For the past week, we really made no plans because of the weather and variable restaurant openings. Each day started with a clean slate. Fiona's impact on our part of the island was minimal, with plenty of rain, a bit of wind, and minor flooding. Le Bounty bakery was open normal hours throughout, so our breakfasts were unaffected and I'm pretty sure the lolos were open as well.
The water wasn't too roiled and people were swimming every day, in contrast to Simpson Bay Beach. Being more of fair weather swimmers, we elected to stay on land.
Lunch Thursday was again at Le Taitu. I was looking for something different and found it in their pork tenderloin in a mustard sauce. Normally I don't do pork as it's just a cheap meat offering, but I forget the French have a way with food, especially cheaper cuts, and this one was juicy and flavorful. As the Manager's cocktail party had been moved to Thursday, we had a nice dinner of bar snacks to top off our day.
Wednesday, I found out that the Bouchots were in and available for eating Friday, so reserved 2 orders. Two of my most memorable dining experiences involve mussels at Sunset Cafe on a sunny day, accompanied by some Sav blanc and no plans for the rest of the day. This was the second of those experiences. For some reason the fries also excelled--crisp and crunchy on the outside, and soft inside. At our slow pace, it took well over an hour to finish them. The meal was a great offset to a weekend mostly inside.
Sunday was move-to-Mary's-Boon Day. The water was a lot rougher than at GCBC and we've yet to be in--wimps that we are. There's a 3 to 4 foot berm at waters edge, but it's all sand an no rocks. The feline Matriarch, MJ, was there and we've had her in our room the last 3 nights. It makes up to us not having our cat, Nebo, around, a point I'm sure he vehemently disagrees with and will let us know Friday. At least he has a nice place out in the country with his own bedroom and a cat person to care for him.
We have rediscovered the joys of MB's restaurant. Very comfortable and homey with a gorgeous view of the bay, and, I presume, Saba on a yet to be seen clearer day. Food was good, not great, but the view makes up for it.
Many bakeries are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays so that made breakfast more challenging but still doable.
Monday's lunch was a return to Be Kool where I had my second best duck confit. Mrs Cruzer had a baked camanbert concoction, which was also tasty. This restaurant is on our lunch must do list now.
Last night we tried Balls and Wine probably best described as a tapas bar. Their smoked salmon tacos were outstanding, with the breaded crab coming in second. The beef meatballs were tasty, especially the parmesan cream sauce. Their Venezualan Cheese balls were essentially cheesy arepas, but as I was having a hankering for arepas, they hit the spot.
So, what made me think of arepas? That morning Mrs. Cruzer and I had Patty Healing Hands come to our room to give us each a massage, which was both relaxing and therapeutic. She's originally from Trinidad by way of Venezuela, and our discussion somehow got around to Pargo snd Arepas, and the rest is history. Mrs. C already wants to book a massage with Patty for our December trip, but I don't like making plans so far in advance. I'll probably book later this week, then.
Today is our last full day here, and it has been a good trip. Sure, Earl and Fiona tried to ruin our trip, but weren't successful. But the heat and humidity did get to us a bit, yet we more or less adjusted, vowing to avoid September (and probably August) in the future. Yeah, good luck with that if the urge hits.
cruzer--thanks for the report and the pictures! I will be sorry to see you go home!
Thanks for the pic of Beachside Villas. I assume you haven't gone down that way, but I wonder about the status of "Lake White Sands Road", after Fiona? Anyone know?
My wife had Patty from Patty's Healing Hands come to our room this last May. Was very happy with the massage. Will probably book her again for next trip in May.
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