TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin TR3 - Three weeks of evenings

Trip Report Part 3 – Dinner and Cocktails!

I already mentioned in my first report some of our Grand Case dining so going on from there.

The Palms – I could eat here at least three times a week and just rotate what I would have and all are so different that it works. Greg’s Spicy Lasagna one night, Drunken Ribs the next night and the Filet Mignon the other night. If he has his burger then that works to be a fourth night and I would be OK with that. The cocktails here are also pretty damn good and that even adds more to what is offered. I have stated before that it is more that just the food at any place you go, it is the people and the relationships that make places even better than they are. This is one of the best of the best for all parts that make up an enjoyable evening.

Lal’s – Lal did not open until December so we lost many nights that we probably would have spent there but like The Palms, Lal makes it what it is. Rock and Roll Indian Food.

Avantika – The rest of our group likes this place more than I probably do, it is good but Thai is not something I crave when on island and I am never in awe and the lack of any vibe or view just isn’t my thing. But a lot of people really like the place, but we all know it is all really just about me. As it has been said by Islandgem, we can go to great restaurants at home but we don’t have much for beach bars and this place just doesn’t have a special feel with the location.

3 Amigos – OK, felt lazy and staying at Royal Islander and our first choice was not open and we just didn’t want to go far so gave it a second try. MJ had a quesadilla which was unimpressive, I had three tacos which were actually pretty good. The margaritas tasted like they used a bit of Prestone as the mix, absolutely terrible and those were the best they offered. We miss Taco Macho.

Sublime – Opened up in Maho when we were there, it was good but I would not say it was great and again here I am eating inside on island. I know the place has a good following and while we did not go to the previous location I get the sense that the cost to go is up a bit. I wish them luck and I am sure it will get better and better, you get a sense that they care.

Ma Ti – Back open but in a different location, this is a favorite of a few of our friends. While finding it and the feel of the location when you are parking is not exactly welcoming once you get to the restaurant area it has a very nice feel and setting. We liked it enough that we went twice and both times it was very good. They have Chicken Cordon Blue that is not on the regular menu so you have to ask for it, have it served on their fresh pasta and you will be pretty happy with that suggestion. Good food, great staff, nice bar and good drinks, all in a very nice setting. Absolute enjoyable evening both trips.

Astra – This just opened, where Snoopy’s was and they have spent some money and energy making the place very inviting. They did not open until late in our trip but this is a “we will be back” kind of place. Total package with food, drinks, staff (although could have been better educated on the menu) and setting. I would expect Astra to do very well and become very popular.

Sale & Pepe – Another that checks the boxes, from the food and drink to the service and setting. There are some places that have better Italian food but the setting here out on the back deck next to the yachts is very pleasant and makes the difference.
One more report to go if I find the time.

So many places that we intended on going to and did not make it, such as Mario's which from what I have heard has an absolute fantastic setting now that they moved to The Cliffs. We will just have to go back, 155 days and counting!

Cheers!

You know, I kind of agree with you about Avantika; I wonder if their new location downstairs will be on the lagoon? Another place we didn't get to this trip is Moulin Fou, although it isn't exactly beachy either. So many places, so little time.

Thanks for the dining report.

Nice dinning report. Avantika is one of our groups favorites but Thai food isn't my choice for island food dinning. Isola is my choice for Italian.

Thank you for the dining report. I really agree with you that a big part is the atmosphere. When on the island, an "island" feel is so much better. Have to have marina/water views etc. I miss the days of all the restaurants in Marigot either on the water or in the marina.

Movida is downstairs from Avantika on the road near the elevators and has been open for a month or more. Astra is also owned by the same folks as Avantika and Movida. We do like the food at Avantika, but I get the ambiance issue. Have not tried the other two yet but both getting good reviews. Glad you enjoyed!

Thanks for the report. I look forward to trying Mario's at the new location, possibly for lunch, in order to enjoy the view.

I enjoy Avantika since I often travel alone and I enjoy sitting at the bar to eat/drink while chatting with old friend Julio.

Thanks for a report which is not all "thumbs up". That is helpful.

Julio wasn't at Avantika when we were there, but he was behind the bar at Astra. Not sure if that's permanent or not. The bar at Astra is also very nice, and would offer a similar opportunity.

Is Astra just a bar or a Bar/restaurant too? If a restaurant what type of food?

What is not to love about Julio! Makes a great Mojito! Bob you will like Astra and sitting at that bar. We sat with Julio for a bit before going to a table, he seemed happy at Astra.

It's a very nice restaurant with a very nice bar. They specialize in steaks and seafood. The menu is quite extensive, and we found the prices reasonable as well.

Sounds like a place I'll have to go to. Thanks for getting back to me.

Where is Astra located? You said was Snoopy's but I'm not familiar.

Next to Skipjacks, back in the day it was The Wharf.

Sounds like a place we need to check out next trip. Speaking of Skipjacks, is there anything in that space right now?

Nope, shut tight and rope across the parking lot so no one can park there.

Well, that's not very neighborly, considering how tight parking is in Simpson Bay.

Yep

I always had a high regard for Skipjacks but not know. But in their defence it could be a landowner decission.

With all that is going on legally with Skip Jacks it is probably best to hold any judgement until the dust settles.

What is going on with Skipjacks legally?

Everybody always raved about Skipjacks, but the cabbie that shuttled us from the French side to their could t believe how fast we wanted out. Our table was on the floating part and we could swear every employee steeped hard on the boards u der our table making it beyond annoying. To add, I can still taste how bland the chowder and fish we had.

Anyways we were in the 1% that didnt fall for Skipjacks.

To bad. We always had great service and food at Skipjacks.

Likewise, Scuba, and they did a very nice job on their Caribbean lobsters if you wanted a step up in setting from the old Lee’s but let me add, having tried the new Lee’s location last trip, we thoroughly enjoyed our grilled lobsters there.

Lee's never disappointed us. Lobster, fish or ribs. Always spot on.

We ate there last visit for the first time, the food was fair and I has the ribs. Seemed like they were ready to serve long before we got them. Best part of Lees was their assistance in getting the car i to and out of a parking spot which is job 1 for those not walking from a local lodging. I would rate the Lolo’s ribs over Lee’s most days.

Boy it would be nice to eat at any of those places right now. We would have had to get our test today for a 29Dec departure. And it is brutal cold outside.

First stop for us would be Little Jerusalem which was a first time visit last year. Something simple, filling, inexpensive.

Would love to hit Le Piment, Bistrot Caraibes, Good Morning Cafe, Le Moulin Fu as well. M

Instead, We are going to Cancun for a first time ever visit.

If we feel lucky, maybe we will hit SXM in July and use our lodging credit.