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Sunday June 9

We both slept much better Saturday night and woke refreshed. We had ham and eggs, a croissant, mimosas and coffee for a very satisfying breakfast.



After last night's unsatisfying dinner, I decided I wanted to go get a nice lunch on the beach on the French side. We hung around the “house” all morning and finally headed out a little after noon. Knowing that many French people enjoy Sunday lunch on the beach, we thought we should try to be a little ahead of them. After finding several options to appear to be closed, we decided on LTC in Grand Case, which we had not been to before. The formal name is Letemps des Cerises, but I know why most people just call it LTC. Out of curiosity, I picked up a brochure for the hotel. It seems way overpriced, for what it is.

We arrived at the restaurant around 12:30. I wasn't sure if we could even get a table, so Eric stayed in the car and parked in a no parking zone and I went in and checked. They did have room in the dining area in the back, toward the kitchen. It was a little warm and the view wasn't as good as in the front room, but it was fine. The menu appeared to be exactly the same as was online, except of course for the specials.











We each chose wines by the glass as well as a bottle of flat water. There was only one waitress in the room we were in, but she hustled!! We were glad that we got seated before a group of approximately 14 people, as I'm sure they taxed even her talents.

I chose the beef tagliata, medium rare. It came a bit overcooked for medium rare, but the picture makes it look worse than it was. It came with french fries, which were a 4.5 on the fry-o-meter scale, and a salad, as well as a peppercorn sauce. Overall, it was excellent.



Eric has mahi mahi, with vegetables, like roasted red peppers, zucchini, portabellas, tomatoes and carrots. He said it was very good.

I would go there again in a second, and hopefully would be able to be seated in the front room, if it weren't on a Sunday.

After a big lunch, we headed home and were in for the night. We enjoyed watching this rich man's toy use their crane to put this boat in the water.



I confess I didn't see what happened to the 'little' boat, but the big boat then headed off, probably toward St. Barts. Dinner consisted of several different types of cheeses, as well as crackers, fruit, fresh veggies and nuts. It really hit the spot, although no pictures. .

Sunday was the only day so far that this GEBE situation was extremely annoying. The outage “schedule” said we would be out here from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, which was a fairly annoying time. However, it became 6, then 7, then 8 o'clock, and I thought it would still go out, and we would be out overnight. However, it did not go out at all on Sunday.

Some miscellaneous observations

Traffic was horrible in Simpson Bay on Friday night, but what else is new? It took us 55 minutes to get from BSV to the Carrefour by Mark's. Traffic again through Marigot on Saturday morning was horrible, but again, what else is new? Otherwise, so far we haven't had much issues with traffic.

We always come to SXM in June and generally there are no restaurants closed. However, this time, we came across several places that were either closed temporarily for vacation, or not open on Sunday. I don't know if Bistrot had been closed for vacation or not, but Thibault from Bistrot Cariabes was on our flight from Miami to SXM. He had been to visit his daughter, who lives in Canada. It was neat seeing a familiar face and getting a French greeting, even in Miami!

The weather has been warm for here, but we came from Florida, where our temperatures every day were 95 degrees and above when we left. So, we have had not a problem with heat, although the a/c has not been off at night. We have had a couple of really brief showers, but nothing much., usually at night. They only served to raise the humidity. The island overall is very green so it seems that showers have been abundant recently. The gardens here at BSV are very beautiful, so if I can raise enough energy to do that, will get some pictures taken.

For those who enjoy BSV, it is normally only half full or so during the summer. And the price is a lot cheaper now. The couple that had been in 14 for 3 weeks left yesterday. Today it seems there are about 4 or 5 units occupied.

Sounds like a good day.

Yes, we enjoyed it a lot.

Just curious...wouldn't it be easier traffic wise to go to the Carrefour right ove the causeway? It's a decent store....

So are you afraid to show Eric in the breakfast photos now??😁😝

Sounds like a nice day, and glad you had a good meal after the disappointing start. Enjoy the quiet at BSV.

boucharda--I actually like the other Carrefour by Mark's better, but we also had to go to Tech Hub, which is there in Carrefour. Eric likes the other one better, so we have been there too.

Jeepers--I guess!

taraavo--Yes, for sure. Yesterday we literally didn't go anywhere, didn't do anything. This morning, we went out to get some quiche for breakfast tomorrow. Not sure what the rest of the day will bring.

I prefer Carrefour in Cole Bay at the end of the causeway turn left. That is if we haven't shopped at Super U. Sometimes we stop at the Carrefour in Jordan Village if we need a quick something and we happen to be passing. Too bad that store is small because they have things I don't see in other Carrefour.

On the other hand we don't stop anymore at the one in Porto Cupecoy because their prices are higher than the other Carrefours. I guess because tenants in apartments at Porto Cupecoy are their customers who don't leave the area.

So far your days sound great! Except for lack of electricity at times. Thankfully BSV has a camp light to use. And dining by candlelight is sooo romantic especially with the sound of waves.

The electric has not been off at night. I am happy about that.

Thanks for the report. We spent a day at captain frenchy last November and enjoyed it. We had talked about ltc but never made it there. We’ll definitely put ltc on our list for November this year.

We love LTC for breakfast, which I think is 8-11am. Especially if you can snag a water side table.

bob--I looked at the menu for Captain Frenchy and didn't see anything I wanted.

Gonna be a loooong drive to Carrefour in Cole Bay if you turn left at end of the causeway!

Your reports and pictures are bittersweet because I should be there now! But thanks much for posting and, as you say, carry on!

Linda--yes, for sure, you should be here now. Take care.

I was going to point that out too.

We enjoy a day on the beach at LTC, with a break for lunch midday. You were fortunate to get a table on a Sunday without a reservation!

Left at the causeway could be someone who really enjoys a roundabout, just a really long right hand turn.

If you want to try out something different for shopping check out monoprix, which is the same way but go towards the French side.

They have a different selection of wines/produce/deli stuff.

google maps location

Carol, would you know where in St Maarten I could purchase a folding chair to sit on at the beaches ???

Carol we went there for the day with our daughter and her husband. We had reservations for dinner that evening so we just had a couple of appetizers,and plenty of drinks. The food was quite good as were the drinks,and the service was exceptional. Would definitely go back for a day again.

The big Ace Mega store, in Cole Bay, carries them.

Georgia--that's why I had Eric wait in the car while I went in and checked to see if I could get a table.

Yes, service was quite good.

Cost U Less also has beach chairs.

Kid -

I used Pack Light to rent beach equipment on my last two trips to the island. One chair, cooler, and umbrella was less than $50 for a week. The cooler was one of those Igloo coolers where the top tilts to the side to open. Not too big, not too small.

Craig (owner) will drop-off at your hotel, or meet you at an agreed-upon location. It was easy and convenient. Recommended.

Thanks Carol! Great report and photos. I like how you insert the photos through your report.

Enjoy the weather. Florida is getting rain and although it is moving out to sea, Invest 90 L soaked parts of Florida.

We NEEEEEED rain in Florida, so I wouldn't have minded being there during rain.