Day 11
Woke up to sun so headed up to Orient to spend the day at LaPlaya. Today was a repeat of two days ago on Orient. Sun was out strong for a couple of hours before the clouds rolled in. Rain did hold off today so we spent a good amount of time lounging before and after lunch although we did see some lightening and hear thunder it did not rain while we were there.
We ate on the upper deck where we got a good view of the beach and very comfortable seating. I ate the seafood platter which included 3 extra large shrimp with a guacomole cream, mahi-mahi carpaccio, smoked salmon with a small bowl of tuna fish. I enjoyed my meal while David had a chicken club with fries. My meal was one of the special's of the day, 18E. We split a creme brule. Complimentary shots of infused rum were offered. Service is friendly and attentative. Another great day at LaPlaya.

Our next stop before heading home was the Sint Maarten Yacht Club. I walked over to the parking lot before Topper's where a woman was grilling. I think it's called Captain D's? Took away a rib meal ($14) with many small/short type ribs, sides included in the meal where a small amount of baked macaroni, lots of rice & peas , and Asian seasoned noodles . It would have be enough for us to share but I also bought jerk wings ($5). The food was good and we had some leftovers. Spent a quiet night indoors and got some well needed rest.

Day 12
I was determined to get to Hilma's Windsor Cafe. Got there around 8:30a where we enjoyed a Johnny Cake with Saltfish (lightly pickled or dressed red onion, lettuce and tomato ) accompanied my sandwich. I'm not sure if they were pickled or just a light dressing but it was good regardless. David ate a JC with egg, cheese and ham. Two JC's and two herbal tea's totalled $16.

We stayed onsite for what was one of the best beach days in at least a week. The sun was out all day. Around 2p we walked down to Karakter's for coconut shrimp and a cocktail. They were doing a nice lunch business. Almost all the tables were filled. Good way to spend about 90 minutes before walking back to Beachside villas and relaxing before it was time to get ready to meet our friends at Escape in Cupecoy.
Escape has been open since January. Beautifully decorated, air conditioned space. Very chic and staff was friendly and welcoming. They have some small plates that can be ordered "small" or "large." Also appetizers and entrees are available. A nice mix of food is offered.

We spent the next 3.5 hrs dining with friends enjoying our food and service. Service charge is not included unless you are a party of six or more and then 15% is added and is split between all the service staff, bartender included. I had the teriyaki beef (large) served with asian cole slaw and a green salad for $21. David had siracha grilled shrimp and one of our friends had a Kobe burger. I don't recall what our other friend had except it was chicken and he liked it. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and service and would quickly return if we had another week.

Can't figure out how to embed photos so incl links

Flaming cocktail at Escape
https://goo.gl/photos/itMKK5PvjJDa6PGZ6

Interior of Escape
https://goo.gl/photos/16L8MKQZubxwXjEV9

https://goo.gl/photos/MGprCkerokFHTmw5A

Hilma's - not a food photo
https://goo.gl/photos/puf5Ts1b53Xrgkvk9