Trip Report - Jan28-Feb14, 2017 part 1

TRIP REPORT - January 28, February 14, 2017 part 1
AIR – AA St Louis to Charlotte to SXM down. SXM to Miami to St Louis return. All flights were on time or early, except return flight from Miami to St Louis, which was 2 hours late. Tickets for this trip were bought early May, 2016. $637.50 rt/person.
CAR – [email]angela@horizoncarrentals.com[/email] Angela was waiting for us as we exited the airport. A quick check of the car and spare tire, an experienced stuffing of car with luggage and bodies, a “rubbing” of credit card, and we were off. Angela was there at 7am outside the airport for our departure and to take back the car. No problems with car. $450.00
PHONE – Sharon, www.queenofsxm.com Located at the Royal Palm by the drawbridge, an easy access to pick up a phone. With time it was $45.00.
GROCERIES - Jeannie and her company Shop N Drop GroceriesSXM . Stopping at the grocery store with a car crammed full of people and luggage is not a good idea. Arriving at your residence with a frig stocked with essentials, like a cold soda and/or beer, is a great idea. Jeannie and her crew are the best.
Oyster Bay Beach Resort – Our home for the first two weeks. The “room assignment gods” smiled on us this year with a first floor room overlooking the pool.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0110_zpsxtrzszod.jpg
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0112_zps4npra6k8.jpg
Turquoise Shell Inn – Our last three days were spent here. If you weren’t aware, Carter, finally sold the Inn in May 2016 to the Island family that bottles and distributes Heavenly Water on SXM. Since then The Inn has been undergoing renovations. Most of the first floor units have now been completed, with a new enlarged front porch. http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0266_zpsypdlyz9l.jpg . The kitchen has been redone. http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0268_zpspnyqh1dp.jpg The bath has been modernized. http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0269_zpsulk5u6k3.jpg And all floors in each unit have been covered with new tile. The pool also has a new deck surface. http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0267_zps2sfpqdvi.jpg
This was going to be a somewhat challenging year for restaurant selection. Tom like lots of protein in his meals. Judy was trying to stay on her Weight Watchers diet, Betty was trying to eat more and gain weight, and I was just trying to enjoy a meal.
So after unpacking, it was time for some food. A quick drive around Oyster Pond to a favorite, Dinghy Dock. Betty and I split a rib plate. http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0113_zps5rxecz1w.jpg It’s $15.00. There is NO service charge at Dinghy Dock.
This was Tom’s Fish & Chips. http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0114_zpsai8qhzgo.jpg
And this was Judy’s Creole Grouper. http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0115_zpsghr6ng1x.jpg
The next morning we celebrated being in SXM in our room with croissants from Pier Grocery(4). This is their/my Raisen Roll. http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0162_zpsgmoc1bvc.jpg
Other breakfasts were at Mr Busby’s(2). Two eggs, bacon, a johnny cake, and coffee and two eggs with sausage/ toast, and tea was $22.50. If you have a Jeff Berger coupon it saves you 15% . And there is NO 15% service charge at Mr Busby’s. If you want to save a little more and don’t care about the home fries, order off the “sides” section of menu. 2 eggs are $3.00, forgot what Johnny Cake and Bagel and Cream Cheese is.
Star Dock(2) – Star Dock is located at the end of the pier across from My Busby’s. Wonderful place to enjoy the morning and watch the marina activity. It’s run by this young lady, Theresa. http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0156_zpsktixjzb4.jpg http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0153_zpswkhijkqf.jpg Judy had scrambled eggs which were cooked like a crepe, very thin. http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0154_zpswk3eoqnj.jpg I had a slice of fresh from the oven bacon/spinach quiche. http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0155_zpschycpvgo.jpg With coffee, it’s $8.50. There’s NO service charge at Star Dock.
Went to the Marigot Market on a Saturday, so had to stop at Sarafinis for a ham and cheese croissant. http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0170_zpsf6cpjhmq.jpg
They seem to have cut down on the amount of items in the display cases, but there’s still way more than you can choose from.
Went to Phillipsburg on Monday morn because there was only suppose to be one ship in port. We arrived about 9:30. The cruise ship didn’t arrive to almost noon, we found out, so many places were not open when we got there. One place open for breakfast was Gusto’s. http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0180_zpsdadixhbf.jpg It looked nice and we chose to eat inside as opposed to the picnic tables/benches on the beach. We all order eggs, over easy. Well, either the chef wasn’t familiar with that term or he wasn’t paying attention, but all orders came with the eggs hard. They were served on a piece of stale toast. It might have been passable had the eggs been “over easy” , but they weren’t. Tom sent his back to be redone. The rest of us, just ate them. 2 eggs with toast was $6. http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0182_zpsgltmol2k.jpg Judy had a bowl of fresh fruit which was good, but also a little strange, because some pieces of fruit were diced very small. http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0181_zpsrjsuegwb.jpg .
Vensa Taverna – Always look forward to seeing Sally who manages the place during breakfast. Sadly, for the third time, over the last couple trips, their French Toast which is my favorite and suppose to be served with a dollop of whipped cream on each piece, was naked. They were out of whipped cream. Everyone else enjoyed their order and it was good to see Sally’s smiling face. Also saw Patty, who is a regular there when she’s on Island.
St Maarten Yacht Club – Another wonderful place to enjoy the weather of SXM in the morning. 2 eggs with bacon, toast and fresh fruit instead of potatoes is $9.00. http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0276_zpsquq7gqvj.jpg
Our last breakfast was in the airport after security at Johney Burger. A Johnny Cake with butter and jelly. A fitting end to our trip. http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0283_zpsfdlmk7kq.jpg

Lunches – Again since were staying at OBBR, many of our lunches were from either Beau Beau’s or Infinity Bar.
At Beau Beau’s we tried their;
Cheeseburger -
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0141_zps5a21i4vp.jpg $11.95+ sc.
Chicken Caesar Wrap –
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0239_zps1oeasnl6.jpg - $13.00+sc.
Tom had their Fried Chicken http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0139_zpsze1nysb1.jpg
Judy had their Chef Salad
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0140_zpsurgr1jah.jpg
She also tried their Beet Salad - http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0249_zpsbxzdv1wq.jpg
Beau Beau’s is open to the public and has a wonderful view while eating lunch. http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0238_zps71a9c26w.jpg
At Infinity Bar we tried their;
CheeseBurger –
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0164_zpszydboecs.jpg
The Beef Tacitos –
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0174_zpsrshfjt19.jpg
The Chicken Caesar Salad - http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0116_zpslkitfqyb.jpg which is $15.50.
Tom tried their Sliders - http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0175_zpsl43ppd4e.jpg
Orange Fever – On our visit to Orient Beach we went to an old favorite, Orange Fever. http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0241_zpsqk8ogdmt.jpg http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0240_zpsu9tvvmnu.jpg It was in midst of remodeling the last time we were there. Betty and I split their Chicken Caesar Salad.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0243_zpsidh91poq.jpg It was $13.50.
Judy had their mussels- http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0242_zps8gnrgmp6.jpg Their price on mussels is very close to Mark’s Place. The difference is in the size of the mussel. For quantity go to Mark’s. For size go to Orange Fever.
Shots of Passion Fruit came with the bill.
Our last three days on SXM while staying at Turquoise Shell Inn we visited El Zafaro restaurant/beach. Here’s their menu. http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0262_zpswsvy76dk.jpg http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0263_zpsbp93hld9.jpg
We started each visit with a BBC which are great because they use real bananas. They were $9.50 each.
For lunch we tried their Chicken wings - http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0265_zpsgyvdmf6x.jpg
With two BBC’s and the wings it was $37.00
This is their fried spicy pork bites with plantain. http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0272_zpsx5mlxj3i.jpg It was $13.00
Their Cheese Sticks - http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0273_zpsvbguxzyi.jpg $7.00
The beach there is wonderful. http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0271_zpsr79abnzq.jpg http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc2/sxmnorm/SXM%20Jan%20Feb%202017/DSCN0270_zpsi8vktcfz.jpg [/b]]http://i216.photobucket.com/al...b%202017/DSCN0260_zpss6y3wyky.jpg[b][/b]

Very nice, Norm. TY for sharing and for being such a good sport about all the different menu requests. Great photos, all...... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Norm
great report as usual. Thanks for the pics.

Wendell

Thanks for Part 1. Carter had told me about the renos at TSI when I was there in November, and I drove by to take a look. It's nice to see pics from the inside. My only quarrel with TSI has been the teensy bathrooms, especially when the bedrooms are so big. But the improvements are nice.

I clicked through your Photobucket library and see that you made it to the bird farm. Guess that will be in Part 2. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

Yes the Bird Park is coming in part 2.
btw, I tried to use your photo instructions to get pics to show instead of links, but couldn't get it right. I think I have the size right, just not sure which link code to use. Will try again on part 2.

It's the "direct" link.

Norm--but understand there is a limited number of pictures that we allow directly in posts. Sometimes it varies, but it's around 20 per post.

Great report! Looking forward to Part 2.

Thanks...Cathy

Nice report, Norm. The upgrades to Turquoise Shell Inn look very nice.

We love the fish & chips and ribs at the new Dinghy Dock in Simpson Bay. Looking forward to Part II.