May 17, 2012

Once again, we had a spectacular meal at Ocean Lounge Restaurant & Bar in the Holland House Beach Hotel. After ordering two Black Labels on the rocks, we sat sipping our favorite scotch discussing forthcoming events while enjoying the beautiful view of the yachts in Great Bay.

After a while, our waiter brought us the Chef’s offering which was a creamy spicy tomato mousse in a six inch long slender vial with garnishment on top which was packed in a small bowl of ice. Also, in the vial which looked similar to the ones used by doctors to take your blood was a slender straw. One or two sips of the straw and the mousse caressed your palette with a lovely delightful taste on its way to your stomach. We really wanted more!

For appetizers, we enjoyed Gravlax, marinated and lightly smoked salmon with sour cream and toast, and Beef Carpaccio in lemon juice which were both delicious and easily either could be shared by two people. For our main course, we had Chilean Sea Bass served in an antiboise sauce with mini potatoes and fresh spinach, and Brill which is a white fish imported from Holland accompanied by a selection of vegetables.

For Dessert, we had the chef’s innovative rendition of French toast with Vanilla ice cream in the middle. It was truly unique. And, of course, the meal was accompanied by a lovely bottle of Sancerre (White wine). By the way, Guido & Georgina, our servers, were attentive and friendly and along with Robert, Manager of Food & Beverage, helped to make the evening memorable. For reservations, call Robert van Herpen at 721.542.2572 or 800.223.9815 or email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

New Ferry Service to St. Barts from St. Maarten. The Voyager 3 is a new high speed hydrofoil ferry boat that will get you to Gustavia, St. Barts from Oyster Pond in 30 minutes and from Marigot to Gustavia in 1 hour. This new vessel really speeds up the trip and offers a business class setting for luxury traveling. 

Barbara and I had such a nice time at Beau Beau’s that we decided to go back and try its sister, Infinity Restaurant, at Oyster Bay Beach Resort especially since we heard that Spartaco Sargentoni was managing the restaurant. For those of you who may remember, Spartaco had his own Italian Restaurant in Almond Grove for many years and it was one of the best restaurants on the island.

As we arrived at the restaurant, we were pleased to find that Joseph, our server from Beau Beau’s, would again be taking care of us and since he knew our favorite drink, two of them were delivered “post haste.”

We started the evening with the Chef’s offering (To whet your appetite) which was Lobster Bisque presented in two tiny little glasses. It was scrumptious! For appetizers, we had a lovely platter of Smoked Salmon with capers, tomatoes and parsley in a creole sauce and a Salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, carrots, lettuce and red onions. For our main course, we very much enjoyed the Seafood Lasagna and the Grouper with Panko, and Risotto which were nicely cooked and presented. And, to top of the evening, we devoured an Apple Tart with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. For reservations at Infinity Restaurant, call 1.721.543.6040.

May 10, 2012

Barbara and I did it again. We had dinner at C Le Restaurant at the Radisson Blu Resort Marina & Spa, St. Martin and once again, it was a wonderful affair. The ambiance of the restaurant set the stage for the evening. An open-walled building, high ceilings with fans circulating the warm breezes coming off the Caribbean Sea which gently sends its waves to caress the shore, while yachts sit majestically in the bay. The views are spectacular even at night.

After a brief chat with Coco, the Maître D, who remembered us from previous visits, our favorite scotch was delivered by Mimi, our server, in a New York minute. In fact, all of the staff was helpful, friendly, professional and could answer any questions. For appetizers we had Salmon Carpaccio with pineapple chutney and Mahi-Mahi ceviche with fresth coconut pickle which were both splendid. For our main course, we enjoyed a whole Snapper which was perfectly cooked with a side dish of vegetables and a Bouillabaisse of Lobster, Shrimp, Scallops, Prawns and Mussels accompanied by cheese and toast for the fish soup left over. It also came with a side of mixed vegetables. Both meals were happily devoured and once again, a lovely bottle of Sancerre joined us for the meal.

To end the evening, we enjoyed two very delicious desserts: Caribbean Melba vanilla ice cream with almonds and caramelized pineapple and the Prickly Pear Soufflé with licorice ice cream. It was a lovely memorable evening. For reservations, telephone 011.590.590.87.67.00.

Well, Barbara and I finally made it to Karakter’s, the beach, lounge, and restaurant for lunch. It really is a pretty cool place with beach loungers, umbrellas and tables and chairs and lots of activity. It’s located on Simpson Bay Beach next to Mary’s Boon. Try it! You’ll like it!

Sorry to say that Don Camillo Italian Restaurant in Marigot has closed. It was a mainstay for many travelers/tourists for what seems like 20 years or more; but, alas, there is a Closed / For Sale sign on the door. Unfortunately, the worldwide recession of the last several years has taken its toll on many businesses. I'm also sorry to say that Vinissimo's Wine & Spirits Boutique in Marigot has also closed.

May 8, 2012

Radisson Blu Resort Marina & Spa, St. Martin is offering a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon in St. Martin to a family getaway in paradise, vacations at the Radisson Blu Resort, Marina & Spa are guaranteed to be unforgettable. The resort offers a wide range of special promotions perfect for couples and families. Review our HOT 40% Off Summer Sale with rates from 138Euros including breakfast for 2 Daily or a Complimentary upgrade to a Marina Suite when guest books a Deluxe Room Caegory at 168Euros. Please click the link www.radissonblu.com/resort-stmartin/offers for additional information!

The Junior Golf program of the St. Maarten Golf Association (SMGA) is nearing completion of its 7th full year of operation, and to mark this we will have our sixth Annual competition for the junior golfers at the Mullet Bay golf course. While some of these 8 to 17 year olds are not yet ready for an 18-hole competition, they are hugely enthusiastic about the sport.

The program's 40 children have been getting 3 times weekly, paid instruction at the Emilio Wilson Park or at Mullet Bay course by the golfing professional Howard Hobgood, and many also train weekly at the Mullet Bay Golf course on Saturdays and Sundays. The training includes skills, rules and etiquette. We look to continue to bring in more new youths annually. There is no charge for the youths to participate in the program allowing us to open the sport to all, but this means we must do fundraising.

The date will be Sunday June 3rd. The competition includes a one and three-hole competition for the beginner children, a five-hole, 9-hole, and an 18-hole competition for the more advanced. In addition there will be putting, chipping and driving competitions, as well as a rules and etiquette written competition. The French golf association will be providing a number of prizes and several of the parents will be making prizes available as well. Mullet Bay has donated the use of the course.

In order to continue to maintain the junior program for the next school year we are seeking sponsors for the competition. To sponsor one of the holes will cost $500. The putting, rules, and chipping competitions can be sponsored for $400. In addition any of the above can be 1/2 sponsored for 1/2 the amount. Any prizes that you might have to offer or donations would also be welcomed. Checks should be made payable to the Junior Golf Foundation of St. Maarten. All sponsors will be advertised and receipts for tax purposes will be available on request. For addition information, telephone Jim Rosen, Junior Golf Committee Chairman, at 1.721.587.7682 or email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  

On Thursday nights, Toppers by the Sea features spectacular wonderful performances of Broadway Shows including Carbaret, Chicago, Cats and more. Prime Rib and fresh Mahi Mahi specials top off the evening. Barbara and I have seen it and it is well worth the price. An enjoyable evening. For reservation, which are highly recommended, please telephone 1.721.544.6002 or email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Marigot is sprucing up some of its streets. The French government has paved and expanded the roadway beginning at the turnoff for Mario's Bistro near the Low Lands Road bridge and extending passed the Beach Plaza Hotel to the round-a-bout in front of the French Tourism Offices. In the process, they have curved the road in front of the US Market (supermarket) and created a parking lot in front of the store for 50 cars. This also allowed them to create a parking lot in front of the Beach Plaza Hotel which was badly needed for 100 cars. In addition, they have also created on-street parking with brick sidewalks and another very large parking lot for the tennis courts. All in all, a splendid move by the French Government. 

April 20, 2012

What a wonderful evening we had at Beau Beau's Restaurant, which is located at the beautiful Oyster Bay Beach Resort at Oyster Pond. The service was excellent - from Cami (Manager), Laura (Supervisor), Alain (our server) and Joseph (server), we could not have asked for a better more attentive staff.

The food was delightful, nice preparation and presentation. We started with Conch Fritters with coleslaw and a green salad, which were very tasty. For entrees, we enjoyed grilled Mahi-Mahi in a white wine sauce which were perfectly cooked, delicious, and accompanied by a baked potato, green salad and mixed vegetables. Dessert? Who can say “No” to Crème Brule? It was scrumptious!!! And, Alain melted the sugar topping at our table with a fired torch. 

The drinks (our brand of scotch) were great and the entertainers, Addy/the singer – Louis Armstrong impersonator, the costumed dancers, and the participating audience was a treat to see, watch, listen to and laugh with. In addition, we had a spectacular view of the evening stars populating the darkened sky, the cascading waves of the Atlantic Ocean lapping at the sandy shore and the lights of villas on the hillsides.

On your next trip to St. Maarten, put the “new” Beau Beau’s restaurant on your list of places to eat and be entertained. Recently expanded with new decking and canvas ceilings, Beau Beau’s is one of the nicest open-walled beach bars on the island. Call 1.721.543.6040 for reservations, which are a must. There wasn’t an open seat/table available the night we were there. And, to top it off, Beau Beau’s management raffled off a one week stay to the people in the audience. It was a great night!  

April 18, 2012

Bleu Emeraude Residence, the luxurious residence in Grand Case, was recently awarded a 4th star by the St. Martin Government Authority, which makes it the only residence on the island with a 4 star ranking. Bleu Emeraude is now offering two excellent promotions valid from April 27th to June 29th: STAY 6 nights - PAY FOR 5 / BREAKFAST INCLUDED or Take a 20% discount if reservation booked at least 21 days before arrival / BREAKFAST INCLUDED.

For additional information, contact Tessa McKay at 011.590.590.87.27.71 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Note: the two offers cannot be combined. 

March 12, 2012

Oyster Bay Beach Resort Voted a Top 5 Hotel for Value in the Caribbean/Bermuda Category. The Resort/Timeshare was voted No. 5 in a poll of Travel + Leisure's readers for the magazines's 500 World's Best Hotels for Value Awards servey. The company attributes the award to its $19 million in renovations, pristing location, and staff dedication to guest care. Click here to read the Press Release...

Bleu Emeraude Residences has announced that its Annual Closing for maintenance and staff vacations will be September 10th to September 30th. They will reopen on October 1st., 2012. For reservations, visit the website at www.bleuemeraude.com or email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

La Samanna in St. Martin Unveils Exciting Property Enhancements
La Samanna by Orient-Express, a glamorous beach-front resort in St. Martin, French West Indies, announces the completion of its first phase of two seasonal updates. This celebrated Caribbean enclave introduces stylish new room designs which bring the hotel back to its elegance and original splendor. The two phase project will total approximately $8 million and will be completed by the end of 2012. Click here to read the Press Release... 
 

Joel and Sonya Morand, entertainers/owners of L’Escargot Restaurant, which has just won the "Daily Herald Award for Best French Restaurant on St. Maarten," have been pleasing diners for almost 40 years from their colorful Créole house at 96 Front Street in Philipsburg, making them the oldest restaurant under the same management on St Maarten. The menu features escargot (of course!) in seven different styles, each more interesting than the next, but goes on to include the finest of French cuisine. Besides the great food and drink... Friday nights feature a cabaret loosely based on La Cage au Folles, and loose is definitely the word to use for this cast of characters

The Can-can always gets people going, Donna Summers lights up the crowd, and Barbie Girl at Center stage seems to have left her dress on the floor. Nicole Kidman swings in from Le Moulin Rouge and everyone is having a good time. Feeling rambunctious? Surprise your friends and join us on stage. Come and join the fun and laughs. For reservations, telephone 721.542.2483 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Also, please visit the website at: www.lescargotrestaurant.com


New Area Code Telephone System When Calling St. Maarten
Finally, after much talk, St. Maarten has become part of the North American Telephone Numbers Plan. The new area code for St. Maarten is 721. Under the old system, you had to dial 011.599.542.2176 to reach Caribbean Gems. But, now, with the new 10 digit system, you can dial 1.721.542.2176 to reach Caribbean Gems. The new area code 721 replaces the old 599 area code. This new system which went into effect on September 30th, 2011, makes it much easier for people in North American and the Caribbean to call St. Maarten. There is a one year transition period until September 30, 2012 during which either the new area code or the old will connect your call; but, after September 2012, the 599 area code will be phased out. This is another step to upgrade St. Maarten's telecommunications with the rest of the world.