L'Oizeau Rare in Marigot

Happy new year folks! We are looking forward to our trip coming up in roughly 53 days an 22 hours.

As these things go we like to help pass the days by planning some dinner ideas and other fun things to look forward to. We haven't spent anytime in Marigot to speak of except a visit to the ER a couple years ago. Last night surfing the web I stumbled upon what looks like a real gem of a place call L'Oizeau Rare. <a href="" target="_blank"></a> L'Oizeau Rare

I hope I pasted the URL correctly. Anyway, has anyone been? Reviews on TripAdvisor and pictures look great. I think this might be my ribeye evening (most places in Grand Case do Filet Mignon which is not as flavorful to me).

Reading the message boards makes me slightly nervous about safety and such. How many of you venture into Marigot in the evening and if so do you drive or cab it? We aren't worriers per se just want to be smart.
Cheers - Troy and Olive

Many thanks, it looks well priced, where is it located precisely ?

We dined there last year, it was fine. I don't think we would go back. Staff & owner are very friendly. Service was good.

It is located next to The West Indies Mall. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Rastamojo,

I'm not generally a steak person and I can't speak for the restaurant in question in Marigot, but earlier this past December we had a great grilled ribeye at The Green Monkey at the Ocean Club in Cupecoy.

I don't know where you're staying but we went there on the advice of a friend specifically for the Friday/Saturday (could be Saturday/Sunday?) grilled Ribeye special and it was delicious - huge, well seasoned and perfectly cooked to each of our requests. As I recall, the special was $25.00 and it was served with a side of garlic mashed or fries.

We all left fully sated and with almost a half steak each for reheats or afternoon cocktail hour. It's not GC gourmet or Rare-like in price, but it was very good.

The setting is comfortable though not at all fancy and the dress is casual. I'll go back for sure the next trip if they still offer 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="" />

I have eaten there and had a wonderful meal. It a favorite of true island locals so be patient, they are use to diners staying for hours while they eat at a leisurely pace. Don't expect the wait staff to come over frequently. They will be keeping an eye on your table and will come over quickly if you gesture. For a change, take a break between courses, chat, sip some wine, and take in the great view of Marigot harbor. Dining can be an evening's enjoyment in itself.

My wife and I have been going there for years and have always enjoyed it. It may be a bit more "French" than some Americans are comfortable with.

Located between (what used to be?) La Vie en Rose and the West Indies Mall, on the same side of West Indies Mall.

We dined last NYE with a group of local French & our best friends from Paris, as I mentioned it as very nice. And yes, I agree, it is a bit more French than some Americans may be comfortable with....

Lreserve
You have to leave your North Americanism behind and let your new experience unfold. Don't measure the experience against what you are use to. I have been to countries around the world and found out that if you try to blend in the people will welcome you with open arms and you will have a pleasant and rewarding experience.

January--Lyn lives on SXM, has for several years. You are addressing your comments to way the wrong person.

Carol, that's ok.
This person has written to my husband & asked him to come back to the TTOL board for his views on island life. So I'm rather confused as we dine in the same places & also travel the world.
It was beautifully written though....

The "French-feel" is what appeals to me about what I can gather from online research about this place. I guess my question is really more about going to Marigot in the evenings (we are staying at Cul De Sac).

I don't think I'd have a hesitation except that over the years reading this board some folks seem to avoid Marigot at night. The atmosphere looks very inviting to me, we really tend to embrace the French culture in fact the past two years we stayed on the main drag in Grand Case and really dug into the vibe there.

Thanks Lreserve and January for sharing your experiences. Do they have their own parking, is it within a guarded lot?

Bonjour Rastamojo7,

You should thoroughly enjoy your dining experience. The food was a bit rich for me but the servers, owners & evening were lovely. It was a fun 2014 NYE with island friends.

The evenings are usually quiet in that area after the shops close, there is public parking. No guard or private parking that I know of. We dine everywhere on the island, I can't live my life in fear. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Have a wonderful vacation.

Lyn

Could you expound on that? Do you mean it's like Grand Case restaurants used to be back in the late 80's early 90's? With just two seatings, smoking, and the intimate feel of being the only people in a corner? And like, if you've ever eaten at Poisson d'Or back "in the day".

If you were facing the stairs to Fort Louis, would the restaurant be to the left?
Sounds like a place we will try.

Beach Kitten not sure where the fort stairs are but if you have the water to your back and look up and left it's there at the corner. We first saw it coming from the ferry dock from Anguilla. I remember wondering how it was pronounced and what it meant. Someone told me it translates Rare Bird.

Carol and Lyn
I had no idea Lyn lives on the island and is the wife of, I guess, the "captain." I would not talk down to someone who probably knows much more than me.
Lyn,
I have some great stories about people I have met during my travels if you would like to hear some of them.

RonDon
Rare Bird it is. Poisson d'Or was before my time I think. If you ever went to La Brasserie de Marigot they are similar but the Bird has a little more class.

Oh yes!

I think next return from Anguilla we may slow down long enough to check it out before heading to Mullet. Menu looks quite reasonable.
http://www.marigotwaterfront.com/oizeaurare/index.html

Rare Bird changed owners last year (or maybe a little before) and is still good but they no longer have the kangaroo steak that was always a treat. As stated by others, service is very good - although they do may martinis with way too much vermouth!

Thank you. Love Brasserie de Marigot. I first Island meal was there long ago; keep going back. Will try L'Oizeau.