TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Vacation time has begun......

Our first full day on the island is one and done, and a very peaceful day it was. We had breakfast in on some of those delicious pastries we get through Shop and Drop. Jeannie, without you and your service, I don't know what Johnny would do.

After breakfast we went up the hill to LGM mini market at Porto Cupecoy and picked up a few incidentals we neglected to order and then came back to the Towers to enjoy a pleasant Sunday afternoon spent between our pool and our balcony (perhaps that should read balconies since there are so many of them in this unit....) where we read up on the local news and tried to acclimate ourselves to the change in weather.

Today seems very warm and humid and the skies have been a bit overcast, at least where we're staying. Lovely fresh air with no need for coats and sweaters, and after the winter we New Englanders endured, that's a big deal in itself. Saba seems to have taken a quick trip elsewhere since she's missing off our front balcony view but I know she'll be back sooner or later. It's been very breezy so far and I've been able to turn the ac down, at least in the majority of our unit, and we've been able to rely on the gentle cooling breezes to keep our unit pleasant. We watched at least two good sized cruise ships clear Philipsberg this afternoon and John actually got to see his favorite choice in boats - a cute little red tug - go sailing by, too.

Came in from the pool and showered and began the everyday decision as to where to dine tonight. Antoines won hands down and it was so very well worth the drive into town. DH had their incredible lobster Thermidor and I had my lobster served a la salade cesare. So delicious! We washed it down with the better part of a bottle of wine and JP had even picked up some NA beer in anticipation of our arrival.

Can it get any better than that, you might ask? Yup!! - the piece de resistance was a lemon souffle prepared by the gentle hand of Chef Pierre. It was absolutely delicious but sadly, we couldn't finish the last couple of bites between us. But we sure did make a valiant attempt.

Back home again and soon off to lalaland. I don't know how relaxing and vacationing can be so very tiring..........night all. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Thank you, Pat, for a great morning read! I look forward to the next installment.

The best way to start my day is by reading your trip reports. Hope you have another fantastic day today!

Oh, to be back "home"!! We don't get to the island this year until September. I can hardly wait until then.

Have a great vacation, and keep your reports coming so I can vicariously enjoy the island...

sounds like a lovely first day!! Enjoy today!

Sounds wonderful Pat. I'll be joining you on Friday. Can't wait!!!

Your day sounds marvelous and the dinner scrumptious. Wish I was there instead of here!

A lovely start . . . .

Where did you have the lobster dish and how to get to that restaurant please. We arrive Thursday for 10 days and would love a lobster dish..Thanks Glenn

Pat posted that information; "Antoine by the Sea" in Philipsburg.
restaurant website

Pat - I didn't know Antoine's had a lemon soufflé - I've only had Grand Marnier and Chocolate. I love lemon-anything. Was that a special order?

Thanks for the update. Sounds like the trip is starting out good.

Thank you all for the kind words and good thoughts. They're sincerely appreciated.

Regarding Antoine's (By the Sea), it's on Front St, Philipsberg. It's the slow season now and they don't have their valet parking attendant but if you make a reservation, they will have someone available to park for you.

And their lobster Thermidor is, IMHO, about the best to be had on the island, and over the years we've tried it in a lot of other places and no one comes close. Trouble is, it's a very rich meal and a huge portion, even suitable for sharing if you're willing to..... And even though I didn't order it, my DH did let me have a few bites and as always, it was delicious.

And Rory, the lemon soufflés are a special request thing that Pierre can only do on a relatively quiet night. We were there on a Sunday and it is their slow season now, so I lucked out. But it certainly doesn't hurt to ask...