TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin First disappointing meal

Although not horrible we were disappointed this morning at Rendevous in Port O Cupecoy. Started fine with coffee on the outdoor patio but when our pastries came out so did a flock of birds like a Hitchcock movie, we did not want them to make off with our preciousness French delicacy so we move inside, now the birds were replaced with swarms of flies, had to eat with one hand and swing at flies with the other, cutlery had to be returned as it still had food from the last use on them. Food not bad but was a bit pricey, $9 for three coffees as refills are extra, total was almost 37 for two pastries, coffees, and we split the breakfast meal. Of course the service fee was embedded in the final amount. Hopefully they will figure things out but for us there are better options.

Pre-Irma, I also had a disappointing experience there.

We've not had decent food there either. The flies are everywhere post Irma.

Thanks for the update. I'll remove it from my list of "to go." Has anyone tried the other Italian (Mediterian?) place there opened by Christopher from Sol e Luna. Can't remember the name.

Hate to say it, Rosemary, but that’s probably a good move on your part.

In all our SXM years and trips, and all our meals over all those years and trips, I can count on one hand the number of bad meals I’ve had on Island, and sadly, this place provided one of them. When it originally opened it was a good choice, particularly for coffee and pastry in the courtyard, but it changed hands or so I was told, and on our only return after that it was not a pleasant experience.

I figured since we'll be staying near airport this coming visit instead of GC that we'd try some of the Simpson Bay/Maho restaurants talked about here. That's why I added this place. You have about the same tastes as we do, Pat so you just confirmed we should pass this one by. Thanks.

A very easy drive from where you’re staying, if you haven’t already done so, please try LeMoulin Fou in what’s left of the Maho area. You might get lucky and find parking up there behind the top tier of restaurants where La Rosa and LMF are located but that’s IF you’re very lucky. We generally park in the carpark under the Maho Market. This is perhaps one of our favorite places over the past couple of years.

Agreed. It's been about three years since I've eaten there, but when I did, it was one of the best meals of the trip.

I don't know if they are open, but we usually go to Zee Best in Simpson Bay and each of us ( husband and wife) get two pastries and unlimited coffee for $15 including the 15% service charge.

umm,,,,safe to say, just boycott Rendevous...

Le Moulin Fou is certainly on our favorites list, one of the best steaks on island as well. Cheers!

I personally have eaten at Rendezvous many times and have always had great food. The breakfasts, pizza, wings, steaks and homemade pasta that I have had have all been excellent, friendly service as well as live music on many occasions. I love the atmosphere of the porto cupecoy plaza and the European feel of the entire project. People have always been friendly and it’s a special go to place on my list. as far as birds, the birds seemed to have left after hurricane and finally returning now which always remind me of open piazzas in Venice etc. Flys seem to be a problem all over the island since Irma. I had lunch yesterday at another new restaurant and we swatted flys throughout meal but nevertheless had a nice lunch. I would absolutely recommend going to Rendezvous and having a great experience. I personally have a reservation for this Sunday afternoon for late lunch and music as I was there one night last week with friends and had a great dinner (homemade raviolis).

Sadly, our last experience there was very different from sintmaarten's but I hope it has improved. Funny though, we had the pizzas and thought them to be absolutely terrible.

And to add to my other post to RonDon, do try Sale and Pepe in Simpson Bay. We've only been there twice but both times it was excellent. Things may have changed post-Irma, but I would recommend you make a reservation there to be assured seating. It's very popular and very good.

Businesses are struggling to get by so someone has an off experience at a restaurant and everyone should “boycott” the restaurant? Wow...

Well, the concept of 'boycott' in this situation seems kind of odd, but several people have reported less than satisfactory experiences, going way back before the hurricane.

Yes boycott is too severe, it is save to say however that they appear to be inconsistent which is not good on SXM where great restaurants are the norm.