TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Thursday- April 3

What started as a washout turned into a perfect beach day at Chez Leandra
We headed out at 8:00 AM, arriving at LaPlaya on Orient by 8:38. The beach boys had already set up, prepping for several large groups. The cruise/tour groups were directed down to the far end of their beachfront.

At first, the weather looked ominous—super cloudy and rain on the horizon. And sure enough, it poured. We all ran for cover, and we passed the time with a cappuccino and a Bloody Mary while we waited it out. After the rain, everything was soaked—cushions, towels, the works—but we gave it another shot and lounged for about an hour or so before another heavy rainstorm hit. At that point, we called it and decided to pack up.

Before heading back, I suggested we at least stop for lunch at Chez Leandra—and I’m so glad we did. It was still windy and looked like more rain was coming, so we opted to eat inside. I had the grilled red snapper with onions, peppers, and spices, served with flavorful rice and peas, a vinegar-based salad, and the standout: potato salad with corn and peas. David a jerk chicken wrap with fries . Very good but very spicy. I’m not usually a spicy food person, but when I overheard someone ask for hot sauce and the server said, “Do you want the bottle or Z’s homemade hot sauce?”—well, I had to try it. That sauce was incredible—jerk flavor with a kick and a touch of onion. I mixed it into my rice, and I’m telling you: Z needs to bottle that stuff.

Z is the chef, and his wife Rochelle runs the front. They’re such a great team and make you feel so welcome. By the time we finished eating, the sun had come out and the skies were crystal clear. Rochelle told us to go ahead and use their chairs, so we spent the rest of the day soaking up the sun. What started out as a total weather fail turned into a beautiful, breezy (yes, very windy!) beach day on Orient.

Later that afternoon…

Keeping with our usual tradition, we made it to the Yacht Club just before the 4 PM bridge opening. Had a great time catching up with Brian, the regulars, and the friendly waitstaff we’ve gotten to know.

We thought about trying Tortuga Café for dinner. David found a parking spot on the street so we ywere excited to try a different spot for dinner. At 7:30, most tables were full, and when I asked the hostess about a table for two, she said the bar was the only option. We passed on that and headed to D’s Beach Bar instead.

They had a country band from St. Thomas playing—not just country, but a mix of other genres too. Very lively, lots of people dancing, and yes… loud. I had the Asian chopped salad with sesame-crusted tuna, while David went for the Cuban sandwich with fries. Both were really good and hit the spot.

All in all, a great save on what could’ve been a rained-out day. Just another reminder for us that a rough start can still turn into a perfect ending.

The food looks really good, especially the tuna.

Glad you were able to salvage your day.

I have to ask, what time did the music stop? I am NOT happy about loud music there.

Always enjoy your food descriptions and photos! Tuna looks awesome. Good job on turning lemons into
a lemonade day!😎

We tried Tortuga several times for breakfast and had hoped to return for a dinner but never made it. Food is reasonable, great view (n daylight) . We had pancakes with bacon coffee $10, another visit we had two eggs, bacon sausage, toast home fries, juice $19.

We’ve had breakfast there twice and lunch once so this will be a first for dinner. I actually made reservations on their website for this evening.

You couldn’t hear the music Carol from the villa it’s just while we were dining. The music was loud and we have a couple of friends who have hearing aids and it’s just not a place for them, but we were solo.

I’m not sure Carol when the music stopped. We left there about 830 and they were still playing.

Thank you so much. I appreciate the comment. Have a good day.

If you couldn't hear it from your room from that end, I guess it won't bother us. Thanks.

Fabila, it was a wild night at Tortuga. Hubby and I were enjoying our meal from Burger Bar on our balcony when the action started to get super loud from the restaurant. Lots of yelling, laughter and general merriment which we were able to block out with our doors when it was time to call it a night. At 11pm they were still having fun and this morning the restaurant staff said there were 72 people there! They didn’t bother us at all but I know what everyone means when the music is so loud you can’t talk or even hear yourself eat! LOL

Thanks, Teresa. There were two open tables that I saw so she must’ve meant to say that they were booked with 68 people because at first I thought she was saying a party of 68 people were coming in.

Carol, we didn't hear D's music while in #12 but we did notice plane noise is more pronounced in 12 than what we heard in lower numbered villas.

Rosemary--thanks. I don't worry about plane noise at all. I am very much concerned with loud music at night, especially if it's that "boom, boom, boom" base noise stuff. Hopefully it doesn't sound like a problem.

Sounds like it turned out to be a good night anyway!