TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin LeCottage Review, Best of food & presentation

Le Cottage is one of the busiest restaurants in Grand Case and for good reason. Please do not tell my friends that own great restaurants, but with only of couple of gourmet restaurants to revisit, Le Cottage is ranked at the top for food tasting and presentation. Tania (co-owner) showed us to a table half way inside the restaurant which still offered a view into the street while allowing us to benefit from a bit of the air conditioner. As with all open air eateries, the humidity can be bothersome after a few drinks and warm food. My wife choice from the menu was the lobster tasting which started off with a rich lobster bisque topped off with a cap of puff pastry and a side of almost illegal whipped lobster crème fraiche which brought the bisque to a new level of food heaven. My trilogy of raw fish included a duo of salmon and mahi, seared tuna,
and marlin. The plate looked so beautiful that I almost didn't want to devour the work of the chef. but once I tried the wasabi mousse with the marlin, I felt like I had returned to food heaven again. There was no reason to leave the pearly gates of gastronomy because the second course of the lobster tasting was two lobster filled raviolis with a froth of coconut milk. This was a delicate dish that brought on a new level of food ecstasy. A tart lemon intermezzo was brought by Julian who pored a shot of vodka over top. For the main course, mixed vegetables and a sweet potato puree with a ribbon of fried ginger shared the plate of lobster. A generous filet of red snapper was garnished with a skewer of shrimp, crab mashed potatoes and assorted vegetables finished the second entrée. Another piece of art arrived with a mixed dessert plate with a petite warm chocolate cake with a molten center,cheesecake, madeleine's, fruit tarte, mango sorbet, berries in fruit sauce, and a shot of espresso. Wow!!! By this time there was no
room left in heaven. Luckily my first caramel soufflé flopped leaving another 20 minutes to make room for the piece de resistance. The soufflé arrived reaching for the sky and then lowered itself while Jullian pour a caramel sauce over the newly formed center hole. I am so glad that the scoop of caramel ice cream was small as I could not control my spoon. Stephane (Tania's husband) is very knowledgeable with his wine list and keeps a keen eye on service. Don't be surprised if when you leave Le Cottage and notice Julian is also working next door at LaVilla. The restaurateurs may be friends, but don't share employees, but have hired twin brothers. Try both restaurants and decide which restaurant and brother you like better. Le Cottage at present time is offering 1-1 making your dinning experience very reasonable for such a perfect evening. I will note that on the bill folder that it mentions that "tips" can be left in cash. Those of you may agree that it may be a deceptive way to unknowing Americans to double tip. I believe in my review last year, they said that the service charge was not included, so at least it says "tip". I'm sure that this will start a whole new discussion.

Excellent review of Le Cottage. It has always been a great restaurant and happy to hear it continues the same great food and service under the new operators. As for 'the tip',15% is automatically included on all cafe and restaurant bills, and on the prices listed on menus throughout France. Therefore the custom is to leave only a small additional tip if one wishes, usually no more than some loose change, and up to perhaps a maximum of 5% if one is truly pleased with the service. It is called a "pourboire" and should be enough to cover the cost of a drink for the server.

Glad to hear that Le Cottage is back on top. It has always been one of our favorites, but we were less than impressed several years ago. It may be time to give them another try!

Nothing deceptive about noting that "tips" must be left in cash. Again, this is typical of European nations. It's incumbent upon travelers to know the customs of the places they visit.

We haven't been to Le Cottage in many years, but did enjoy it during Bruno's tenure there. I've enjoyed the lobster tasting menu there, and the caramel souffle is the best souffle I've ever tasted.

Delicious review. We have never been there but will put it on our list.

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />I agree with everything the reviewer posted, however there was no mention of an appetizer that will send you straight to heaven....the Foe Gras Lasagna with a morel mushroom sauce, absolutely amazing! !!

One of my absolute favourites in Grand Case. Yes, the foie gras lasagna is to die for! &#128525;