Happy Hours, Dinners, and pm Activities -
Mornings for our little travel party usually consisted of breakfast, then some pool or beach time, followed by lunch. From there the scheduled was very loose. Sometimes Bingo around the pool, usually a short nap or rest period followed by maybe casino time, or visiting, or driving around, or reading on our patio. One of our favorite Happy Hour stops, and sometimes even when it wasn’t Happy Hour was the St Maarten Yacht Club Restaurant and Bar. HH times there are 4-6pm. Besides watching the “boats” come through the drawbridge, our favorite part were their Grouper Fingers. In fact we stopped there a couple times just for the “Fingers”.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsufb6jyri.jpg http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsllfehnbd.jpg Our first visit we ordered the Grouper Fingers, Ribs, and Coconut Shrimp(partially eaten before I got picture). $25. Great deal.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsxkcnkq8s.jpg We did see some “boats” come in. The last was most impressive, almost like a Darth Vader.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsbnfy7rhs.jpg http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsn08xdz2h.jpg http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsflaokj3w.jpg http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsrdxtbwji.jpghttp://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsf4t1qdba.jpg http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpspptjohsd.jpghttp://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zps5nceffst.jpg http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zps0eefv88n.jpghttp://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpshvhyklo2.jpgOur first night, in fact, three hours after we landed, we were at Captain Olivers. We had been invited by owner Maggi for drinks and the Saturday Night Buffet and to watch her “Dirty Dancing” performance. The Buffet has changed. It used to be a big seafood buffet, now it was fish there but there’s also Turkey, Roast Beef, Ribs, as well as a bunch of other choices. The Buffet is now only $39.95 .
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/2016%20Jan-Feb%20SXM%20Trip/IMGP3227_zpsuz8k9ddw.jpg http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/2016%20Jan-Feb%20SXM%20Trip/IMGP3228_zps32vr1fij.jpg http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/2016%20Jan-Feb%20SXM%20Trip/IMGP3229_zpsbmpa4o27.jpg Maggi and her dance partner did a wonderful job of replicating the movie dance sequence.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/2016%20Jan-Feb%20SXM%20Trip/IMGP3231_zpsqzvaeet7.jpg http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/2016%20Jan-Feb%20SXM%20Trip/IMGP3232_zps816wgu6z.jpgMy apologize for the poor pics.
We attended another Buffet, this time at Beau Beau’s. They had Cover 2 Cover performing on Tuesday evening for about three hours. Admission was the buffet meal. Their Buffet was $21.75 plus service.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsp79dva6n.jpg It was good to see/hear Bob and David singing together again. Many remember that they used to sing weekly at Peg Leg Pub.
Mark’s Place – Last year Judy tried Mark’s mussels. She couldn’t wait to order them again. Mussels come in on Tuesday and Friday. Since we were already committed to hear Cover 2 Cover on Tuesday we called, and they said you can reserve your mussels for the next day. Only in SXM, reserving your mussels. They were just as good and plentiful as last year.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsd6ogf0gh.jpg Here’s Mark’s Specials and menu. Plus there is no service charge.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsjwrat1yt.jpghttp://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsv1ywsxx3.jpg http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpspcxzk3sl.jpg http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsol5ki1x2.jpg Betty had their appetizer rib plate. They were plenty left for next day lunch.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpskxro6e5f.jpgTom had the Trout Special. I had the Cheeseburger.
The Palm’s – One of my favorite places. Greg, Jo, and his Mom do a wonderful job with the food and making you always feel welcomed.
I had my usual Lasagna.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zps2yobzhas.jpgBetty had the chicken kabob app.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpshq0hkul0.jpg Tom had the Chicken Wings.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsazp4gkeg.jpg Judy had their sirloin cheeseburger.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zps34x8svlr.jpg There is no service charge at The Palm’s and it’s cash only.
While we were staying at Turquoise Shell Inn I went by after others were starting to bed-down to satisfy my sweet tooth. Nothing better to do that with than Greg’s Mom’s Carrot Cake.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpspjw9iuba.jpg That night Greg and Jo were home “ sick”, so I was served by new waitress, Ivanta(pretty sure that not exactly correct).
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpse0xtsmpe.jpg Island Pizza - Located in the parking area of Mr Busby’s, very close to OBBR. It’s good when we gamble in the afternoon and early evening and then just want to come home and put on our jammies. You order and pay for your pizza at the counter inside Mr Busby’s. Then take the recipt out to Island Pizza. Pizzas are large, thin crust. This one was $15.25. We got several snacks besides our dinner.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsaccahs8c.jpg Pineapple Pete’s -
Always a favorite. Very consistent quality and service. Tom had his usual Lobster Thermadore.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsdnv8qvb5.jpg Judy loves their Grouper with crab and garlic.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpstsey5yfa.jpg Betty and I split their Neptune Burger with cheese, the coconut shrimp appetizer, and, of course, a Crème Brulee which is one of our favorites on SXM.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsryrdwlxk.jpg Pat Roadhouse - A new place, located in front of the old Boathouse. We went there on Super Bowl Sunday.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/2016%20Jan-Feb%20SXM%20Trip/IMGP3301_zpsd5x0yvrc.jpg They seemed a little disorganized. Their menu was on a caulk board that night.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/2016%20Jan-Feb%20SXM%20Trip/IMGP3302_zpsn0bqjgcq.jpg Since burgers were their specialty we ordered one of them. It was $10.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/2016%20Jan-Feb%20SXM%20Trip/IMGP3304_zpshqyfhazj.jpg It was good. Seemed to have a little taco seasoning mixed in with the other spices. More bun than burger though.
Here’s our waiter for the night.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/2016%20Jan-Feb%20SXM%20Trip/IMGP3303_zpsxjbe1jxp.jpg Villa Royale – In Grand Case, just over the bridge, before the Lolos. They do 1E=$1.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsppcrszzt.jpg Owned and run by Rose
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsjsrxirtl.jpg and Leo(Chef).
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zps9efm0sbs.jpg Here’s their menu.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsfxsnjebp.jpg http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsjqofhdch.jpg http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsvphxjvdb.jpg http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsfm7dy9hc.jpg I enjoyed the grilled Trigger Fish for the first time. Came with fried potatoes and a salad for 15E.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsvqz6so9w.jpg Here are some of the other dishes tried.
Grilled Tuna -
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsyclnmvrp.jpg Chicken Kabob -
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsynuzui0w.jpg ????? -
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpssdy4ifvw.jpg Nice meal. Great service. Reasonable prices.
On the way to Harmony Night we stopped by the Rui Complex in Anse Marcel to check out the public part of the beach. Beautiful setting coming down the mountain.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsqbnxxqi2.jpg http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsfqggluj6.jpg http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsdpsmpk2r.jpg Looked like a nice place. Food prices on menus looked somewhat expense.
Also on that trip we stopped by Tijon Perfumery to say hello to friends John and Cyndi. Also needed to pick up some of their Lip Balm which makes great Christmas Stocking Stuffers. We found Refillable Perfume Atomizers which will also wind up in some stockings. Cyndi has invited me to display some of my fused glass projects in her boutique side of Tijon. So starting in November this year, my first public outlet.
Piazza Pascal – What better place to enjoy Harmony Night than above the crowd at Piazza Pascal. We made reservations and Donna gave us a nice table upstairs.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpswl2tsqnv.jpg Here’s our toast with their after dinner shots.
I had the Filet Modano - 31E
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpseodujppd.jpg Tom had the Filet Gorgonzola - 31E
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsu5uljnma.jpg Judy had the Clam Liguini - 22E
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpshkljajao.jpg Betty had the Spagetti with meat sauce - 18E.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsyfjbo0uy.jpg They do 1E + $1. at Piazza Pascal.
Here’s some of the parade as they passed Piazza Pascal.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsmwzt6xgd.jpg http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsrwdbwuss.jpg http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsjhekh5jn.jpg One of the highlight dinners of this trip was at Rancho Del Sol. I’m pretty sure most of us have driven by this place several times over the years and never stopped. What a mistake.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpskh4wujx1.jpg We went as a party of six with Bruce and Susan. However before driving to Rancho Del Sol, we stopped by Bruce and Susan’s place in les Balcons. Here the view off the their deck.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpstgcqzpcu.jpg Back to Rancho Del Sol
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zps9mz7kbpp.jpg Here’s their menu.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zps2dsnsfsp.jpg http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsqolbenif.jpg This was Susan’s choice.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsbt6vo22k.jpg Bruce’s choice.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsm0qdngvr.jpg Norm and Betty’s choice.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsewaxvmim.jpg Tom’s T-Bone.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsrafw8ip8.jpg Norm and Betty’s Crème Brulee. Very good. Now up at top of our list. Had a little coconut favor to it.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpstx1yd5ji.jpg http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsl0nzfeh7.jpg It was a wonderful night with good food, good service from our waitress Jennifer, and great conversation and laughs with friends.
Dinghy Dock II - Located just down the walk from Lal’s.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpshfavvgew.jpg Same menu as original DD. I had the Caesar Salad, Betty had the rib tips. Of course we shared.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zps9cdd9rpv.jpg There are some differences however. There is a service charge here. There is also a sign which says, “Tips Suggested”.
Big Fish - Big Fish got new owners, Mike and Theresa, and chef this past year. Their chef won the Crystal Pineapple award this year.
The setting is very nice.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsfgruygmw.jpg Bread is served while waiting with this pesto sauce.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsm6s243oa.jpgBig Fish features fish with cooking and sauce options. I choose the grilled grouper with garlic/dill sauce.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsevqc34io.jpg Tom had the same except with the lobster sauce.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsc9ffhcgo.jpg Judy had the appetizer special mussels and a salad.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpskhxy1itm.jpg http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsnukcnqqq.jpg Betty had the appetizer chicken tenders, although they looked kind of strange.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zps7cetzmtt.jpg For dessert, Tom and Judy shared a Lava Cake which disappeared very quickly.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpswmevxicd.jpg Betty and I went for the Bailey’s Crème Brulee. Another new favorite.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsrckbicca.jpg We found our old waiter friend Aussie, who used to work at Canoa now working at Big Fish.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsgrjfbkmq.jpg Skip Jacks – Another consistently good place to go. Here’s part of their menu.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/2016%20Jan-Feb%20SXM%20Trip/IMGP3437_zpsam999e5w.jpg I had a bowl of their French Onion Soup. Then Betty and I shared the Pan Grilled Grouper .
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/2016%20Jan-Feb%20SXM%20Trip/IMGP3438_zps5pb1nhw6.jpg This is Judy’s selection.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/2016%20Jan-Feb%20SXM%20Trip/IMGP3439_zpsgsiumnyi.jpg Tom got the Surf and Turf…….and the big plate.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/2016%20Jan-Feb%20SXM%20Trip/IMGP3440_zpsvmqifhyh.jpg We saved our Phillipsburg shopping trip to the last day. After parking at Bobby’s Marina Parking Lot, we strolled the Boardwalk starting at the cruise ship end.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/2016%20Jan-Feb%20SXM%20Trip/IMGP3445_zpskqgxvabc.jpgOne stop was at the top end of Front St., almost to Sea Palace, where there’s a store that specializes in Saint Maarten made arts and crafts.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/2016%20Jan-Feb%20SXM%20Trip/IMGP3446_zps2wzpyjzj.jpg Didn’t buy anything, but has a wide range of lace, knittings, jewelry, art, all done by local residents.
Our “last supper” was at SMYC for a Caesar Salad
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpsns8gu4tg.jpg and Grouper Fingers.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zpshffqhraj.jpg I should give mention to The Carousel. The quality and choices of ice cream require many visits. We stopped at least three times. Here’s a pic of one of the mosaics that decorate the inside walls.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/s...zps3v50xqxk.jpg We had an early departure so decided to try The Johney Burger place in the airport.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/2016%20Jan-Feb%20SXM%20Trip/IMGP3450_zpsu4lhl85c.jpg We each had a Johnny Cake. Kind of a last goodbye toast.
Here’s our parting shots.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/2016%20Jan-Feb%20SXM%20Trip/IMGP3451_zpswcee8uwl.jpg http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/2016%20Jan-Feb%20SXM%20Trip/IMGP3452_zpszz0zl8x1.jpg http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/2016%20Jan-Feb%20SXM%20Trip/IMGP3453_zpsser9ylvd.jpg http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/2016%20Jan-Feb%20SXM%20Trip/IMGP3454_zpsoqnddjno.jpg
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