TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Thursday, 4/22

Breakfast at the Yacht Club which included seeing Monique who we’ve been following since her earliest days at the original Karakter. We only saw two boats going through the bridge but back in late November we didn’t see any on one of our SBYC breakfasts so this was a step up. Between ‘the season’ being basically done and the havoc coronavirus wreaked upon it, I guess this wasn’t the typical high season for the huge numbers of big yachts. They came, of course, but just not in the huge numbers of past years, or so we’ve been told.

Came home and spent the day here at the pool with the exception of having Rosie’s ribs take-out for lunch.

Went to Vesna’s Taverna for dinner. It had been a while since we were last there and quite honestly, we’d forgotten how good they are. We shared a large lobster which they grilled to perfection and even found room for desserts. J had - what else - creme brûlée - and I had a piece of their yummy lemon meringue pie which, in honesty, was too big to finish but very, very good.

Traffic in Simpson Bay was crazy as always with people honking their horns and pedestrians stepping out in front of cars everywhere, not to mention cars backing out of parking spaces with no warning and the noisy suicycles revving up to impress you. Crazy!! Defensive driving is certainly a must.

Home and actually in bed by 10:30...........

Sounds like a perfect day (other then the traffic). Hope the good times continue.

We have been to Grand Case a few times, staying in Simpson Bay area and while we have not gone over the hill to Pburg we have been lucky to have experience very little traffic issues so far (knocking on wood now).

We were at Mullet yesterday at Watering Hole for a bit, nice and calm there. Our paths almost connected.

Glad to hear Monique is still at the Yacht Club. We also first met her at Karakter.

Pat--we have never been to Vesna's Taverna. Guess we need to try it some time. So many restaurants, so little time!

So, has Saba made an appearance yet?

Todd--we will have to try out the Watering Hole next trip. Seems like a nice addition to Mullet. (although I don't actually know how they were able to build that structure there, but that's a whole 'nother story...)

Saba? She seems to come and go this morning! Right this minute she’s back but looking like her next escape could be imminent. Who knows - perhaps she’ll change her mind and stick around for a while.

We haven’t made it to Mullet but hope to at least try lunch there although time is starting to run short. Guess we’d best do it soon. J got ribs from Rosie’s but I would really like to try the new place.

Re Vesna’s, years ago we used to stop for breakfasts when she was on the other side of the road but like you said, so many places and so few days....... But our dinner was very good last night, just as others had said it would be. Thank you, Terry and Rit for the reminder.

And so often our dinner choices are dictated by what place has convenient parking when we’re ready to eat. I hate making reservations and being pinned to a time unless it’s a special event or occasion as so often plans change last minute. Or too much sun, etc. makes us less inclined to want to be pinned down to earlier plans.

And there are so many great places on this island we know we’ll NEVER GO HUNGRY here. 😊😊

Hopefully you will have a couple of clear Saba days. I never tire of seeing her!

I don't blame you on the parking, and the times that we have made reservations for dinner on island, OTHER THAN meeting friends, I could probably count on one hand.

So, is J starting to get antsy yet??

Happy you enjoyed Vesna Taverna!
Was thinking about those desserts! .

Todd, we haven’t really had the old traffic issues either, and we have been running around. Maybe we will run into you guys .

John’s not been antsy at all. He has been so good and so patient this trip. We really haven’t done much of anything by our own choice and when he does get a little antsy he gets in the car and goes out to buy himself ice cream or other goodies of his choosing. 😊😊

Edited to add - and regarding the traffic issues, it really seems to depend on the direction you’re heading in and the time of day.

Those desserts! I read after just finishing off some carrot cake from The Palms from last night.

Yesterday was our first day where we spent a day at Watering Hole, previously just cocktails and once for dinner. Like P&J we like Rosie's ribs but our favorite are from Dany at Cupecoy and we (more so MJ) can only eat Ribs or Chicken so much and Watering Hole has a more complete menu.

We are taking it easy today, cocktails later and and probably dinner at Lal's tonight.

Sounds like "traffic" is back to normal. LOL

We've been to Vesna's Taverna a couple of times. Always had good service and great food. Vesna is very personal and is proud of her food. As she should be. You should give it a try.

Pat- I'm chuckling to myself because we feel the same way about the traffic and parking issues in Simpson Bay. That's probably why we love to eat in all the great little places in Jordan Village. Parking is easy (we certainly could walk from Rainbow but we're on vacation!) and there's usually a security guard and his dog patrolling the area for the Medical School.
As for Simpson Bay, we usually can find a spot near Vesna's as we go there at least once a week. It's our favorite!! We'll also venture out to Isola because we can get valet parking at the casino. Other than these 2 ,at our age it's just too much of a problem to try to find a parking space.
Enjoy the rest of your trip!!

Another great trip report!

We’ve never dined at Vesna’s Taverna. It’s been on my list for quite a few trips now. So many restaurants, so little time...

Got to make time. It's good.