TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin First days on the Isalnd report

Jan 22 to Feb 8, 2015
Flew Toronto nonstop on WestJet, flight was mostly full. Quick flight, wheels up at 10:45, landed 3:45, four hours in air exactly. No jet way, but the stairs and bus are quick, no signage for which carousel to use for luggage, so stood by the usual and five minutes picked up our bags.
Wilfred Brooks took us to Les Balcons – our first time there. On the drive the island seemed greener than last yr. First night at Les Balcons the lights on the water were fabulous, like a water colour painting. Unit is clean, workable and well equipped. We are here for 9 nights and then switch to La Plage. Have never visited Oyster Pond before and wanted try the area out.
Jeannie worked her normal magic and cold drinks were had while unpacking.
Walked to Mama’s Pizza for the first night, Steph’s favorite was the pizza we choose. Good, but I would not drive out of my way for it. Best part of pizza is to save some for the next morning and have it with a poached egg on top, yum.
My morning coffee location is Dirt Des’s, a short walk – note French coffee is almost exactly like an espresso! The new L’epicerie Gourmande is open 7 days a week, but needs more stock. It’s coming says Carole, who plainly is very knowledgeable and passionate about food
AAA delivered our car the next morning, on time, quick transaction and we were done. Mullet for two days, calm, lovely, easy to walk in, a bit of a slope in the sand, but not a problem. Bought fish at Skipjacks each day on the way home, rubbed some spice from home, blackened and then finished with butter and wine. Yesterday was Orient, Orange Fever was our choice. No beach in front of Pedro’s, everywhere else there is beach, no issue with seaweed. Most places have rebuilt. Orange Fever confirms the plans to build concessions at their end.
Simply has inexpensive wines, a little disappointed in their selection of other foods, will try Bacchus next for wine. It was suggested to try Enzo’s? In Hope Estate for pizza, we'' check it out.
That’s it so far
John & Bev

Sounds like an excellent beginning to what I hope will be a great trip. Thanks for sharing and we'll be looking forward to future installments if you're of a mind to. For now, ENJOY!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the report. Hope you'll make it to my SXM Lovers Get Together next week even though you'll be gone from Les Balcons. What does Carole have at her store?

Thanks for the early days report. It's always good to try a new area to stay.

Do try Select Wine Cellar in Orange Grove for wine. Sylvain is a sommelier who has tons of experience. His wines are great and his help with what to select is fabulous!

Nice beginning! We stayed at Les Balcons back in 2007. Great place with caring managers. We went to the Dingy Dock for happy hour many times while staying there. We also ate at Mr. Busby's and the Big Fish. We haven't stayed there since then, as we now prefer the Simpson Bay Area in the evening, but we really enjoyed our time there. Enjoy the rest of your trip!

Sounds like a nice start to your vacation.There are nice views from Les Balcons; we stayed there a few years ago to try the Oyster Pond area as well, but found we prefer Simpson Bay, Maho or Orient area. We found that area quiet in the evenings which is what some people enjoy.

Thanks for posting. Sounds like a great start. It is snowing like crazy here in Burlington. You picked a good time to be away. 4 more weeks for us until paradise. When we stayed at Les Balcons we really enjoyed the little French restaurant that you can walk to. I can't remember the name. It is near the water between Les Balcons and Dinghy Dock.

Quick update
The butterflies are still out there, a feeding frenzy on the pink flowers by the road
Carole’s, some basics, she mentioned she had ordered from Normandy [her home] but items on the way. As much local items as she can, plus food basics and wine. We’ll try a cut of pork later this week she has which sounded good for the BBQ.
I think the French resto you mention is Quai Oeust, going there tonite
Select wine cellars, we won a bottle in Erich’s contest, going there on Sat coming – Note I think I spied Erich and wife at mullet on Sat, but only after the fact
New drink – rum from the freezer – couple of scoops of Etna’s, pick your flavour and top with club sode – hmmm
Norm, friends of my wife fly in Sunday and we are going to dinner with them MOndya, otherwise we would be back
Thanks
J&B

where is L’epicerie Gourmande ? Is that Carole from L'Estaminet?

L'Epicerie Gourmande is in Oyster Pond, right next door to where Tabba Khady was. Yes, it's Carole from L'Estaminet. She has a fabulous selection of wines and gourmet foods, along with more day-to-day grocery needs.

JohnandBev Sent you a PM -If you have time to reply while on SXM-THanks

Buddy

Tabba Khady - I was trying to think of the name of that place all this week!! Went through the whole alphabet!! ha ha... My niece and I ate there and it was wonderful!! Whatever happened to the owners there - did they ever open up another restaurant? I recall something near Simpson Bay??

No, Philippe is now running the restaurant operation at Captain Oliver's.