David and friends took the 3-hour Rhino Safari excursion while Mike and I had our yearly BSV lunch “date.”
David has done this excursion at least 7 times and I twice. It’s a fun adventure where you get to see the island from a unique view as you “tool” around on a sort of jet ski watercraft. A guide accompanies you as well as a photographer on his own watercraft if you’re a larger group who takes excellent photos. They are electronically available for a nominal fee. I’ve posted photos in years past showcasing the quality.They really are spectacular. The color and action shots he gets are so professional. Because you were only three of them this trip, the photographer wasn’t available.
Indigo Beach was still closed as they had not put back some of the tarps they use for shade, etc. We tried to go to Cupecoy but found no places opening for dining except one. We had a bad experience for dinner several years ago so that wasn’t an option.
We decided to check out the new Dinghy Dock Sailor Bar which was an excellent choice.
They offer a varied menu with options for casual and more substantial meals should you so desire. The atmosphere is very colorful and lively. There were more than several tables with diners when we arrived. The bartender suggested a few novelty drinks for us so how could we refuse.
We both got the Paddlewacker $13, Bushwacker, Peanut Butter, Chocolate Drizzle with Cinnamon Powder. A Bushwacker as a frozen cocktail created by a bartender in Saint Thomas in 1975 you can Google it. It’s a novelty drink we enjoyed.
The owner/ chef came over to our table to welcome us along with an introduction. She is originally from St. Thomas but lived in the states for a number of years before returning to St Thomas where they own another restaurant. She fell in love with St Maarten. A chef by trade she opened the restaurant about 3 months ago. She is a lovely woman who we enjoyed speaking with. Her staff was equally friendly.
Cash only OR Zelle, Venmo or Paypal. No gratituty or service charge is added. On Friday evenings they have Jazz night from 5-7 pm and Happy Hour is daily from 5-7 pm.
The catch of the day was mahi mahi. I ordered the mahi mahi grilled tacos. I asked for a hard shell when the waitress responded they are normally soft but I could get hard. The mahi mahi was grilled nicely with a pineapple salsa and a avocado crema. Very satisfying. Mike ate a Cubano served with fries.
Not only is the location convenient to where we are staying but the “digs” are nice and I saw a lot more on the menu I would return for. This may wind up our new Happy Hour spot.
Dinner at Sublime was ok, not our best experience compared to other previous visits. Reservations were made through WhatsApp, they had our reservation down when we arrived. When we arrived and through the course of our dinner, they were fairly empty. Reservations weren’t necessary.
I don’t know if Ladies Night (half price drinks) are still offered, thought they were but my drinks were not discounted. Honestly forgot about this until I started writing the report. I had two drinks, one at the bar and another for dinner and neither were discounted as I reviewed our bill I do recall I didn’t see a discount. I would have remembered that, too bad I didn’t remember to ask then about Ladies Night.
There were at least 4 servers on the floor with only 3 tables outside and two inside seated with patrons. Service should have been much better. Because service wasn’t very good and my meal was just ok is the reason for it not being as pleasant a dining experience as in the past.
Two in our party ordered the short ribs which both enjoyed with mashed potatoes and vegetables. One ordered the stuffed chicken breast with a mushroom gravy and asked to substitute potatoes for risotto, they complied. David had the veal osso bucco with risotto. He enjoyed his meal. I ordered the shrimp in garlic sauce which came with two sides. I opted for double salad. Salad was very good. The shrimp arrived in a rich creamy garlic sauce. It was ok. Nothing wrong with it, shrimp were not overcooked, sauce was tasty just wasn’t “feeling it.” All of our meals were ordered off the regular menu. There was no special menu insert this evening.
When the bill arrived the waitress overheard me tell our friends that 15% service charge was included. She quickly replied that 5% went to the servers, 5% to kitchen staff and 5% to the owner. We left a cash tip and in hindsight I should not have left what I did given the noticeable lack of service.
We all made deposits to the Casino in Maho. There was a fair amount of people in the casino.
David treated me to a very pretty set of earrings, pendant and bracelet from J.N. Jewlers in Maho. He also treated himself to a watch.
