Traveltalkonline.com Forums


SXM Cruise Schedule TTOL Sponsors SXM Travel Calendar
Forum Statistics
Forums39
Topics38,429
Posts310,033
Members26,538
Most Online2,218
Jan 21st, 2020
Top Posters(30 Days)
RonDon 115
pat 43
jazzgal 41
Todd 40
Member Spotlight
Aries4
Aries4
Morrisville, PA/West End, Tortola
Posts: 437
Joined: July 2006
Show All Member Profiles 
Today's Birthdays
ecco, OceanDrop, vincent
Who's Online Now
43 registered members (nevar37, taraavo, OceanSong, pburke40, RickG, Scooter, duckfat, BillB42, marybeth, RonDon, tradewinds, sunmantwo, Sandsailsun, luvtotravel, SXMBND, johndana274, Tonythepilot, KirkB, lcote, Uksimonusa, MKGrey, Rbailey, louismcc, Time Will Tell, John, ColoBoater, tpcook, Fred, Alltech63, 14 invisible), 966 guests, and 70 spiders.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Reminiscing-Bruno and Fransua #227193
05/29/2020 01:02 PM
05/29/2020 01:02 PM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 721
Colorado
sxmbeachlover Offline OP
Traveler
sxmbeachlover  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 721
Colorado
Missing our dinners at La Petit Auberge at Marigot marina. Missing talking with Bruno, and Fransua's wonderful french cooking! I know they moved back to Normandy. Has anyone heard from them?


Famous Quote from SBHonline: The best moderation is the least moderation.
SXM Sponsors
Re: Reminiscing-Bruno and Fransua [Re: sxmbeachlover] #227196
05/29/2020 02:27 PM
05/29/2020 02:27 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
Traveler
ruralcarrier  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
Originally Posted by sxmbeachlover
Missing our dinners at La Petit Auberge at Marigot marina. Missing talking with Bruno, and Fransua's wonderful french cooking! I know they moved back to Normandy. Has anyone heard from them?

One of my favorite restaurants on the island, honest people, great food and reasonable prices. He is about the only restaurant owner who was truthful with me when asked about "service charge", menu prices, tipping, etc. This always resulted in a generous "tip" since he was so forthcoming. I have not heard from them but miss the place as many others do. Remember the dog, Mic-Mac, that I believe Bruno said was French Shepherd, which is a Beauceron. He was a big boy!

They turned out some amazing food at a great price from a very small kitchen.


J.D.
Re: Reminiscing-Bruno and Fransua [Re: ruralcarrier] #227212
05/29/2020 06:39 PM
05/29/2020 06:39 PM
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 50
long island
E
eric Offline
Traveler
eric  Offline
Traveler
E
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 50
long island
Originally Posted by ruralcarrier
Originally Posted by sxmbeachlover
Missing our dinners at La Petit Auberge at Marigot marina. Missing talking with Bruno, and Fransua's wonderful french cooking! I know they moved back to Normandy. Has anyone heard from them?

One of my favorite restaurants on the island, honest people, great food and reasonable prices. He is about the only restaurant owner who was truthful with me when asked about "service charge", menu prices, tipping, etc. This always resulted in a generous "tip" since he was so forthcoming. I have not heard from them but miss the place as many others do. Remember the dog, Mic-Mac, that I believe Bruno said was French Shepherd, which is a Beauceron. He was a big boy!

They turned out some amazing food at a great price from a very small kitchen.


so what is the truth?

Re: Reminiscing-Bruno and Fransua [Re: eric] #227214
05/29/2020 07:47 PM
05/29/2020 07:47 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
Traveler
ruralcarrier  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
Originally Posted by eric
Originally Posted by ruralcarrier
Originally Posted by sxmbeachlover
Missing our dinners at La Petit Auberge at Marigot marina. Missing talking with Bruno, and Fransua's wonderful french cooking! I know they moved back to Normandy. Has anyone heard from them?

One of my favorite restaurants on the island, honest people, great food and reasonable prices. He is about the only restaurant owner who was truthful with me when asked about "service charge", menu prices, tipping, etc. This always resulted in a generous "tip" since he was so forthcoming. I have not heard from them but miss the place as many others do. Remember the dog, Mic-Mac, that I believe Bruno said was French Shepherd, which is a Beauceron. He was a big boy!

They turned out some amazing food at a great price from a very small kitchen.


so what is the truth?

The "truth" is/was, "service charge" IS included in the menu prices on the French side. No need to add 15%-20% but a "tip" is appreciated. This is NOTHING new to the French side. Many will provide a false answer when one asks, Bruno was ALWAYS honest.


J.D.
Re: Reminiscing-Bruno and Fransua [Re: ruralcarrier] #227218
05/29/2020 09:00 PM
05/29/2020 09:00 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
I can see this conversation going down to the dark side.

Re: Reminiscing-Bruno and Fransua [Re: SXMScubaman] #227230
05/30/2020 05:26 AM
05/30/2020 05:26 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
Traveler
ruralcarrier  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
Originally Posted by SXMScubaman
I can see this conversation going down to the dark side.

Hopefully not. No reason for it to. Some get it and some don't when it comes to tipping/service charge on the French side.


J.D.
Re: Reminiscing-Bruno and Fransua [Re: sxmbeachlover] #227240
05/30/2020 08:30 AM
05/30/2020 08:30 AM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 721
Colorado
sxmbeachlover Offline OP
Traveler
sxmbeachlover  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 721
Colorado
Ditto, ruralcarrier! We have a mountain of wonderful memories from these people and that place. Couldn't remember Mic-Mac's name, but remember him! Apparently the restaurant is still there and gets good reviews, so we may return some day.


Famous Quote from SBHonline: The best moderation is the least moderation.
Re: Reminiscing-Bruno and Fransua [Re: sxmbeachlover] #227241
05/30/2020 08:32 AM
05/30/2020 08:32 AM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 721
Colorado
sxmbeachlover Offline OP
Traveler
sxmbeachlover  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 721
Colorado
Bruno was also the first to suggest to us that we drink our merlot slightly chilled, which we had been doing for awhile. I also remember a french family dining with their poodle that had its own chair at the table!!!


Famous Quote from SBHonline: The best moderation is the least moderation.
Re: Reminiscing-Bruno and Fransua [Re: sxmbeachlover] #227242
05/30/2020 08:35 AM
05/30/2020 08:35 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
Traveler
ruralcarrier  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
Without a doubt, my favorite restaurant on the French side when they owned it. We walked through that area a couple of years ago, sadly, the Marina area is not what it once was. Let us know if/when you do try the restaurant again. No idea who owns it.


J.D.
Re: Reminiscing-Bruno and Fransua [Re: sxmbeachlover] #227248
05/30/2020 11:14 AM
05/30/2020 11:14 AM
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 89
Cmpbellford, Ontario Canada
R
RunnernReader Offline
Traveler
RunnernReader  Offline
Traveler
R
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 89
Cmpbellford, Ontario Canada
Amen to all those great comments! We loved that place! Bruno was so accommodating: one visit, my wife commented that she would like a particular salad without the blue cheese and Bruno immediately suggested that they could add white asparagus instead! She loved it!
Their kind of generous hospitality is seldom met at other places.

And with Mic-Mac sprawled out, Bruno stepping over him, Fransua producing culinary miracles from that tiny kitchen, it's visit we reminisce about every year.

Re: Reminiscing-Bruno and Fransua [Re: sxmbeachlover] #227249
05/30/2020 11:42 AM
05/30/2020 11:42 AM
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,929
Connecticut
The_Lurker Offline
Traveler
The_Lurker  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,929
Connecticut
It was definitely our favorite restaurant !
It was also our first dinner, when we arrived in SXM, and not our last.
We would talk to Bruno for hours! Francoise was quiet, but her cooking
was fantastic.
We were always careful not to step on Mic-Mac---one big dog.

I think we got a greeting, possibly for Christmas, after they left the island.

I did hear some good things about Petite Auberge, since the new owners took over.
We never went back. frown

Re: Reminiscing-Bruno and Fransua [Re: sxmbeachlover] #227254
05/30/2020 02:41 PM
05/30/2020 02:41 PM
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 73
Warwick, PA
K
KenNDeb Offline
Traveler
KenNDeb  Offline
Traveler
K
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 73
Warwick, PA
We enjoyed every meal we had at Le Petit Auberge. Francoise was an amazing Chef whose meals were always a delight. We never left hungry after having a fixed price menu meal. Bruno was a great host/waiter. My wife and I were seated at a table by the waters edge when Bruno came to take our order he stood on the water side of the table. My wife asked if he ever fell in and he said he had but jumped right back out of the water, took the persons order and didn't miss a beat. We do miss them both.

Re: Reminiscing-Bruno and Fransua [Re: ruralcarrier] #227260
05/30/2020 04:39 PM
05/30/2020 04:39 PM
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 168
Allentown, Pa
B
bobbarb Offline
Traveler
bobbarb  Offline
Traveler
B
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 168
Allentown, Pa
We always went at least 2 times and sometimes 3 each 2 or 3 week trip. Always enjoyed talking to Bruno and Fransua. They always went out of there to make you feel comfortable and very accomadating in making changes to the menu. We both would get there three course meals and Fransua would let us select the ice cream for the profiteroles. I also remember Bruno saying they were country French where you leave full after a three course meal rather than classical French where you need to stop for a hamburger to fill up after their 3 course meals.
Bob

Re: Reminiscing-Bruno and Fransua [Re: sxmbeachlover] #227261
05/30/2020 04:55 PM
05/30/2020 04:55 PM
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
P
PelicanPirate Offline
Traveler
PelicanPirate  Offline
Traveler
P
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
Im guessing this isnt the same Bruno of Yellow sub, Dreams, Petit Casino?

Re: Reminiscing-Bruno and Fransua [Re: PelicanPirate] #227266
05/30/2020 06:19 PM
05/30/2020 06:19 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,469
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,469
Central Florida!
Correct, different Bruno.


Carol Hill
Re: Reminiscing-Bruno and Fransua [Re: sxmbeachlover] #227279
05/31/2020 11:08 AM
05/31/2020 11:08 AM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 721
Colorado
sxmbeachlover Offline OP
Traveler
sxmbeachlover  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 721
Colorado
smile


Famous Quote from SBHonline: The best moderation is the least moderation.
Re: Reminiscing-Bruno and Fransua [Re: sxmbeachlover] #227355
06/01/2020 12:43 PM
06/01/2020 12:43 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,666
MIA
I
irina Offline
Traveler
irina  Offline
Traveler
I
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,666
MIA
Went there every week. Took out of town visitors there. Quiche Lorraine, Pommes Frites et Chardonnay.
Fantastic. Easy, clean, just enough. Dog was adorable.
Thanks for the memories.
irina

Re: Reminiscing-Bruno and Fransua [Re: sxmbeachlover] #227447
06/02/2020 05:12 PM
06/02/2020 05:12 PM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 721
Colorado
sxmbeachlover Offline OP
Traveler
sxmbeachlover  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 721
Colorado
Yep, slightly chilled Merlot and lamb chops was our first meal there in 1989. Went back every year. Great ice cream and passed hours talking to Bruno while Mic-Mac "rested". Fransua would almost always have to come out of the kitchen and get Bruno away from our table! Then her food would come out looking like a French painting and tasting superb!


Famous Quote from SBHonline: The best moderation is the least moderation.
Re: Reminiscing-Bruno and Fransua [Re: sxmbeachlover] #227477
06/03/2020 11:02 AM
06/03/2020 11:02 AM
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 114
B
Bigdaddy Offline
Traveler
Bigdaddy  Offline
Traveler
B
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 114
Bruno's last name is Darricarrere. After he sold the restaurant he worked in commercial real estate. If I recall correctly, the last time I spoke with him he let me know that Mic-Mac had moved on to doggy heaven. Great guy.

Re: Reminiscing-Bruno and Fransua [Re: sxmbeachlover] #227937
06/13/2020 01:17 PM
06/13/2020 01:17 PM
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 118
Florida
daily2 Offline
Traveler
daily2  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 118
Florida
I just heard from Bruno yesterday. He and Francoise are still living on island. He still does real estate and Francoise works for a different company. We had been planning on having dinner with them this year, but I don't think that will happen now. Bruno still has his great sense of humor and Francoise is really sweet. She speaks French with me and just smiles when I "mess it up." Bruno, of course will translate when I get in over my head. They are indeed lovely people and we hope to see them in the not to distant future.

Re: Reminiscing-Bruno and Fransua [Re: daily2] #227946
06/13/2020 04:10 PM
06/13/2020 04:10 PM
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,929
Connecticut
The_Lurker Offline
Traveler
The_Lurker  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,929
Connecticut
Originally Posted by daily2
I just heard from Bruno yesterday. He and Francoise are still living on island. He still does real estate and Francoise works for a different company. We had been planning on having dinner with them this year, but I don't think that will happen now. Bruno still has his great sense of humor and Francoise is really sweet. She speaks French with me and just smiles when I "mess it up." Bruno, of course will translate when I get in over my head. They are indeed lovely people and we hope to see them in the not to distant future.


What a surprise and nice to hear they are both doing well.

Re: Reminiscing-Bruno and Fransua [Re: daily2] #227951
06/13/2020 07:23 PM
06/13/2020 07:23 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
Traveler
ruralcarrier  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
Thanks for the update.


J.D.
Re: Reminiscing-Bruno and Fransua [Re: ruralcarrier] #228009
06/15/2020 09:19 AM
06/15/2020 09:19 AM
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 118
Florida
daily2 Offline
Traveler
daily2  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 118
Florida
You are most welcome.

Re: Reminiscing-Bruno and Fransua [Re: sxmbeachlover] #228116
06/17/2020 06:56 AM
06/17/2020 06:56 AM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 721
Colorado
sxmbeachlover Offline OP
Traveler
sxmbeachlover  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 721
Colorado
Yes, that is a nice surprise! I thought they moved back to Normandy or Brittany.


Famous Quote from SBHonline: The best moderation is the least moderation.
Re: Reminiscing-Bruno and Fransua [Re: sxmbeachlover] #228146
06/17/2020 02:54 PM
06/17/2020 02:54 PM
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 684
Bucks County PA
JohnB Offline
Traveler
JohnB  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 684
Bucks County PA
La Petit Auberge was one of our favorites for years loved the food, Bruno, and Fransua. Once I ordered a dinner and Bruno said I was in luck because the cook was in a good mood.


Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.6.1