TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin We're back with a big decision to make

Hi Everybody,

My wife and I arrived back in SXM on the 18th after a two-day sail from Grenada. This is our third winter living aboard here after years of flying in. We initially checked into the Dutch side, as we were allowed to immediately after coming from a "Green" country. We prefer however to stay on anchor on the French side, so we had to get permission from the French Coast Guard. A few emails and forms, and a couple of days and two $120 PCR tests later, we were given permission to shift to the French side. Ahh, it feels so good to be "home."

So this brings us to today's big decision. We are anchored at Grand Case, and it is our anniversary. Where do we want to go for dinner?! I know you can't go far wrong no matter what you do, so it's a delightful problem to have. First, our regular spot here is La Villa. We've enjoyed many dinners there. It's pretty reasonable. Second, we missed our Grand Case dinner this time last year so it seems like it would be okay to be a bit extravagant, and one of the very best meals of my life was Le Pressoire. I know it has changed hands, comments? Third, someone gave us a Grand Case Passport of sorts, where if you visit three restaurants (Ocean 82, L'auberge Gourmand, and Bistrot Cariabes), you get a free bottle of rhum! Oceans 82 and L'auberge are already stamped, do we go for Bistrot Caraibes? ( I can already hear Carol's comment).

Help a brother out - what to do?

Ritchard--you already know it!! Bistrot Cariabes! If you're really going to splurge, go for the lobster! After the warm goat cheese salad, if that's still on the menu.

Truth is, I don't care much for lobster. We never get it, even when we can buy it off locals for peanuts.

Ah, ok. My personal favorite is lamb chops there...

Le Cottage, Always on the top of our list!

Definitely Bistrot Caraibes!

Certainly can't go wrong at any of the mentioned restaurants, each for a different reason.
Bistro Caribes for the lobster thermidor, although that's not your favorite.
La Villa for probably the friendliest service and most after dinner Rhum.
And even though Stephane and Tania at Le Cottage tend to stay on the proper side of service, you may be lucky to have Julian with his attentive laid back service.
La Cottage offers innovative food and a great soufflé for dessert.
Stephane has secured an extensive wine list that includes some different varietals of grapes not found on standard wine lists. He is wonderful at recommending a wine to your liking within budget.

In summary for my anniversary we always go to La Villa but for the best menu I would go to La Cottage.

Either le Cottage or Bistro Caribe would be my favourite. Happy Anniversary!

Bistrot Caribes ---My husband loves the scallops and I love the rack of lamb.
It's been a while, so they may not even offer them any longer.

It is definitely a difficult decision!!

I remember when a lobster tried to escape and we had to have our dinner replaced.
Be careful, if you like sitting at the table near the tank...LOL

Happy Anniversary!

Bistrot Caraibes would be my vote. We've spent a week in Grand Case several years and have eaten at most of the restaurants multiple times. We have never been disappointed with Bistrot Caraibes. We like La Villa but consider it a step down in quality and innovation. Le Cottage is excellent, too, but their meals feel slightly heavier and sometimes overly rich or complex for our taste. Favorites at BC are lamb, scallops and sea bass..always wonderfully fresh ingredients enhanced but not overwhelmed in the preparation and beautifully presented.

My favorite is LaVilla. Always was, always will be. but....the others mentioned surely wouldn't be a bad choice!! A very tough decision to make.

t

Carol won. It was an awesome dinner.

Richard--great to hear! What did you have?

Ritchard - Tuna tataki appy, Braised lamb shank daily special

Kim - Escargot and mushrooms in a creme sauce, roasted duck breast.

Dessert was a cheese plate shared.

I had never had their ginger rum before and I would have to call myself a fan. We had completed the "passport" with this visit so got to take a bottle away with us.

Lovely meal.

Afterward, we made our slightly weaving way back to the dinghy dock. I stroll down the ramp and step to the dock, the moment I do so, the swell comes in just so and shoots a huge gush of water upward through the gap, absolutely soaking me, er, from toe to head. The timing was so perfect I just had to laugh.

Sounds lovely, except for the 'bath' and I would have chosen something more fattening for dessert!

But oh, lordy, what cheese.

Just so glad you enjoyed it!