TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Supermarkets

Hello,

We are flying down next week, for our first post-Irma visit. We are staying in a villa, near Orient Village, as the Blue Bay Beach Hotel was destroyed.
We used to stop at the Grand Marche / Carrefour, on Union Road, near the border, to stock up for the week. I understand that it was destroyed by Irma. I was wondering what other options might be available. Is the Supe U in Howell Center our best option ?

Thanks to all, Jim.

Carrefour in Cupecoy also. But I prefer Super U if it's not out of your way. Great selections and lower prices.

Petit Casino grocery store is open in the Village and there is something open in Hope Estate, but I'm not sure exactly what. Super U has the best prices and a huge selection, so long as you don't need US label stuff. Super U has a wonderful selection of French wines and they have some really good specials on meats. For frozen stuff, boxed stuff, etc., it is very helpful if you read French. For US stuff, Carrefour has a store in Cupecoy and in Jordan Village, in addition to the one by Mark's. The other two are quite a bit smaller, but they work for a quick stop.

Super U, unless you're just looking for snacks.

Thank you. We will probably stop at Super U, as it is on our way. I wanted to pick up some fresh ( not UHT in a brick ) milk, on the way to our rental. I can read French pretty well, so that is not an issue. But I have noticed that smaller French markets - even in mainland France - do not always carry pasturized milk.

Does anyone know if Super U carries any of the dutch cheeses?

Thank you

Mostly French products at Super U. I did buy cheese there and did not notice any Dutch cheese unless I missed it.

Does anyone know which markets carry 1/2 &1/2 or pasteurized cream for our daily Dunkin’ coffee we bring/packed in checked bags?

I've had no problem finding half and half most anywhere. HOWEVER, please make sure you check the expiration dates, as I have also often found either expired or almost expired dates on products on the shelves. The other problem I have had occasionally is that I don't know what the French word is for it, and so had to guess whether I was getting half and half or heavy cream, etc., at some places, that don't carry it with English on the label. But that's my stupidity.

Always shop at the little supermarket in Cupecoy, due to convenience mainly, just before one goes to Marios Bistro, think its a Carrefour? They have all the prices in Gilders and convert to Dollars. Have no idea if their prices are in line with most others and how you compare this Supermarket to many mentioned here and on other posts? If needed, where would you get a better deal, Euro's or Gilders for Dollars?

In French, look for Crème Légère, or Light Cream. It has a butterfat content of about 12% (lipides in French). US half and half has a butterfat content of 10.5%-18%.

Heavy (whole) Cream is Crème Entière.

Guilders and US dollars are at a totally fixed rate, no advantage to pay in guilders, no reason to obtain guilders at all. The Carrefour at Cupecoy is much smaller than the one by Mark's, so doesn't have nearly the selection as the one by Mark's. Supposedly all the Carrefours have the same price for the same items. In general, Super U has the lowest prices on the island for most everything, but basically no US products, if you want those.

Don't waste your time getting guilders. The ratio to the dollar hasn't changed in over 30 years. It is not like the euro, which is changing daily. If you get guilders your change will be in guilders and you will be stuck with it.

Hello
We are on the island now and first time back since Irma
We just bought groceries from Super U Howell Centre. Good meat, cheese, produce and wine selection. Of note it is 1$USD = 1€ if you pay cash. Best groceries we have found so far!
Enjoy your stay!

Wondering if Market Garden is still there? Loved their little subs there. TY

Yes, Market Garden is there. I find their prices to be high, in general. You can also pick up pre-made sandwiches at other places on the island. We have gotten them also at the Maho Market, and I think at the Carrefour in Cupecoy, I think.

Thanks Carol. We always went to Market Garden, as our "home" was Royal Palm and it was so close. What grocery store do you recommend that is convenient to BSV?

If you're getting just a few things, Market Garden is OK, but we rarely shop there. I hate that they closed that Gourmet Grand Marche there in Simpson Bay, as that was our go-to market a lot of the time. We often stop for a single item or two from the Maho Market, IF there is parking. Otherwise, from BSV, you can head to the Carrefour in Cupecoy or in Jordan Village for quick stuff, to avoid Simpson Bay traffic. Our regular grocery store for big grocery runs is either the Carrefour by Mark's or Super U.

Perfect Carol. Got it. Thanks!

No problem. Enjoy!

The Carrefour in Jordon Village is a great grocery store and very close to BSV. It has a wide selection of products and the prices are reasonable, it is very clean and good parking available.

As to the nearby Carrefours, as Carol said, go to Jordan Village or Cupecoy. However, I would just like to say that I think the Carrefour in Jordan Village is very, very nice . . . much better than the one in Cupecoy. They have packed an awful lot of product in a pretty small space, and I always was able to find what I needed on my last trip. Highly recommend.

where exactly is Super U please?

In Marigot right near McDonald's. Great store. You don't need French to shop there.

Sounds like a plan. I'm unfamiliar with where Jordan Village is, but we will find it. Thanks again all!

Jordan Village is next to Cupecoy, near the medical school. Turn where the former Starz Casino was. We especially like Bar Code.

Oh ya. I know right where that is! Thanks!

I'm trying to remember where Howell Center is. We would like to shop at a Super U. Staying at Orient Beach. Is it on the way to Marigot from Juliana? I'm thinking you go over the causeway, after picking up a rental car, then turn left and head towards Marigot and it is on the left?

Thanks

Yes, go over the Causeway, head toward Marigot, but Howell Center is on the RIGHT in Marigot. The Super U is exactly where Match used to be, for long time visitors. It is just past the McDonalds in Marigot.

Does anyone know what is in the space where Simply U was in Sandy Groud. It was at the foot of the bridge.

I believe that is now a Monoprix

Just flew back last night, after a wonderful 9 day stay. I will try to put together a comprehensive trip report, later ( I am at work, now).
However, I just wanted to let everyone know that the Super U Supermarket, in Howell Center, is offering one to one, on $US payments, cash only. If you use your credit card, you will be billed in euros
This is like getting a 13% cash discount, on all of your purchases. Not sure how long this promotion will last. .

OK, thanks for the report. Glad you had a good stay!

They've been offering it a month at a time since January 1!

Does anyone know if Carrefour by Mark's has reopened since the fire?

Yes, it has.

Great thank you!

It’s the Howell shopping center just past the atheletic field on the right side if coming from the causeway. I think the street is Rue de Holland.

And next to McDonalds!