Following another wonderful 17 day stay at Beachside Villas after more then 35 years of visiting SXM, here's a few random observations:

Traffic can be good or horrible depending which direction you're heading and the time of day.

The grouper fingers at the St. Maarten Yacht Club (SMYC) are as good as ever at $11.00 per serving (after 11:00 AM), or better yet, get them at happy hour at 3 for $20.00.

The red snapper filet sandwich and burgers at Pirates in Paradise on the boardwalk in Philipsburg are also worth a stop.

AMA jewelers on Front Street continue to be our favorite because of the friendly staff, selection and free Heineken for visiting.

Sunset Beach Bar is an absolute zoo when ships are in.

Driftwood Boat Bar at the other end of the beach has far away the best rum punches on the island and their lobster pizza is also a winner.

Ribs from the Talk of the Town lolo in Grand Case continues to abe our favorite.. Get a take out order and enjoy them again at your hotel.

The fruits and chocolate crepes at the Croissanterie (sp?) at the Marigot Marina are pure heaven.

We thank Drew and Tracy Mascarin for providing such a great facility as Beachside Villas and were pleased to meet and have as our next door neighbor for part of the trip, frequent Talkline contributor Pat & hear husband.

Reservations already made for next year, but ready to go back tomorrow!

Lou & Lucy

Thanks for the update. You are for sure a long time visitor.

thanks for the report! Sounds like another lovely visit!

Lou and Lucy, we did finally get to meet you both in the parking lot at BSV. What are your dates next April---maybe we will bump into one another then.
We heard you make great Pina Coladas---Pat said hers are pretty good too. Maybe it's a BSV talent. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for your report guys! So happy that we got to spend time with you this trip! As you know we talk about the garlic shrimp and pina coladas all winter! Now we will have the lobster pizza to dream about as well!! We will have to put the grouper fingers on our list for next year! It has been cold and damp here since we came back. Ready to go back to the islands as well!!

Lucy and Lou,

So nice to have met you and thanks again for showing us your new and improved unit at BSV. My only wish is that we might have had more time to compare island notes. Maybe on another trip? We're set for November and possibly next March but no BSV in either trip. Hopefully, down the road we'll be back and can share some time and experiences.

And I agree with so many of your observations - particularly re traffic and SSB&G. No rhyme, no reason for some of the back-ups but often you can make minor adjustments in your plans and intentions to avoid the delays, or at least that's what we often did. And the afternoon circus at Sunset can be just plain crazy........

SXM Dreamin'........

Next return date to BSV is Monday April 16. 2018. Can't wait. Also the Heineken at AMA is free even is you don't buy anything!

We will be waiting to say hello when you get there!!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for your thoughts. Also love the Grouper Fingers at SMYC, although I think they're on the 3 for $25. side of the menu. Will have to try your red snapper filet suggestion.