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Luxury Travel
Spotlight on St. Martin
Le Pressoir, French restaurant in Grand Case
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ith the odd exception of some very upscale resorts like La Samanna and Radisson Blu where luxurious surroundings and spectacular vistas are deemed equally as important as fine quality of cuisine, restaurant décor is typically quaint and charming on the French side, often set in colourful Creole-style homes with the attention on the appetite and the focus on the food. So don’t let outside impressions fool you. It’s what goes on in the kitchen that counts, and this island has some serious culinary talent! Foodies have long dubbed St. Martin the gastronomic capital of the Caribbean, and its epicurean worth is often proven at the annual Taste of the Caribbean Competition—a culinary Olympics hosted by the Caribbean Hotel Association, where this island’s chefs consistently garner gold medals. “Restaurant row” has far too many outstanding options to list, however Grand Case is a diner’s delight, Le Pressoir, L'Auberge Gourmand and Tastevin are great places to begin your epicurean adventures, and for fine Italian cuisine, Spiga is the
©Photo: courtesy of www.everythingstmaarten.com
Epicurean Adventures--French Savoir Faire
spot. Beyond standard French favourites like escargot and foie gras, the bounty of the sea is usually centre stage—fresh fish and seafood is prepared with flair and accompanied by creative Creole sauces and spices. For local Antillean and Creole dishes, Chez Yvette in Orleans serves up the most “authentic” fare. There’s also a modern nouvelle cuisine enclave called Bacchus in Hope Estate (open only for lunch) which boasts an incredible Cave du Vin with over 2,600 varieties of wine and a gourmet grocery-to-go. Then there are the “lolos”. Better loosen your belt before visiting these open-air, BBQ style eateries because for a very reasonable price your plate will be filled to overflowing with succulent grilled fresh fish, seafood, chicken, and the most lip-smacking ribs you’ve ever tasted! For libations, locally made guavaberry liqueur is popular, and “ti’ rum punch”--high proof rum mixed with sugar cane syrup and lime juice--is considered the national drink. Artisanal spiced rums called Ma Dou Dou (meaning ‘my sweetheart’) are also a must try. And, of course, fine French wines abound everywhere. Bon Appétit! SUSAN CAMPBELL
-- LuxuryReportMagazine.com