It is now the end of October and my mind is on April. Two thoughts: food and travel. Three words: Taste of St. Croix. (Is that technically four?) Who among us on the Mainland doesn’t think that a jaunt down to the Caribbean is our due come April? Travel is a good thing after a winter up north. Food – that is a good thing, too. Food is good. And, by the way, that shortens to F-I-G, and that is the name of one of the sensational restaurants whose stellar chef will be participating in the St. Croix Food and Wine Experience next year. Mike Lata, the award and award and award-winning chef is set to be a judge at the Taste of St. Croix, April 17th, 2013. As always, the Taste of St. Croix is staged at Divi Carina Bay All Inclusive Beach Resort and Casino.

The Taste of St. Croix started thirteen years ago as a little local food event devised to raise a little money for charity. It has grown and has been described as, “one of the best International food events,” according to Forbes.com.

And, for that reason, the event now draws some of the best chefs around. And from all reports, Mike Lata in Charleston, South Carolina, is one of them. And, get this: he’s self-taught. (Take hope, all of you.) Lata and his restaurant, known to all Charlestonians by its acronym FIG, (see above) have been written about in numerous epicurean magazines. His restaurant also has been featured on the Travel Channel as well as in travel publications. Food, it seems, is now drawing people to Charleston. And, it draws people to St. Croix now, too. Lata, no doubt, will draw foodies to St. Croix in April.

The television program “Dateline” reported that the food at FIG is, “so good it will buckle your knees.” Mmmm. Can’t wait.

Lata will take part in nearly a week’s worth of activities while on St. Croix from April 16 to the 21st. The centerpiece of the St. Croix Food & Wine Experience is the Taste of St. Croix, always on Thursday night. This tasting and sipping extravaganza brings about 1500 people to Divi’s beachfront. It’s festive, glittering with twinkling lights and fashion finery, the food is endless and delicious and everyone is swaying with the palm trees and music.

Two words: book now.