Trip Report
4/01/05-4/16/05

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS:
This was our best vacation yet. Traffic was not as bad as anticipated (compared to The Big Dig) but the drivers are scary. The Island is in dire need of rain. The weather was fine for beach going and the one overcast day was spent in Phillipsburg shopping where we had the pleasure of seeing the beautiful Deepti and purchasing some exquisite pieces from her. Thanks to the people on this board we found Rima’s Beachwear and were able to complete our shopping for the Grandchildren. Unfortunately our digital camera malfunctioned so no pictures this year.

FLIGHTS:
We flew on US Airways out of Logan. This turned out to be the best flight possible from the rapid check-in, to be greeted by a courteous baggage handler, efficient ticket agent and a short layover in Charlotte. Arrived in St Martin to be met by the reliable Marius with our rental car. Get the bags and let the vacation begin.
The departure flight home was uneventful. Just the way we like it. Breezed through customs at Charlotte and arrived in Boston to be met by our wonderful daughter. I have gone through San Juan and Philadelphia in the past but I will choose Charlotte from now on. Our compliments to US Airways.

DINING:
We chose an eclectic mix this year. Upscale at Grand Case and The Atlantis Casino Complex to casual at Philly Joe’s Pizza and spots in between.

La Gondola:
Quite simply our favorite. An attentive staff combined with superb food and presentation. Pricey but worth it.

Temptation:
We had Friday night reservations. The staff was able to keep up with what appeared to be an overflow crowd. As a result, service was a bit slow but not intolerable. It was apparent they were doing the best they possibly could do. The food was excellent and we were delighted to see Deepti there also. Overall a good dining experience that we will definitely repeat. Pricey but the ambience and food make it worthwhile.

Boathouse:
Once again we relied on TTOL members and were not disappointed. Good service and great food. Coconut Shrimp the best and the Calamari out of this world. I also enjoyed the Conch Chowder as an appetizer. This is a very good value that is worth a return visit.

Pineapple Pete’s:
We discovered this restaurant last year. The owner Pierre is a personable young man who runs an efficient operation. We found the food and service above par and we were pleased when Pierre informed us that he became a Father in September. Congratulations.
Philly Joe’s Pizza:
Met the owner. He is from Philly but he is not Joe but Ciro. We tried the Ciro special and it was great. Everything on it and we ate out on the deck in order to catch the cool breeze from the lagoon. This is great pizza and a great value for a casual night out.

Lee’s
Again casual dining in a pleasant atmosphere. Try the potato salad Outstanding. Terrific value for good food and plentiful portions.

La Belle Epoque:

Another must visit for us. This bistro on the Marigot waterfront has he Gambas thin crust pizza. This is an individual pizza topped with shrimp. Delicious. I was looking forward to their giant banana splits once again this year only to be disappointed. Yes, they had no bananas. (lol) I had to settle for chocolate ice cream with whipped cream. Sometimes life can be so unfair. Terrific place for people watching and the pizza is top shelf but the exchange rate leaves me cold.

Rainbow:

We have been going to the Rainbow for the past 7 years. I send an email 2 weeks in advance of our trip to ensure a reservation and a waterfront table. Sadly, this year was a major disappointment. Perhaps because of Harmony nights, but the service was perfunctory and the food was just average. I hesitate to bash any business but I found it to be vastly overpriced for what I received. Sorry.

Kissing Fish:

I read about this restaurant on TTOL. The banana pancakes received high praise, so on departure day after checking our bags we ventured to the Summitt and found this hidden treasure. The banana pancakes were superb as advertised but the pleasant greeting and ambience really added to a wonderful departure (I hesitate to say final) meal. This is a definite must return.

We usually visit Mario’s and Dom Camillo’s but with the exchange rate the way it is we decided to cut back our forays to the French side and the advent of fine dining in the Atlantis Casino Complex made this choice much easier.

Beaches:

I’ll keep this short. We are sun lovers and the beaches are what bring us back to St Martin year after year and we are never disappointed. Try, as many as you can you will not be disappointed.



Conclusions:

There is no better spot for a vacation than this lovely island. We are drawn back year after year. The people are so friendly and outgoing and I enjoy meeting and talking with them, however, I think a driving school would be a rousing success here.
The construction is rampant particularly in the Cupecoy area. I hope it doesn’t mushroom out of control the way it did in Arruba.

I would like to thank people like Marius, Arline and all of the hardworking restaurant employees whose efforts made our vacation memorable.


Trip Report
4/01/05-4/16/05

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS:
This was our best vacation yet. Traffic was not as bad as anticipated (compared to The Big Dig) but the drivers are scary. The Island is in dire need of rain. The weather was fine for beach going and the one overcast day was spent in Phillipsburg shopping where we had the pleasure of seeing the beautiful Deepti and purchasing some exquisite pieces from her. Thanks to the people on this board we found Rima’s Beachwear and were able to complete our shopping for the Grandchildren. Unfortunately our digital camera malfunctioned so no pictures this year.

FLIGHTS:
We flew on US Airways out of Logan. This turned out to be the best flight possible from the rapid check-in, to be greeted by a courteous baggage handler, efficient ticket agent and a short layover in Charlotte. Arrived in St Martin to be met by the reliable Marius with our rental car. Get the bags and let the vacation begin.
The departure flight home was uneventful. Just the way we like it. Breezed through customs at Charlotte and arrived in Boston to be met by our wonderful daughter. I have gone through San Juan and Philadelphia in the past but I will choose Charlotte from now on. Our compliments to US Airways.

DINING:
We chose an eclectic mix this year. Upscale at Grand Case and The Atlantis Casino Complex to casual at Philly Joe’s Pizza and spots in between.

La Gondola:
Quite simply our favorite. An attentive staff combined with superb food and presentation. Pricey but worth it.

Temptation:
We had Friday night reservations. The staff was able to keep up with what appeared to be an overflow crowd. As a result, service was a bit slow but not intolerable. It was apparent they were doing the best they possibly could do. The food was excellent and we were delighted to see Deepti there also. Overall a good dining experience that we will definitely repeat. Pricey but the ambience and food make it worthwhile.

Boathouse:
Once again we relied on TTOL members and were not disappointed. Good service and great food. Coconut Shrimp the best and the Calamari out of this world. I also enjoyed the Conch Chowder as an appetizer. This is a very good value that is worth a return visit.

Pineapple Pete’s:
We discovered this restaurant last year. The owner Pierre is a personable young man who runs an efficient operation. We found the food and service above par and we were pleased when Pierre informed us that he became a Father in September. Congratulations.
Philly Joe’s Pizza:
Met the owner. He is from Philly but he is not Joe but Ciro. We tried the Ciro special and it was great. Everything on it and we ate out on the deck in order to catch the cool breeze from the lagoon. This is great pizza and a great value for a casual night out.

Lee’s
Again casual dining in a pleasant atmosphere. Try the potato salad Outstanding. Terrific value for good food and plentiful portions.

La Belle Epoque:

Another must visit for us. This bistro on the Marigot waterfront has he Gambas thin crust pizza. This is an individual pizza topped with shrimp. Delicious. I was looking forward to their giant banana splits once again this year only to be disappointed. Yes, they had no bananas. (lol) I had to settle for chocolate ice cream with whipped cream. Sometimes life can be so unfair. Terrific place for people watching and the pizza is top shelf but the exchange rate leaves me cold.

Rainbow:

We have been going to the Rainbow for the past 7 years. I send an email 2 weeks in advance of our trip to ensure a reservation and a waterfront table. Sadly, this year was a major disappointment. Perhaps because of Harmony nights, but the service was perfunctory and the food was just average. I hesitate to bash any business but I found it to be vastly overpriced for what I received. Sorry.

Kissing Fish:

I read about this restaurant on TTOL. The banana pancakes received high praise, so on departure day after checking our bags we ventured to the Summitt and found this hidden treasure. The banana pancakes were superb as advertised but the pleasant greeting and ambience really added to a wonderful departure (I hesitate to say final) meal. This is a definite must return.

We usually visit Mario’s and Dom Camillo’s but with the exchange rate the way it is we decided to cut back our forays to the French side and the advent of fine dining in the Atlantis Casino Complex made this choice much easier.

Beaches:

I’ll keep this short. We are sun lovers and the beaches are what bring us back to St Martin year after year and we are never disappointed. Try, as many as you can you will not be disappointed.



Conclusions:

There is no better spot for a vacation than this lovely island. We are drawn back year after year. The people are so friendly and outgoing and I enjoy meeting and talking with them, however, I think a driving school would be a rousing success here.
The construction is rampant particularly in the Cupecoy area. I hope it doesn’t mushroom out of control the way it did in Arruba.

I would like to thank people like Marius, Arline and all of the hardworking restaurant employees whose efforts made our vacation memorable.