TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Recent Restaurant Closures

Apparently Shanghai Brasserie in Porta Cupecoy, and Fusion in Simpson Bay are both closed. We haven't had a chance to try the Brasserie, but we did love Fusion and sorry to hear about the closures.

Fusion is closed permanently? Or just vacation? We only ate there a couple of times, but we enjoyed it.

I was hoping for vacation only, but it appears that it is closed permanently. Elisha from the Brasserie is working at Bamboo Bernie's.

Huh. OK, thanks.

We were down in SXM 2 weeks ago and friends of ours went to Fusion on Saturday May 7 and were told it was their last night. They said they just couldn't swing it anymore. Wish we had tried it since I had heard good things.

When Fusion was in Maho I thought it was pretty decent. After they moved it seemed hit or miss. The other closure does not surprise me.

Restaurants in Porto Cupecoy seem to have a hard time. I wonder if the rent is too high.

That is probably one problem and it just is not really convenient unless you are in the Cupecoy or Maho area.

It seems like the parking is tight there also.

We keep our boat in Cupecoy. It's a nice marina, but definitely off the beaten path. We thought the marina restaurants were overpriced compared to other areas

I am so very bummed about Fusion. I've had very good food and excellent service in all three of their locations. It always amazed me how Pineapple Pete across the street (which has had mediocre food every time I've been there - apologies to those of you who feel differently) was always bustling and Fusion was just dead. I'm really sorry to hear this.

Totally agree with "jazzgal's" comments. Loved Fusion and feel Pineapple Pete's is very overrated.

"Ditto"

That is interesting as we have eaten at both and thought Pineapple Pete was the better value. Well I guess it is different strokes for different folks.

We really enjoyed Fusion,but also like Pineapple Pete. They offer two totally different vibes and different food choices. A lot of tourists prefer the atmosphere at Pineapple Pete's and the friendly staff that always welcome you home. We like dining at different types of restaurants depending on our mood at the time. We will miss Fusion too.

Totally agree with Jazzgal. Always had some great meals at Fusion.....Last visit we didn't even bother with Pineapple Pete's. I agree...mediocre at best....but still decent. But...for the same money there are so many better places to eat.

We have always enjoyed Pineapple Pete. They always have very consistent food and great service. Pierre runs a tight ship!

There has to be a reason why they are always packed, even in off season, when other restaurants are closing.. Like as in, ....this thread. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Carol...i have been there many times over the years. I find it okay....not great...not bad. Yes...good service, usually good entertainment, but find it very noisy, and not that ''memorable". To each their own.

WOW that was quick re: Shanghai Brasserie. They were going to open I believe the week after we left in November. Elisa was managing it. Sorry to hear the news as I wanted to check it out on our next visit.

While they are different, I would compare Pineapple Pete in a way to Mark's Place. Not gourmet but consistently good, a decent value and good service and both seem to do a good local business. Not for everyone but I do enjoy both.

Shanghai Brasserie went down quick. Somebody lost a lot of money in a short time.

Pineapple Pete's is normally our first meal on island. Usually because we're travel-weary and getting settled in, so we're not ready for something more upscale, and PP's is so familiar and comfortable to us. We have always enjoyed the vibe, food, and service there. Sorry to hear about Fusion.

Our go-to place is Skipjack's - our first nights' meal, and usually the last night too! We always get a great meal there! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

We also head to Skipjack's on our first day on the island. We get in about 2PM, get to the condo by 3PM, and get the owner's closet unpacked by 7PM. Time for a relaxing and tasty dinner at Skipjacks.