Trip Report – May19-June6, 2011 part 2Happy Hours -Peg Leg Pub - We love Happy Hour at
PLP. Drink specials and ½ price appetizers.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0127-1.jpg http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0126-1.jpg Here are the Steak on a stick and Loaded Potato Skins. I know, no “greens”, but we're on vacation,..besides we had salad for lunch. With a coke and Mango Martini(special drink of day) the bill was $22.25. No service charge.
Caribbean Blend(on the Boardwalk) – It wasn't really Happy Hour, but when in Phillipsburg, we always try to stop by and see our favorite drink maker, Suzette.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0094.jpgThese are her Mango Coladas with real fruit. $6.each. Look for Betty and my name on the “friends” sign between the bar and Boardwalk. Say hello to Suzette for us. Good, abundant food too.
Infinity Bar(3) – At OBBR, you can't pass up $.25 Carib's. They're like almost paying you to drink it.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0117.jpghttp://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0118.jpg These specials are good probably through September. Anyone can show up at Infinity bar or at Beau Beau's for these specials. They do 1E =1$.
Dinner -Rib Shack Lolo – Grand Case Marge from Jamacia was our server and preparer.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0010.jpghttp://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0008.jpg We tried the ribs('cause IT WAS the Rib Shack) along with a side of banana (plantain)chips, potato salad, and a johnny cake. The ribs are dry rubbed and pretty heavy on garlic. With two cokes it was $19.50. No service charge here.
Le Piment(Orient Village) -
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0017.jpg Met Larry and Carol (Biglar), also a retired Shop Teacher, here.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0022.jpg First time eating in The Village. Had a fun time walking around looking at all the menus and getting “specials” from the hostess's. Betty and I had tried the lasagna($14.) and a chicken caesar salad.($9.)
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0020.jpg Salad was good(not referring to one on Lasagna plate). Lasagna looked good and was ok, but had very little cheese, except on top. Larry and Carol were kind enough to offer us a tour of their villa after dinner.
Canoa(2) –
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0029.jpgCanoa is formerly “Floaters” . Same owner and staff, just someone mentioned that “floaters” referred to dead people “floating” in the Hudson River. Hence the name change. It is located on the dock where the old Big Fish and long ago, Barefoot Terrace was, across from Mr Busby's. We visited here back in February and loved their Plantain Canoe.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0141-1.jpg It's a plantain, cut lengthwise, covered with a spicy ground beef and marinara and cheese, then baked till the cheese melts. So good. So different from the usual appetizers.
Our first visit we were joined for dinner by Jeff and Bonnie(My Island Art -President and Vice President).
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0030.jpg Our waiter is Walney. He's great and doesn't rush you. Betty and I had the grilled Mahi Mahi with a Mango sauce, mashed potatoes, and vegetables.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0031.jpg This is what Bonnie had,
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0032.jpg but I can't remember what it was.
After a very leisurely dinner, and not seeing any Crème Brulee on the dessert menu for the night, we walked across the road to
Big Fish.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0033.jpg Betty, Jeff, and I had a Crème Brulee.($8.50 ea.)
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0034.jpg Bonnie had a coffee drink. Just a wonderful night of good food with great people in a wonderful place.
Our second visit to
Canoa we again had the Plantain Canoe($9.) and a Caesar Salad . It comes with a fresh bread and a herbed butter.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0139-1.jpg The salad was ok. The dressing was more of a vinegar/oil caesar than the creamy .
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0140-1.jpg The Canoe, salad, and a tea was $20.
La Bamba Beach Bar(2) – My favorite spot on Sunday evenings. Great classic R& R plus some other favorites performed by The “Category Five” Band.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0155-1.jpg Our first visit we had the Crispy Chicken Wrap and a couple Mango Coladas.
Second visit we just drank.
Uncle Harry's – First time stopping here.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0045.jpg Tried their large filet that came with a salad and baked potato.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0046.jpg It looked very undercooked when we first cut into it, but after a bite, that idea was dispelled. Very good. Will certainly visit again. Steak was $34. plus a coke. Free glass of wine coupon. Total $36. No service included in bill.
Skip Jack's – Haven't been for a couple visits. Different to look out and see few yachts.
Betty and I had the Parmesan Crusted Grouper which came with a salad and rice. It was $21.00
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0056.jpg This was our first meal with Chris and Jennifer. Jennifer had a Salmon Carpaccio.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0055.jpg Can't remember exactly what Chris had, but it looked like this.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0057.jpg Peg Leg Pub(2) – Love listening to the Cover to Cover group,
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0129-1.jpg so we almost always show up at
PLP on Wednesday night to hear the music. We also enjoy their Large Filet with baked potato and vegetables.
It's $34.00.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0067.jpg Chris had the Rib Eye Steak.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0066.jpg Sean, of course, is a fixture at
PLP.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0128-1.jpg Our second visit was already mentioned under Happy Hours at
PLP, which are 4-6pm. After which we stepped inside the Princess Casino for a hour or so and then returned for the music and a Hot Fudge Sundae. Sorry it was gone before I remember to take a picture.
Pineapple Pete's(2) – There's little doubt in our and others minds that this place has the best service of any restaurant on SXM.
We go for the Crème Brulee.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0070.jpg Of course we have to have something else first to remove the “guilt”. Our first stop we had the Chicken/Rib Combo plate, comes with rice, salad. $36.11 including tea and ½ bottle of water and serice charge.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0068.jpg Chris and Jennifer had a Lobster Thermidor for the first time.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0069.jpg Our second trip for Crème Brulee, included a Caesar Salad and Neptune Burger. With a tea and coke and service charge - $38.35.
Soprano's –
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0083.jpg A Caesar Salad and Cheese Pizza
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0081.jpg with a glass of wine and soda - $30.00 No service charge. Betty thinks it was the best Caesar Salad we had on SXM this trip. Chris and Jennifer had a sausage pizza.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0082.jpg Jimbo's – Haven't been to Jimbo's in probably 6 or 7 years. No reason, but Tex Mex sounded good to Chris and Jennifer, so that was the choice of the evening. Enjoyed our meals. Jimbo stopped by the table to answer any menu questions.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0095.jpg http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0096.jpg Betty had the appetizer rib plate and rated them very high. Fall off the bone.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0098.jpg Jennifer had the Chicken Burrito plate.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0097.jpg Chris and I had the Shredded Chicken Enchilada plate.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0099.jpg The plates come with rice, cornbread, and home-made beans. These were far superior to most of the thick, mushy refried beans you usually get at a Tex Mex restaurant. We also had a pitcher of Sangria.
Sorry, can't remember prices. Wonder why. They do add service charge and tax.
Piazza Pascal - Had to wait a few nights for Donna to get back on SXM. Then Chris and Jennifer, Cyndi and John from Tijon, Betty and I sat down at an upstairs table for a delicious and wonderful evening. Chris and I had the Corvina w/Jerk seasoning with a mango sauce.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0104.jpg Very mild, maybe even slightly sweet fish. Came with risotto with squid ink for the black color. Betty had the Veal Milanese.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0100.jpg Jennifer had the Seafood Risotto -
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0101.jpg Cyndi had Lasagne.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0102.jpg John had the Tuna over greens.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0103.jpg I think there might have been a piece of their Tiramisu cake on the table that everyone took a bite or two of. It was followed by Pascal's home-made Lemoncello shots. They still give 1E=1$. There is no service charge. Great food,....Great people.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0105.jpg
Dinghy Dock – Only one stop this trip.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0113.jpg Of course we had to have their rib plate.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0112.jpg . Rib plate with two sodas is $17.00 No service charge here. Still consider it one of the top rib places on SXM.
Mama Pizza – This place gets nicer with every visit. Pizza is great. Betty and I had a sausage pizza. It's $14.. Chris and Jennifer tried the ham and bolognese sauce. A little differ, but good.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0120.jpg Chesterfields - Another favorite place. Always stop here for their Grilled Grouper. Comes with potato, vegetables. Ran into a favorite server from the old Peg Leg Pub, Patricia. She had long nail years before the rest of the world got into it.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0133-1.jpgActivites - One of our first stops the day after arriving, was at
Bernadine's place in Paradise View Shops and see if she had received a package from a Canadian couple, Jim and Judy. Always nice to see Bernadine and some of her friends. Took a picture showing some of the stuff she got in the package.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0016.jpg Notice the “guard” cat sleeping on the money box is the background.
Since we had not stayed in the Grand Case area before, we made it a point, even though it was cloudy and sprinkling occasionally, to walk GC Beach. Found a lot of “sea glass”.....sadly, way too much sea glass on the beach, but it was an interesting walk. Seeing the backside of many of the restaurants.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0007.jpg http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0023.jpg http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0024.jpg Sunday Afternoon Celine Lagoon Cruise – We've done this twice before, but the yachts keeping changing as well as the shoreline buildings. It's a free cruise if you belong to Jeff Berger's site.
One of the few really large yachts left in the Lagoon was the Mirabella V.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0040.jpg It has a 295' mast. 13' draft with the fin up and 33' with it down. It's 48'6” wide. The drawbridge is only about 54' wide, I think, so it's very close. It holds 12 guests with a crew of 14. Not a bad ratio.
La Bamba Beach Bar(Sunday evening) – One of my favorite places to be on Sunday evening. Music starts around 8pm. We were joined by Jess, who Blogs “An American in SXM”
(
http://www.sxmliving.com/ ) and her Aaron.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0042.jpg It was her first trip to La Bamba.
We love the music there. Bob, also of Cover to Cover group is lead singer.
The group,now called “Category 5” really gets things going by the second set.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0159-1.jpg http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0158-1.jpg There's almost always a familiar face in the crowd, like Linda(Jazzgal). Scuba Deb was suppose to be in pic too. Sorry.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0154-1.jpg Or Birthday Girl, Cyndi and friend
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0156-1.jpg and John and friend,
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0157-1.jpg Carousel(2) - Only two stops here this trip, but ohhh sooo good.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0047.jpg Upper View Lounge - Located above the entrance to Royal Palm. Looked in one evening to find Elaine and Bill enjoying the music. Forgot to take pic, but you know what they look like.
Blue Beard Cruise to Prickly Pear – Wanted to do the Lambada Cruise, but it was full.
It's the Heineken Catamaran. Nice boat. Good crew. Captain was mostly business. Cheese and crackers and open bar on way up to Prickly Pear.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0071.jpg http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0072.jpg http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0073.jpg http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0074.jpg Leaves from Simpson Bay cruises up French side/Lowlands.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0075.jpghttp://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0076.jpg http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0077.jpgPretty large reef to explore. Beautiful water.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0078.jpg http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0079.jpghttp://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0080.jpg Lunch was ordered as we boarded. Choice of ribs, chicken, or fish. Came with slaw, salad, rice, fried potatoes. Water was available. There was a small serving restaurant on Prickly Pear. Sodas and drinks were extra at beach Bar there. Food was ok. Nothing compared to Captain Niel's. Trip costs $85.pp.
Visit to Philipsburg/DKGems – No trip is complete without a stop at DK Gems. Wanted to get some of the details of Kamal's recent wedding. Jennifer was looking for a gold chain.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0089.jpg http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0090.jpg http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0091.jpg Stopped at the cosmetic/perfume place -
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0092.jpg Wine Tasting – Attended Jeannie's second wine Tasting at
Canoa. Best part was that we were staying at OBBR and wouldn't have to drive afterwards. Really a great experience. Good, fun people.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0106.jpg http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0108.jpghttp://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0109.jpgSeven wines, with various snacks in between each. This is the first.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0107.jpg If you're on SXM when Jeannie has another, I heartily recommend you attend.
TTOL Party at Bikini Beach - Put together by “oh Drink Boy”, Jeff. The gathering started slow, but picked up to a good size group. Took this pic of “Bubbles” the bartendress.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0119.jpg Tried her famous rum punch. They were two for one. Forgot to take pictures after that.
Indulgence By The Sea Spa – Located in OBBR complex.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0114.jpg They were offering 50 minute “lovers” massages. Betty and I signed up, then Chris and Jennifer decided like it was a good idea too. $105. with tax for two massages.
Starts off with soaking your feet in warm water, oils and flower pedals.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0115.jpgSorry no massage pics. Here's Chris and Jennifer waiting for their massages.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0116.jpg Casinos – We prefer to play at Princess Casino in Port d'Plaisance complex or Atlantis Casino. We did stop by to check out the Dunes by the Sunset Beach Bar and Grill. It was kind of empty. Well spaced machines. Also checked the Casino Royale since we had not been in it for years. They have opened it up and had a nice variety of machine, but we weren't in mood to start playing.
FYI and random pictures -
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0003.jpgwaved to Elaine and Bill, but it was cloudy and misting, so they probably didn't see me fly by.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0050.jpg Waiting for Chris and Jennifer's plane to arrive.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0051.jpghttp://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0052.jpg Welcoming drink at BBB.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0053.jpg Prices in Porto Cuperoy-
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0060.jpg Got to sell a lot of whatever to pay those rents.
Dawn Beach – Soaking off Dawn Beach.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0124-1.jpgSnorkled off Dawn Beach on three days. Water was pretty calm. Pretty good sighting of fish.
Could easily walk the length of Dawn Beach by going through water around rocks.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0123-1.jpgBuilding – Second half of development on French side of Oyster Pond area facing Atlantic.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0132-1.jpgPictures of the
Indigo Project on Cole Bay Hill
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0145-1.jpg http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0146-1.jpgThe Taste Factory – A french bakery and sandwich shop being built and almost ready to open in Simpson Bay.
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0161-1.jpg
A Final Look till January -
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0163-1.jpgEmpty yacht moorings -
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/sxmnorm10/May%202011%20SXM/IMGP0165-1.jpgTraffic was always running very slow along Airport/Welfare Rd due to construction most times of the day into early evening. The Island was very green with all the rain. Saw no crime. Did hear of a couple instances. Saw the huge (set) fire at dump one night. Wonder when the politician are going to do something about it. It keeps growing higher and higher.
Thanks to all who reported back with info and gave me ways to enjoy this Island. Feel free to ask any questions. Hope this helps the next person have as great a time as I had.
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