Monday, April 25th – Arrival Day (First trip back sine 2019)

AA out of CLT was quick and easy. The flight was ¾ full and the seat next wife and I was empty. We left the gate 15 minutes late and arrived 15 minutes early. From the time stepping off the plane to the moment we sat in the rental car from Kenny’s car rental was under 35 minutes. Leslie set us up with a normal island used corolla. It’s perfect for just the two of us but having no rear cameras or sensors has taken some getting used to.

We rented a villa called Majorca #5 in Orient. The location is great. Unfortunately, the unit is very minimalist. More Later
As it was a long day, we headed to the village a little after 6 for dinner. We ended up with a normal guaranteed shot at Le Piment. I know Christelle is gone and unfortunately it has fallen in the trip advisor rankings and we agree. Bev started with a Lemon drop and me my standard sprite (I don’t drink). We split a caesar salad which was very good. For dinner, Bev had the Pasta Carbonara which we both agreed was under seasoned and we expected more.

We have decided to try some new dishes as we both don’t eat fish as I am highly allergic. The waiter went on about the Beef cheeks and we always heard them being served on Below deck so I decided to try them. They were good but reminded me of a fattier short rib.
Finished dinner with a sugar crepe and headed back to our place.

Tuesday, April 26th Day 2

Walked quickly to Good Morning and get Croissants and a ham/cheese croissant for breakfast. Just like we remembered them for years.

Walked down to Orange Fever and got set up with chairs from Luc. They had a nice crowd and did a nice job also servicing the beach. We had a Caesar salad and farmers pizza (Cream, bacon, chicken) and it was delicious and big. Left the beach at about 3 to get ready for dinner.

Dinner was at Bistro Caraibes which was a home run. The two brothers even recognized us and asked where our kids where this year. We told them this was a delayed anniversary trip from Covid and since they are all adults they have jobs/school. French onion soup and Caesar Salad for appetizers. Main courses where a Filet and the veal with Blue Cheese gratin. It was a fabulous meal.

For dessert, we head down across from the church to Eli’s crepes. Eli is probably about 20 and claims to have the best crepes. We got a salted caramel crepe, and it was fabulous and then off to bed.

Wednesday, April 27th Day 3

Normal morning of croissants and off the Aloha this morning for the day. After 30 minutes the lack of cushions on the chairs reminded me of my back issues. Bev and I decided the next day would be back with a place that has cushions.

Gigi did a great job serving the beach and the food was nice. Salad and some appetizers held us until dinner.

Dinner was at LaTerrese in Marigot. Based on the reviews, I was really excited for dinner and the sunset. We arrived early two watch the sunset and the waiter told us the available tables where not near the ledge as they had a cocktail party that night. He stated that it occasionally happens but we will just have to come back another night. I made the reservations 10 days ago.

We found a table with the best view possible and as the sunset it was blocked by the people and actually the building itself. The restaurant filled up and the waiter stated that they were very busy with the party and the normal quality may not be presented tonight in the food. I just shook my head. Drinks were our normal with a Caesar salad to start. The salad had a nice tang and a big piece of bacon on top so for me it was a big thumbs up. An odd thing was we never received bread but all the French guests did. I’m sure it was an oversight.

Main courses consisted of Chicken Cordon Blu and a ribeye steak. The chicken was moist, crispy and a solid 10. It was served with spaghetti with no sauce on it? Bev’s ribeye was cooked very well but not the quality we have received at other restaurants in SXM. We skipped dessert as Bev wanted to go for another crepe later and he was closed.

After dinner, we went to the princess casino by the bridge. It was so nice as it’s smoke free and was not crowded. One hour later we won $200 between us playing blackjack.


First Impressions:
• Meals are incredibly priced compared to Chicago. Two Drinks, Two Mains and two drinks in Chicago are usually between $160-$200. Our most expensive dinner so far has been $130
• Grand Case is not nearly as busy at night as it used to be. It seems Orient Village is making an impact in Grand Case
• Hope Estates is so built up compared to 3 years ago
• Most beach bar menus are more like dinner menus. I don’t want a full meal while laying in the sun. I’d never eat dinner.


Mbrott

Great report so far!! Looking forward to hopefully seeing some pictures!!!

If you want a high end lunch try Bacchus at hope estate (its in the back behind super U), you wont have any service/food issues, but you might spend closer to the Chicago price!

Do enjoy your vacation .

👍

Mbrott--re-reading your lovely report, I have to comment on your statement about dinner menus for lunch. Since we stay on the Dutch side now, we often go for a big, long lunch on the beach, and then have something light for dinner. It works for us, so we don't have to drive a long distance after dark.