TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Le Pressoir a cautionary tale

A heads up to those who have enjoyed meals at Le Pressoir in the past. Four of us dined there two weeks ago and each had a really terrible meal. First off, the menu is a three course fixed price deal with three choices for each course. Dessert choice is selected when ordering. Cost was high but in line with what one would expect for a fine French resteraunt in Grand Case. Upon leaving, we agreed that every single selection was very disappointing. Service was great but thats about it . To make matters worse, one of us experienced the symptoms of food poisioning all night long and through the next day. Too bad, we used to look forward to a great meal at Le Pressoir.

So, what was the price? That is weird, that you have to order your dessert in advance. The only place I've seen that, is if you want to order a soufflé, which of course takes extra time.

I have experienced having to order desert while ordering main coarse before. But only at a fixed price menu venue. Don't like it but that's was the way is was.

As in Sol e Luna(although that appears only for lunch), I will not eat in any establishment that only offers set meals. Its a great shame that Le Pressoir are sticking to this regime, particularly in season. As a matter of interest, I emailed them 3 weeks ago and politely asked if they were considering changing this to a larger selection at some stage(as I used to enjoy the meals I had there in the past)...........No Reply!

Is Le Pressoir not now owned by the same individual(s) that own Sol e Luna?

Never said they were?

yes it is

sorry Oceanbreeze, missunderstood.

We looked at the menu but did not eat there. I believe the price was 65 Euros. In comparison the 3 course prix fixe at L' Astrolabe is 48 Euros. You did not have to order your dessert ahead of time and their were plenty of choices. Last night was Lobster night and you could have had it as a main course. No-one at our table had it but we did see others and it was a good sized lobster. The only item you pay a supplement for is the Dover Sole.

65 Euros is pretty high for such few choices. 48 Euro seems a lot more reasonable. What were the other options for entre' at L'Astrolabe?

Several appetizers. Escargot done in a different fashion, lobster bisque, onion soup, foie gras, various salads. Main course duck done in an Asian style, slow cooked lamb shoulder, filet mignon, pork tenderloin and several different seafood options. Scallops, shrimp, mahi mahi etc. It is a very extensive menu.

Great! Sounds good! We may try it this time.

The only other time I’ve had to order dessert beforehand was in the hospital. Yes the price was €65.

65 euro is pretty steep. As a comparison the full buffet with wine at Claudes Mini Club was at 49 euro just a few years ago.

The whole menu is available. So mix and match any way you want.

Friday night Jan got the Prix Fixe and I just ordered an entree. We shared the appetizer and desert.

They also give you a complimentary sparkling Wine and an Amuse Bouchée.

Gorgeous venue, good food and service and a reasonable price.

Lovely last night in St Martin

Ted_n_Jan--that might be the way to go for us too. We just can't eat three courses any more, most of the time, anyway.

There is a new owner for this restaurant.

Just to confirm, we are talking about L' Astrolabe?

Yes. L'Astrolabe.

65 Euros is correct. There were 3 appetizers, 4 entrees, and 3 desserts to choose from. All menu items were a tad bizarre, but we toughed it out. Mediocre at best. I would avoid the place until they come to, and have a realistic menu with sober pricing.

Went to LaVilla this week...49 price fix.....and FABULOUS. Been our favorite for years. plenty of choices, appetizer and desserts. Best Filets ever. and....cash ......1 to 1. And choices of rum at the end.

As I recall, it is anything on the menu. See it HERE! So, the fillet of beef is 34 euro. We went a couple of Fridays ago, and the 'Lobster Party' with a two pound lobster is 39 euro. The price fixe is 48 euro for either, but ordering the lobster on Fridays is a better value, as it is only an additional 9 euro vs. the beef filet at an additional 14 euro. We always split the starter and desert anyway.

Le Pressoir was one of our favorites but when I heard it had sold we didn't bother this trip, thinking we'd wait until thee results were in and the possibility of staying in Grand Case next visit and not worrying about parking.

Oh I forgot to add LaVilla to my favorites list.

Harry--thanks.