2oz

Zucchinni Julienne            2oz

Yellow Squash Julienne   2oz

Pumkin Julienne                2oz

Crispy Tuile                           1    Garnish

Dasheen Chips                      4    Garnish

Smoked Cherry Tomatoes  3    Garnish

Sliced Red Radish                 1     Garnish

Method:

1. Gather all the ingredients in a pot and allow to boil until the brine is tender.
2. Dice the assorted vegetables for pickles, then add them to a liquid in a lid-tight jar.
3. Ensure vegetables are fully covered in liquid, then set in the chiller for one day.

 Benefits

Pickled vegetables enhance the immune system function because of the probiotics they contain. These probiotics are live microorganisms that improve gut health, which is crucial in maintaining a strong immune system.

Smoked fish, including salmon, are high in omega-3 fatty acids. These are highly beneficial to our heart health, helping to reduce inflammation, manage heart rhythm, and lower triglycerides in our blood fats. These compounds also work to reduce the build-up of plaque in the blood vessels.

Stuffed Eggplant & Pumpkin Rice with Tomato Salsa

Ingredients for Eggplant/Aubergine

Coconut Oil                   0.7           oz

Onion Finely Chopped             3.2        oz

Garlic Finely Chopped              1.4        oz

Fresh Red Chilli Minced   0.5        oz

Eggplant              1            lbs

Mint Chopped          0.7        oz

Cilantro Chopped    0.7        oz

Lemon Juice       0.9        oz

Salt/Pepper        To Taste

Tahini(Sesame Paste)    1            oz

Ingredients for the Pumpkin Rice

Pumkin Puree   3.2        oz

Boiled Rice              8            oz

Olive oil               1            oz

Parsley Chopped     0.6        oz

Salt/Pepper        To Taste

Can Coconut milk.

Ingredients for the Tomato Salsa

Tomato Chopped and deseeded 4oz

Capsicum Chopped 1oz

Lemon zest/Juice             0.3 oz

Diced Onion       0.5oz

Method

1. Split the Eggplant into half. Drizzle some oil on eggplant and rub in salt and pepper.

2. Bake in the oven at 180 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Check the eggplant with fork to see if it’s tender from the inside if not cook more until it gets soft.

3. Use a tablespoon to gently scoop out the eggplant flesh.  Do not break the skin of the eggplant as it will be stuffed with the mixture.

4. Mince the eggplant flesh with a knife on a chopping board. Heat the saute pan with Olive oil, add onion and chopped garlic and add to pan. Sweat the vegetables for 2 minutes and then add the eggplant mince.

5. Stir the mixture for another 5 minutes and then add the chilli and Tahini Paste. Mix all of them nicely and lastly add the chopped herbs, lemon juice and adjust seasoning to taste.

6. Take the pan with the mixture and stuff the eggplant shells. Bake them in the oven at 180 degrees for 10 minutes.

7. Boil the rice and strain.

8. Peel the pumpkin skin, Dice into medium size pieces and set aside. In a sauce pot add 1 can coconut milk and the pumpkin and let them cook on medium heat to cook. Once the pumpkins are soft, blend to a smooth paste.

9.Heat a pan with olive oil and add the pumpkin puree and boiled rice. Mix them together with rubber spatula and then add chopped parsley. Adjust the Salt/Pepper to taste.

10. To make the salsa, finely chop all the vegetables and transfer them into a bowl. Mix them with lemon zest, lemon juice and adjust seasoning.

11. Put the salsa on top of stuffed eggplant and garnish with some lettuce.