TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin ANTOINES by the Sea

When we were on the island in April, we were introduced to the people who were buying this restaurant. Since its long been a special dining spot for us all the way back to the early eighties when we first discovered it, and one that will actually draw us into Philipsberg at night, I'm wondering if anyone has been there of late, and if so, wondering how it's doing under the new ownership. I'm curious because the potential purchasers didn't appear to have a lot of restaurant experience although at that time some of the staff was planning on staying on for a while to help them smooth the way as they transitioned. I guess I'm really wondering if the sale finally happened. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Don't know if this helps but it appears to confirm the sale.

http://www.antoinerestaurant.com/

We had dinner there in January as we have for many years and we saw no difference in the excellent food and service as well as familiar personnel. I suppose that could have been part of the transitional involvement as mentioned.
Certainly if there is any noticeable change it will be known since so many local island activities occur there.

Tom,

When we were there April of this year, but well after your trip, Jean Pierre and Pierre made a point of introducing us to the new owners. They were very pleasant though the wife only spoke French at the time. She was taking English classes with the intent of becoming more active in the hostessing end of the restaurant.

Jean Pierre indicated he was looking forward to the change and was actually planning to work as a lunchtime waiter only in an Old Street restaurant. He's long indicated he needed a change of pace - we first met him in the early 80's when he was a young man just starting out as a waiter there under the Captain's watchful eye, so I can imagine it will be a good thing for him to work a shift as opposed to half the day and half the night as he'd been doing for so many years. And he did indicate Leo would be staying on but Teresa was hoping to broaden her horizons and move into a different field somewhere else on the island. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

We ate there back when the owner was one of the waiters but never returned. Can't say why for the food was good. After reading all Pat's posts about the place we thought we'd try next visit and now we find hit has sold. Hope there's not much change.

For those who have eaten there in the past few months, has the new owner kept the same menu or changed it? We especially loved Antoine's duck and dessert souffles. Thanks and enjoy the holiday week-end. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />