La Cigale dinner

Before I get to the food let me say the view is magnificent, the place magical.

We were seated at water’s edge. From there we could watch the sunset to our right. We could see the outline of Eustatia (maybe Saba?) directly ahead of us. To the right, the skyscrapers of Fourteen, newest buildings. Far right was Porto Cupecoy. at 6:30 Air France graced the skies.

Dinner started with amuse bouchée, creamy asparagus &mint purée. For appetizers we had Gravlax salmon in lemon cream. For main plate I vascillated between Canard Parmentier and Rack of Lamb. Tough choice! The lamb won. It was herb crusted, 5 ribs with stewed veggies. Tender to cut and delicious.

Don, who has been limiting his red meat intake had a tough time choosing between Black Angus fillet and veal filet. The beef won. His dish came with black truffle, potatoes and onions in a Port wine sauce. I had a taste and it melted in my mouth.

For dessert we split the Grand Marnier soufflé. As I ate I wished I’d ordered it all for myself.

All was washed down with a bottle of Sancerre. By then the stars were out, fish jumped in the water, and a lone skiff passed by.

I would go back in a heartbeat!

Sounds lovely and delicious. I've wanted to go here for quite a while but never heard much about it from anyone. You've got me convinced to add it into the rotation next time.

Difficult to find. There’s a small sign on right coming through Terrase Basse area, just after a gas station; however, the turn is into residences. So you have to park outside on road and walk in. Restaurant is located on the water behind these buildings. Sign marks the way.

White clothed tables in the sand or on a patio. Lighted tables, and lights along the water. 5 star casual dining.

I wish Whaletail had been there to take his great photos.

Rosemary--next time you need to invite Mr. and Mrs. Whale Tail along, to take pictures! It sounds fantastic. Approximately how much was the bill, if you don't mind?

Carol - They actually did invite us. But our time on island is running down and we still have things to do. But we did get a rain check for next year for them to expand our culinary tastes. We will take them up on that.

OK, sounds like you missed out! But I know how it is when time is winding down to the last couple of days.

I have a few pictures from multiple trips. This has become my favorite restaurant on the island

Thanks for posting, Kim. Wonderful!

We stayed in the apartments right there and for some reason never made it to the restaurant. Probably because we were more budget conscious way back when. Another interesting place right beside Le Cigale is Cote Lagon. More of a lunch place with a loyal French following. I had a good lunch there and appeared to be the only non-French there.

Yes, thanks for posting, Kim. Almost some of the exact pictures that we took.

all though we enjoyed our meal there, I remember the waiter or bill stating tips are not included.

Generally don't go back to places that have to "request' more money

Don't ask and you definitely get more

Maho kid, I didn’t notice any mention of tips or service charge on menu and the only extra that I remember was a SXM tax. We did leave extra.

SXM charges a tax now? I didn’t know that.

Something like a 4% on French side.

We enjoyed our dinner there very much also.[img]http://[/img]

WOW. Your dining experience sounded so wonderful!

La Cigale’s soufflé is oh so good.

It’s a bit tricky to find the restaurant, but once you see the sign, you’re there! The location is beautiful and romantic.

Pat--French St. Martin has a 4% tax on food, been that way for a while.

I never knew that but then, we don’t eat on the French side that much anymore and when we do, I don’t think I’ve ever seen the check. I was of thinking the Dutch side and in terms of the TOT.

TOT is still collected but by Dutch Law can't be shown added to the check.