Let me preface this again by saying these are MY observations. I do not presume to be all-knowing, just my humble opinions. So please refrain from bashing me should you disagree. <br><br>My fiance was craving for oysters. So we set off to find the best oyster spot. Several people we asked recommended L'escargot on Front Street. Mike thought it gaudy-looking, I loved the looks of it. Decorative, with lots to look at inside. <br><br>Not seeing oysters on the menu, we questioned the waiter who informed us that oysters were unavailable anywhere on the island and seemed appalled that we were unaware that any shrimp on St. Martin/Maarten is frozen while lobster is always fresh. <br><br>I found the waiter to be condescending and arrogant. Not the kind of service I would expect from such an expensive restaurant. So we order, but not enough apparently because 3 times the waiter asked if we were sure we did not want an appetizer or a salad. <br><br>Ten minutes later, a man whom I assume to be the owner comes out, seemingly insulted that we did not order escargot or conch or "any of the items that we are known for." I guess lobster thermadore and grilled swordfish without an appetizer or salad was not enough. We joked about wanting the oysters and how being spoiled NY'rs we are used to being able to get just about anything at anytime. The owner replied that he lived in NY 3 years ago and knew the city just as well as we did.<br><br>Our waiter never came back to refill our drinks or check on us (although a waitress, seeing our empty glasses a second time did come over and was very nice about getting us more.)<br><br>Perhaps my appetite was ruined by what I perceive as really rude service, but the food did not seem all that great either. It was by far, the most unpleasant aspect of our trip. <br><br>We had breakfast one morning at Harbor House on Front Street. The freshly squeezed papaya and orange juices were delicious and the Dominican coffee was excellent. I wouldn't recommend the eggs, though. <br><br>We ate at a restaurant in Marigot, right on the marina called La something-Germaine. The atmosphere was unmatched--right on the the water, French music in the background, soft breeze, candlelight. Perfect. And the food was fabulous, as was the complimentary after-dinner cocktail. Incidentally, across from the marina, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, there is a great market with vendors selling souvenirs, spices, fruits, vegetables, homemade wares, etc. Prices are comparable to Front Street and items are unique.<br><br>Two nights, we ate at Alberto's little streetside eatery. Remember Alberto, the waiter/bartender from Divi? Well, he owns a shack, essentially, on the road outside Phillipsburg that leads to the middle region, right past the roundabout with the Deloitte and Toiche monument, going east, on the right hand side. It is called Bistro Charro and is lit up by a green neon sign. There are a few tables out front and under an awning on the side and a couple at the bar. <br><br>Alberto and Jessica (the cook) are Domincan--as is the whole neighborhood I think. They make the best fried chicken, rice and beans, yucca and avocado I have ever had. The portions are huge and $7 a piece. Beers are $1. Don't expect much more, though. I don't drink beer and Alberto knows it from working at Divi. He offered to make me his special mango coladas, but had to run to the store to get the ingredients first. The second night we ate there, we drove Alberto to pick up another case of beer (which is what they seem to sell the most of.) Oh, and Jessica doesnt speak English. I must admit, we were a bit nervous at first being the only white people smack in the middle of an all Spanish-speaking neighborhood. But again, the people of St. Maarten did not let us down. So welcoming, so friendly, so engaging. Even helped us with our Spanish.<br><br>The sheer number of people trying to sell us something was a bit maddening. I must have been asked 50 times if I wanted my hair braided. And tipping, <sigh>. Even the guy wandering through the public parking lot wanted a tip to "make sure nothing happens to your car while you are away." That was a little scary and made it somewhat difficult to relax during our meal, afraid that we would come out and find our tires slashed because we refused. <br><br>Part 4: The last leg of our trip
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