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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 Clubjust 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.
