Boy, how things change

Was just reading back over my 2004 SXM trip report looking for something, and I thought "there are a lot of places we went to then, that are gone now". Here is the list of places we went to in that week in 2004 that are closed or gone now. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" />
Lido, Bitta's, Baywatch, Don Camillo, Ric's (I think), La California, Scavenger's, La Gondola, Cliffhangers, La Gaiac, St. Germain, Ms. B's, Laguna, also Rima. Maybe some of the replacements are better, but there are some gems in that list.

Pretty much all are history at this point.

Baywatch became Andy & Cheryl's. It has been reported here that Cheryl is planning on returning once the structures are ready.

Restaurants are a very fickle business, you can not snooze

As far as I know, Rima's is still open.
http://www.rimasxm.com/default.asp

We had some great meals at Don Camillo's in Marigot's Marina Royale.

Rima closed two or three years ago. You can buy their products online, but the physical store is closed.

Yes, the list goes on and on.....Uncle Harry's - Sebastiano's - Le Bec Fin -Le Perroquet -

It seems like the horrible Westin has been there forever, but I guess since Scavenger's and Ms B's were still there in 2004, the Westin wasn't. La California was GREAT in the old days. And La Gondola was sooo much better than Izi, which I don't care for.. and the stuff that Rima carries online is nothing like what was in the store.. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" />

I still can't get Pinocchio's in P'Burg and Le Bec Fin out of my mind.

I think I try to eat at least once at all the places so I won't miss any---never can tell when they'll be gone.

I also liked Le California in the old days

Ah yes, Le Perroquet.

And Lynnette's, with King Beau Beau.
Turtle Pier, good for lunches in the 90s with a salty parrot.

...and going way back.... Zachary's for ribs in Philipsburg - Portofino in Grand case -

And then there were all the great places at Mullet Resort not to mention a few oldies but goodies scattered around the island such as when the lolos were just BBQ barrels on the side of he road as you drove through Grand Case. And then, of course, Zachary's, Bertines and David's and the best find for us was the original Marks Place back in the 80's. I didn't realize how partial we were to 'GUY' named places way back then. And not to forget the original Portofino Restaurant on Front Street, not too far down from Pinocchio's.

So many wonderful old memories savored and so many new ones yet to come - hopefully half as wonderful as those from 'back in the day'........ And I often ask myself how did we ever find some of these places without benefit of the Internet, google maps, etc? Those were the days when quite literally, we got into our rental cars and explored to see what we might find....and much of it was the very best of SXM, both back in the day and perhaps into the future as well. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

In the "old days" Pat we found them by word of mouth, by driving around and by chance ...and in magazines such as Sint Maarten Nights...didn't need the Internet...still the "best way" is to explore and find new favorites and old friends...enjoy !!

So very true, Bobcat.

Back in those days we would usually arrive on a Saturday afternoon and our first official island 'chore' on Sunday morning was to get in the car and drive around the island to make the first of our stay's dinner reservations. No such thing as cell phones or cell phone rentals back then. Heck, half the places didn't have phones at all. The reservation system consisted of a pad of paper, sometimes protected in a menu sleeve and sometimes not, along with a pen strategically placed outside the front door of the places you might want to try. You'd sign yourself up for the night and time and in a few places, even the table.... And it worked. The island was magical back then.

St Severin in Marigot for the fresh mussels. Used to see a lot of island friends there.
Cheers
irina

Portofino--great pizza and great conversations with the owners! I remember sitting out in the courtyard there, many times!

One of our first trips in which we stayed on the island, we walked into Sebastiano one night without a reservation--early, at maybe 6:30. The place was empty. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> We asked about eating and they, seemingly grudgingly, gave us a table way far away from the water.. Within about 45 minutes, the whole place was full.. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" /> It still makes me sad when I see that name above the door there..

La Vie en Rose, not the sidewalk cafe that is sometimes open now, but a lovely balcony table on the second floor. The most delicious food and service so perfect that you never knew the server was there; just that you always had exactly what you needed before you even realized you needed it. And the lady was always given a rose at the end of the evening.

Even though we like the food at IZI, La Gondola was head and shoulders above it. When we were at Rainbow, I said to Mary that I thought that was the location of Le California. Was I right? Also, in 2004, we brought back jars of Bar-B-Q sauce from Ms. B's. It was the best!

Yes! La Vie en Rose's upstairs balcony! Back when Marigot was magical at night, and safer. I remember those roses, <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />

we celebrated some anniversaries at la vie en rose...it was a magical romantic place.....

I agree with previous posters regarding the balcony tables at La Vie en Rose - they were incredible back in the day, and even more so when they really were almost overlooking the Marigot waterfront. And another great Marigot spot was Maison Sur La Port almost across the street from LVER. And who could ever forget the Paradise Cafe up the hill in the Maho area behind the casinos and all the present buildings there? What a fun place that was with those beautiful wicker throne-like chairs.. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

West Indians Cafe, Sam's (sigh )

So far ,not one mention of SSBB when Neal was still there.

No, Rainbow is further down the street (toward the main road) from what was Le California. Off the top of my head, I can't remember what is there now, where Le California was.

ok. SSBB when Neil was there. Peg Leg Pub when Neil was there.
Buccaneer Beach Bar when Neil was there.
Cheers Neil!
irina

I'm fortunate to have first spent time on this island 28 years ago - my 1st Carib destination. It really was an adventure exploring the island the best we could.

I'll throw in a pitch for the "old" St Barts when Mini Mokes were the standard way of driving on the island. Those truly were great days.

Are you referring to Neil who owns Celine sailboat charters? We met him to do the pub crawl and weather was too bad. Loved chatting w him and hearing of his sailing adventures from South Africa. He referred us to Uncle Harrys. Great place for fresh grilled lobster. I thought Germains was still around? La Man Ala Pate is still there and Temptation (another fav and best meal then) from 04.

No, different Neil.

Sorry I misspelled Neil Rooney's first name. A Neal did own Celine pub crawl. Rooney, from New York owned SSBB until a few tears ago, then it became SSB&G. The two Neils/Neals where good friends.

La Vie en Rose - a class place just as you remembered it.

What was the name of the Italian Restaurant on Airport Road owned by the two brothers? Long gone. Many a night I got stuck with the the bill when my brother-in-law casually walked out for a cigarette when the check came!!

Johnnie B Under the Tree. I know he has a new place but his old one was unique. Paris in Maho. Crocodile at the Pelican. Saratoga, Le Pirate, Tap 5, Boo Boo Jam and Peg Leg Pub.

Just remembered. I forgot my favorite for great French food with a local clientele and good prices, La Brasserie de Marigot.

Peg Leg Pub, at the first location, when Neil was there, and at the beginning, Sean was great..

Maybe Laguna? Ate there quite a few times, then the owner retired and went back to Italy. I thought there were 2 guys who owned the restaurant, and that one left a couple of years before the other. Or I could be way off. Phil

Is Peg Leg Pub still around? The last I knew, it was at PP Casino. We went there a couple of weeks ago, but the casino sucked away our money so fast that I didn't have time to look around the place to see which restaurants were there. Phil

No, it's gone. Been gone maybe a couple of years?

Fangdango on Front St in P'burg. Went in the late 80's on our first trip and the next year it was closed, kinda. The entrance was still open but the inside was dust covered with trash blowing around. Of course just down the street to the east was the aforementioned Sam's Place and the West Indies Tavern, their St Paddy's Day deal was a blast.
The New Amsterdam Store was a nice place to shop as well. In those days we walked from Divi to town, now we drive with ac on.
Also, the casinos at Divi and Belair are history.
Here's link from SXM's own Ku-J that I use in one of my classes that deals with tourism in the Caribbean:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znySFD3ju5o

Warning some of the lyrics really hit home in relation to the sad event of the past days. This video is at least 5 years old.

How about a place called Fan Dangos on front st

Can't remember the name ,but how about the restaurant behind Casino Royal they had a pool in the middle lots of fun parking sucked

======================
I needed some "Island shirts" and ordered from their on-line store - beautifully colored shirts delivered by FedEx in a few days plus a bonus shirt...too bad the store on the island closed but at least one can still order on line.

Dick,

I believe you're speaking of Paradise Cafe. I mentioned it earlier referencing the exquisite throne-like chairs that made you feel like royalty when seated in them - great food and great atmosphere and when it got a little later and the dinner crowd thinned out, the music and the waiters could really rock that place. They made a seafood app served in/on a seashell shaped tortilla that was out of this world. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water to this day! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Oh how could I fail to mention West Indies Tavern on Front St.! The .99 happy hour gin and I guess gin because I never tasted tonic. And sitting on the porch there getting a lecture from a reverend about the ills of drink! That was great. And the corned beef & cabbage dinner served there on St Pat's Day.

Their stuff for women online sucks. Nothing like the selection that they had in the store.

I agree, Carol. I used to buy one of the little sundresses every year, and they had such a great selection in the store. Now the selection is greatly reduced, and the price is 50% higher!

Im surprised that L'alabama wasnt mentioned. We thought that was one of our faves for years.

All the beach vendors and the market stalls still sell the sun dresses from Rima for a decent price so they are still available. I bought several in Nov/Dec.

We loved L'Alabama as well! Sadly it closed after only a couple of trips to the island. I believe La Villa is now where they were?

Yes, but their prices are still higher and there is much less choice than was in the store.

We have been going since 1985 , I was just looking through some old stuff and found a decal from the Paridise Cafe .We have seen many changes over the years . We will be on the Island Oct 28 thru November 12 , last year the fig was closed we hope they will be open this time

They always appear as if they're closed during the day, and while I don't know their summer vacation schedule, it would seem that most places do return and reopen by early November at the latest. Just make sure you don't get there before 6:00 as they open their doors promptly at that time and generally not before. '73 for us.... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

What I miss is rising early at the Atrium and walking down the street for breakfast and coffee.


(Photo taken in 2000)

William and Philippe's Village Baker was always my favorite.

I only paid $1 more and you can bargain! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

Have to agree about La Vie en Rose and California. The Fish Pot was one of our early favorites, as well (late 90's).

LINK
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Here's a great restaurant long forgotten by me that I do not think was mentioned earlier.

The Wajang Doll

Oh, how I miss the old Burger King bus. Now that was fine dining at 2 AM!

Le Charolais on Welfare Rd. Never the same after they
moved to Maho.
cheers
irina

I miss Le Bar de La Mer not what is there now but the old one. When you could pick out your fish that was sitting on crushed ice. Or if you ordered them You got a big pile of langostinos along with my first introduction to creole sauce.

I am with you JohnB, I would guess that the last time it was great would be 1999, 2000? It was damn memorable.

it was 2000 for the first time we went there. We went back in 2002 and 2003 and it was good. but it was at its best in 2000. People were not afraid to go to Marigot at night then.

Ditto on Bar-de-le-mer. Ran by retired French gendarmes who ran an efficient operation. Loved to sit at the bar and people watch - great pizza also.

Was that the place that featured the huge grilled Oisseau (sp?) and if yes, it was a great place. We had friends with us one year and we stumbled on it quite by accident and absolutely loved it. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Ah, Bar de la Mer!!! Loved that place. It used to be our traditional First Night Dinner spot!

Ahhh. . .times gone by
Spent many nights in the 90's at Bye Bar Brasil, Surf Club South, and Jimbololo. Great memories, friends, and fun!

Pat
Oiseau means bird in French and does not refer to any specific type.

Perhaps Pat was referring to Ouassous, those delicious giant shrimp from (I believe) Guadeloupe?

Pretty sure that is what pat was referring to. That place was really nice at one time but went downhill and was not good the last time I ate there many years ago.

January,

TY - and clearly French is not my tongue. I was referring to the extremely large shrimp Alaskan and ruralcarrier referenced. It was a long time ago, possibly the very early nineties, and those shrimp still linger in my mind. It was a fun place and setting and extremely popular in its time.

Some of the places mentioned most, la Vie en Rose and Bar de la Mar, practically next door to each other...Marigot seems a shadow of its own self. Love Tropicana but only for lunch.

Thank you!! It was driving me crazy for the name of this amazing restaurant!!Le Bar de La Mer We loved it!! Sometimes when we drive past it, I think why?? Great location, Why did it close. The menu was great food was fresh and fun people watching place!! Sadly missed.

And on another note, can anyone recall the name of the current RIU Resort before it became the Radisson? I'm having a total brain freeze this morning? It's right there on the tip of my tongue........ but that's as close as it seems to want to come!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

It was Le Meridien, Pat. The first place we ever stayed on the island.

Our first visit we took a cab to a restaurant that was where Pelican Resort was built later. Can't remember name. Had snapper cooked in a paper bag.

We stayed at Great Bay Hotel and desk clerk told us to NOT pay cab driver until he returned to get us or he'd never return because the road was so bad. When he came to get us he had his wife, rollers in her hair, and a child under 1 year old with him. I felt badly that we'd gotten the whole family out of their comfortable place.

TY..... I was all over and around it - LeMer, LeMans and others but couldn't quite come up with the right name.

In the very late eighties (Perhap 1990?) friends of ours, a professional wedding photographer and his wife, joined us for a week in St. Maarten. The Saturday before we headed down he shot a wedding and during the day discovered the couple was honeymooning at LeMeridian and would be on island at the same time as us. He agreed to meet them there and shoot a few photos on the beach to add an interesting footnote to their wedding album.

That was the first time we ever made it inside the resort proper - to that point we'd only lunched at the top of the hill by the pool which was pretty cool because we got to watch the helicopter land and take off a few times taking guests and sight-seers wherever. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Very cool! They didn't have a helicopter when we stayed there. Or if they did, they didn't offer us a ride anywhere, lol.

One of our all-time favorites was DaLivio . Great Italian food and impeccible service.

GaKaye,

I think the helicopter may have been a private chartering company that may (or may not?) have worked with LeMeridian on occasion. The landing pad for it was at the very top of the hill fairly near the restaurant and pool area.

We wandered up there the first time quite by mistake, basically trying to see where the road went, and ended up staying for lunch as the pool area was lovely and the view was incredible. John particularly enjoyed the view around the pool (of the bikini clad topless young women bathers) until he saw the menu prices, in Francs at the time and realized how much he was paying for same, but it was well worth it and another page in our book of island memories and experiences.

We later found a flyer somewhere from the company offering sight-seeing tours and near island trips from there via helicopter. And trust me, it wasn't inexpensive..... so I doubt it was a resort freebie, for sure. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />