June 23- July13, 2010 Trip Report

Love the Island. Love my time there. Would love to spend more time, but Mastercard calls. More fortunate than most because I do get two trips a year.

Air – Had to wait till late April to buy tickets from AA for this trip. $612.50pp/rt. Not bad, certainly not a great price. Trip down was in prime time – STL to MIA to SXM(6:05am to 2:00pm). Of course with only 1 ½ hours layover in Miami, AA was unable to get my luggage on our flight to SXM. Luggage came on the 5pm flight, but at 10am the next morning I drove over to airport and picked it. Just before they were going to put it in a taxi to send it to us at Turquoise Shell. We, as most SXM travelers, always pack a next days clothes and swim suit in our “carry-on”. Unfortunately we forgot to pack our toothbrushes. Don't think we offened anyone.
The return trip to St Louis was interesting. In order to get that wonderful(?) ticket price from AA, we had to be on American Eagle 7:20am flight to San Juan. One thing, at that hour, there are very few people in line at check-in counters, immigration, or security. A quick one hour flight to San Juan, a long walk to customs, and we were the only people in the US Citizens Customs line. Luggage retrival was very easy. An hour+ wait for the 10am flight to Chicago. The Chicago to St Louis was quick and we were home with luggage by 7pm.

Car Rental - For the second time this year we used Lucky Car Rental( www.hlcars.com). The bubbly Maria meeting us at the airport with a silver, Hyundia L10. Slightly dented. Costs for three weeks - $437.40 with taxes. We did have a dead battery during our second week. They came out and gave us “a jump”, but after sitting for a couple hours, the charge was gone. Another call and they brought out a new battery. No problem after that.

Phone - Sharon's Queen of SXM(queenofsxm2000@yahoo.com) again provided phone service for us.
For three weeks, $40. plus $10. in time. Phone worked on all parts of SXM that we visited.

Room – To get to non prime time flights(just another excuse to extend our visit), we stayed the first and last three days of trip at Turquoise Shell Inn (www.tshellinn.com). Conviently located just behind Hilma's Winsor Castle Trailer on Airport Rd, [i216.photobucket.com] this ten unit hotel is very well kept by Carter and Marcus and their staff. It's just steps across the Simpson Bay Rd to Simpson Bay Beach and within walking distance to many eating places along Airport/Welfare Rd. It has it's own pool and the place is lushly landscaped. Off Season rates are $115 a night for July 2010.
Our other two weeks were spent at our time share, Oyster Bay Beach Resort (www.obbr.com ).
Week one in a first floor studio unit in the new Pavillion Building. Week two in a one bedroom first floor unit in the same, Pavillion Building. Thiswas our first stay in the Pavillion 1 bedroom units. [i1047.photobucket.com] [i1047.photobucket.com] [i1047.photobucket.com] [i1047.photobucket.com] The pool was located right outside our unit which was very convient. [i1047.photobucket.com]

Weather - Deboarding from plane upon arrival was delayed by a heavy, 5 minute downpour since we were not hookup to a jet way. The first couple days were gray with occassional showers. After that it was mostly sunny. The weather forecast each night was duplicated, “High 87-88, Low 81-82 – Party Cloudy/Sunny, Winds – 10-20mph, 30% chance of showers.” Humidity was high every day. Thank goodness for the breeze.

Groceries – Most groceries were from Grand Marche on the road down Cole Bay Hill.

Breakfast – Most breakfasts were in our room with cheese, crackers, orange juice. We did eat a couple breakfasts out. We did bring in bakery items.
Bagel House - French Toast, 2 eggs w/toast & potatoes, coffee, tea - $15.50 before tip. No service charge
Bonita's Cantina - 2 eggs w/toast & potatoes, smoked sausage, Diet Coke, coffee - $20.00 without tip. No service charge. [i1047.photobucket.com]
Atlantis Bakery – 4 crossiants taken back to Turquoise Shell. - $8.00
Orleans Bakery – 4 butter loaded bakery items – 4.00E= $5.50. Taken back to OBBR.
Bonita's Cantina –Two - 2 eggs w/bacon/potatoes, toast, coffee, Diet Coke. $20.00 before tip. No service charge.

Lunch -
Buccaneer Beach Bar -Simpson Bay - 2 - BBC's w/real bananas( our self-proclaimed arrival drink) and a cheeseburger w/fries. $21.00 before tip. No service charge. [i1047.photobucket.com] [i1047.photobucket.com]
La Crosanterie – Royale Marina, Marigot. [i1047.photobucket.com] Wonderful, peaceful view. [i1047.photobucket.com] [i1047.photobucket.com] Thoroughly enjoyed a wonderful salad with lettuce, tomato, onion, browned potates, bacon, and egg with fresh bread and butter and two ham and cheese crossisants. [i1047.photobucket.com] . Along with two cokes. $25.00 before tip. No service charge.
Andy and Cheryl's – Orient Beach - Fish and Chips. 2 vodka lemonades, 1 coke. $33.00 before service charge and tip.
On the 4th I tried Andy's Pasta Figoli(sp?) Soup. [i1047.photobucket.com] Can't remember exactly what's in it. Know it has a chicken stock with cheese, tomato, Italian bacon, onion, noodles with spinach on top sprinkled with parmesan cheese. Very good. Very filling. - Soup is $8.00 a bowl not including service charge or tip.
Get Wet Bar – Boardwalk, Phillipsburg [i1047.photobucket.com] – Spicy Chicken sandwich, two sliders, 2 frozen drinks, 2 cokes - $24.00. No service charge, before tip. Canadian Neil is owner. [i1047.photobucket.com] [i1047.photobucket.com]
Mooi – We've enjoyed breakfast at Mooi several times in the past. This year we decided to try lunch there. [i1047.photobucket.com] Betty had the Ham and Cheese on Baguet [i1047.photobucket.com] that came with a small salad. Norm had Catalan Grilled Chicken with spinach and slivered almonds. [i1047.photobucket.com] It came with fried potatoes.With 2 cokes and service charge - $28.80 before tip.
Bonita's Cantina – Simpson Bay(old Ric's) – Smoked Chicken Quesidellas, [i1047.photobucket.com] The smoked chicken gave them a great taste.
Death by Chocolate [i1047.photobucket.com] with vanilla ice cream instead of chocolate – an ice tea and a soda. - $15.45. No service charge, before tip.
Taco Macho – Airport rd - [i1047.photobucket.com] New place for us. [i1047.photobucket.com]
4 beef tacos in soft shells, [i1047.photobucket.com] 2 sodas. $10.00. No service charge. Before tip.
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Beau Beau's – Oyster Bay, Dawn Beach – Geat view. [i1047.photobucket.com]
We ate here several times. First because it's close to room, you can charge to room, and great meal deals.
We had their 1/3# burger that comes with fries and slaw and a Carib for $6.00. This is an everyday special. On Friday they add the 1/2# burger with fries and slaw and Carib for $8.00. Carib's are 2 for one everyday.
We also had their Tuna Salad on bun with Gouda Cheese.
Their Chicken Caesar Salad $14.00 before service charge and tip.
The Ham/Turkey/Cheese/Bacon Club w/fries - $15.00 including service charge.
The Chicken Wrap with Mango Salsa - $9.00
Infinity - Oyster Bay Resort on site restaurant – Offering pool side service.
Ham, Cheese, and Tomato on Baguet w/fries [i1047.photobucket.com] - $11.45 w/service charge.

end of part 1

Trip Report – June 23 – July 13, 2010 part 2(diners)

Diners -

Dinghy Dock(3) – Oyster Pond, Captain Oliver Complex Although DD is under new ownership from California, at the moment there seems to be no change in service, food, or drink specials.
Within hours of arriving on SXM we enjoyed ribs at DD. A plate of ribs comes with a small salad. We started this meal during Happy Hour, so our bill included a beer, rum and coke, BBC, 2 cokes and fries. Total $28.00 before tip. No service charge.
On another visit we tried their Fish and Chips. [i1047.photobucket.com] Along with a Rum Punch and Coke - $16.00 before tip. No service charge.
A third visit required more ribs with fries, 2 sodas - $14.00 before tip.

Pineapple Petes(3) – Simpson Bay - Another favorite spot mainly for the Crème Brulee [i1047.photobucket.com] , but we always try to eat something more healthly first.
On our first vist we had a couple Neptune Burgers which are chopped grouper mixed with various seasonings and stuff and grilled. I always add cheese to mine. Here's Neci, PP's only full time female waitress serving our neptune Burger. [i1047.photobucket.com] Along with a tea, coke, and Crème Brulee – Service Charge and tax added - $38.35 before tip.
We enjoyed for the first time their Parmesan Encrusted Chicken Breast with linguini and marinara sauce. [i1047.photobucket.com] and a Crème Brulee, a tea and soda - $36.00 w/sc/tax, before tip.
Our “last supper” was a double Neptune Burger (Two patties, one bun) w/cheese, tea and coke, and of course, a Crème Brulee - $32.66 w/sc/tax/ before tip.

Pizza Galley -Simpson Bay - [i1047.photobucket.com] A favorite for pizza. Thin crust, good cheese. [i1047.photobucket.com] Coupon for a free glass of wine and a coke -$18.00. No service charge. Before tip.

La Bamba Beach Bar(3) -Simpson Bay – A Sunday night “MUST”. Outstanding live rock and roll, and other favorites with a core group of musicians including Eddie(part owner of La Bamba) from Latin Sugar Band, Bob from Cover to Cover, plus other island musician sitting in for various sets.
One night we had ribs w/fries [i1047.photobucket.com] along with 2 rum and cokes and a plain coke - $19.50, no service charge, before tip.
Happy Hour is from 5-7pm so you can get two drinks just before the music starts around 7(island time).
The second visit we had HH- Two Mango Coladas for $5. plus 2 cokes, a beer, and chicken fingers for
$13.00.
The last visit we enjoyed their Crispy Chicken Wraps.
On this visit be saw Bill(Bill and Elaine) trying to make it through till Elaine returned from States.
JR from the Pizza Galley [i1047.photobucket.com]
and in a never ending quest to introduce an Island resident to the world of entertainment that starts before 1am in the morning, we introduced Deepti to La Bamba along with friends Joyce and Matt. [i1047.photobucket.com]
La Bamba has added a shower in the middle of the dance floor for those so inclined( and drunk). [i1047.photobucket.com]

Piazza Pascal – Grand Case – A new place for us. We totally enjoyed an evening with the owners of Tijons, John and Cyndi. After a quick stop at Tijon while they closed up, we all took a leasurily walk down street past Spicey's , The Lolo's, with John and Cyndi greeting friends on almost every step. We stopped at Piazza Pascal. [i1047.photobucket.com]
Owners Donna and Pascal are a fun and talented couple. [i1047.photobucket.com]
The roof top tables were available so we took the stairs to our rooftop table. A nice view of Anguilla, a little extra breeze made this a choice spot. Donna served us a plate of delicious Bruschetta [i1047.photobucket.com] while we made our selections.
Betty and Cyndi had the Mahi Mahi with rizotto.The “house” cat approved of Betty's selection. [i1047.photobucket.com]
I sorry, but I forgot exactly what John ordered. [i1047.photobucket.com]
I had the lasagna, [i1047.photobucket.com] which was big enough for lunch the next day. We topped off the meal with a slice of their Tiramsu cake.
You got to love Pascal, [i1047.photobucket.com] . A Frenchman, cooking Italian from Detroit in St Martin. Dinner concluded with a round or two of his home-brewed Lemonella. If you have a SXM Privilege Card it's worth 10% off the total bill. Cash is $1=1E. Our bill with discounts - $125.00 including tip.

Peg Leg Pub(2) – Port D'Plaisance – Another favorite, especially on Wednesday night when the group Cover to Cover performs. Our meal is pretty repetitious, Large filet, cooked medium, baked potato, and vegetables of the day. It's large enough to split, that way we have room for a Hot Fudge Sundae [i1047.photobucket.com] Shaun still takes good care of his “darlings” [i1047.photobucket.com] . Comes with rolls and butter, add two iced teas. $49.80. That includes govt. tax, but not service charge and before tip.

Buccaneer Beach Bar(2) – Stopped for a Burger and fries along with two sodas - $14.00. No sc, before tip.

Chesterfield's – dock Maarten, almost to cruise ship pier – Be careful as they've fenced off the front and made the entrance to the parking lot just past the restaurant. They're in the process of creating paid parking, similar to the arrangement at Greenhouse.
Again, we go to Chesterfield's for a specfic meal, the Grilled Grouper. [i1047.photobucket.com] Theyalways provide garlic or creole sauces but we love the taste as it comes from the grill. As you can see it's a large plate of food and splits well. We'll talk about dessert later. The Grouper with 2 teas, $21.95 before service charge, and tip.

Mark's Place – Cole Bay Hill – We're developing a taste for Mark's ribs also. There are a lot of things on menu, but ribs were the desired taste for the night. They're “fall off the bone” style. A plate with 2 teas is $16. No serv.chg, before tip.

Sky's The Limit – Grand Case Lolo - [i1047.photobucket.com] First time to this side of the lolos. Tried the rib plate. We added two Johnny Cakes. [i1047.photobucket.com] Plus two sodas - $12.00 before tip.

Mama Pizza – Oyster Pond – We carried out a cheese pizza. [i1047.photobucket.com] Almost forgot to take picture. Not as thin crust as Pizza Galley, but we like it. $13.00 No sc, before tip.

Carousel(3) – Simpson Bay - Technically not a dinner place, it WAS our dessert place this trip.
A first class and delicious operation. [i1047.photobucket.com] Ice Cream made on premise. Coolers with 30-40 choices. Hanging above the serving counters is this chandelier. [i1047.photobucket.com] A single dip cone or cup is $3.
Future plans include a Creperie, which will make it all the more dangerous to your waist line.
Exiting on the Lagoon side of the main room, enclosed in another room is the Carousel itself. Beautiful. [i1047.photobucket.com]
Fun to get your treat and then go watch the kids ride.
Story is that the owner of Princess Casino built the place for his daughter to have a business to operate. It is first class in just about every detail.

Part three to follow

Part Three – Trip report June23-July 13, 2010

Activities , Adventures, and Misc -

Get Together @ Dinghy Dock – Slightly less than three hours after arriving on the 23rd we sat down at Dinghy Dock for a get together with Nanci and Rick owners of the SXM Travel Board along with other TTOL people. At this time their Board is out of operation because of service provider failure.
It was an fun way to kick-off 19 days on SXM. We also got to have a quick visit with Phillipe and saw pics of his and Bill's new acquistion in Mexico. [i1047.photobucket.com] [i1047.photobucket.com] [i1047.photobucket.com] [i1047.photobucket.com] [i1047.photobucket.com]

Jazzgal's TTOL Party at Karakter's - Thursday, 24, 2010 After iffy weather all day, the beach gods smiled and gave us a pleasant afternoon on the beach with a large gathering. Thanks Linda for all your work.
Here's Luci( www.SXMCooks.com ) flanked by the Captain and Crew of Celine II.(www.sailstmaarten.com). Arianna is her name, his slips my mind. They'll be doing alternate Sunday free cruises for Neil and Celine I, plus their own water cruises.

Oyster Bay Beach Resort Related Pics -
Just a picture of St Barts from Oyster Bay Beach Resort on a nice day. [i1047.photobucket.com]
Guavaberry Tasting in courtyard of Oyster Bay.
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Betty does her own “electric slide” in the corner at OBBR. [i1047.photobucket.com]
View of water at entrance to Oyster Pond.
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Sea side of OBBR Pavillion Bldg. [i1047.photobucket.com]
OBBR new Beach Umbrellas [i1047.photobucket.com]
OBBR from Dawn Beach estates [i1047.photobucket.com]

Tour of Lighthouse Condo – Thanks to Joyce(indi) for arranging a tour of The OBBR Lighthouse Condos. Both Joyce and I had won $1000. off a summer week at the condo, but finding a friend with the $2500. balance was a tougher challenge. The co-owner of the ground floor condo gave us a tour.
This is the living area and view onto Oyster Pond. [i1047.photobucket.com]
Here's the kitchen area. [i1047.photobucket.com]
The condo has two king bed Master bedrooms and one queen size bed bedroom. Here's one of the Master Baths. [i1047.photobucket.com] .
Here's a view of the pool/deck area on top. [i1047.photobucket.com]
And a view of the lounge inside the Lighthouse dome. [i1047.photobucket.com]

Simpson Lagoon Docks - Off-Season
If you visit SXM in January/ February you've never seen the moorings like this, fact is, if you visit in J and F you never seen the docks at all because of all the mega yachts and sailing ships.
[i1047.photobucket.com]

Visit with “Sea Urchin Man”
Many of you I'm sure have driven past the look-out tower on Rue de Coralita between Baie Lucas and Coconut Grove/Baie de l'Embouchure. The water there is very shallow. Shallow enough to walk way out to the reef and rocks.
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[i1047.photobucket.com] [i1047.photobucket.com]
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This shallow water is where you'll find Calven, the Sea Urchin Man, as he likes to be called.
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He knows all about the creatures that live in the water and will be glad to tell you about them. He'd probably also like to sell you some shells, if you're into those things. I just gave him a tip for all the info.
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Check him out the next time you're in the area. If you plan to wade out make sure you have water shoes.

SXMCooks – www.SXMCooks.com Luci has started a wonderful, totally entertaining, and informative class on Tropical Cooking . We joined friends Joyce and Matt [i1047.photobucket.com] for the class which starts with a Jamaican style fruit punch with rum. It's a hands on class.
Here's Betty and I grating coconut for a topping. [i1047.photobucket.com]
[i1047.photobucket.com]
Some of the vegatables, seasonings, and spices come from Luci's garden, like these peppers. [i1047.photobucket.com]
[i1047.photobucket.com]
Here's Pam, Luci's Jamaican assistant finishing up the shrimp dish.[i1047.photobucket.com]
Our Mango Bread Pudding rises in the oven.[i1047.photobucket.com]
Out of the oven.
[i1047.photobucket.com]
Matt uncorks the wine . [i1047.photobucket.com]
The Tamarind Shrimp with avocado. [i1047.photobucket.com]
Chicken grilled in banana leaves, Cashew Nut paste, Turnaround corn. [i1047.photobucket.com] And the Mango Bread Pudding with passion fruit sauce and a little Etna ice cream .[i1047.photobucket.com]
Power outages slowed progress a little and made it a little warmer than usual, but it was a great experience and certainly worth the time.
You get copies of all your creation. Most of the ingredients are available in The States at the right store.

Taste of St Maarten -
Attended Taste of St Maarten on 4th of July afternoon. Fifteen restaurants grouped together in Topper's Simpson Bay parking lot selling samples of their food. Games for the kids.
We sampled the Coconut Chicken on a stick from Kiwi Cafe. Also the Mini Burgers and Fruit Cup from 3 Palms.

Celine Lagoon Cruise –
Took advantage of my Jeff Berger's Membership and got tickets on Neil's free Sunday Lagoon Cruise. Probably 45-60 minuet cruise with drinks and snacks. Interesting seeing the Island from the Lagoon.

Fourth of July Parade
Standing in Andy and Cheryl's on Orient Beach around 11:00am(Island time) the “Infamous” Orient 4th of July parade.
Here's some select pics.
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[i1047.photobucket.com]. Notice Andy getting close-ups.
Adrian posed for Cheryl. Don't ask why. I don't know.
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You never know who'll you'll see there.
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Misc -

Flamboyant Trees and Bushes were in full bloom and beautiful.
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Simpson Bay Beach on a party cloudy day. [i1047.photobucket.com]
Gas on July 12 at Gess station in Orleans was .99 per liter. $1.=1E.
The new unofficial shortcut past the airport used by taxi, local buses and residents is to take the unloading/pickup road past the front of the terminal thereby missing the extended loop of the regular road. Comes out by the roundabout. Probably not good during heavy plane traffic, but mornings and evenings after the planes stop. Just what the “islanders” do.
Visited the Princess and Atlantis casinos. Norm had a couple win nights at Princess. Betty had a bad trip.
Luckily I bought an orange Karakter's tshirt at Linda's TTOL party so I was able to cheer for the Holland Soccer team. It was kind of like a Superbowl party all over the Island. Disappointing end though.

We met and enjoyed the company of a lot of great people on this trip. We did, I think, less than we usually do, but enjoyed doing it just as much. Had a great time and already planning for Jan. Over the years I've taken so much information from all the Boards I post on. I hope I've provided something useful and worthwhile in this report for the next guy.

Before anyone goes crazy, I am now vacationing in California. Wonderful trip report!! Thanks for all the information and pictures. Piazza Pascal is fantastic, I agree, but 8 bucks for a bowl of soup at Andy and Cheryl's
I will take a pass on that one.

WOW! Now that is what I call a trip report! Thanks Norm.

great trip report as usual Norm
you definitely make my mouth water LOL

[barcann.livejournal.com]

Exceptional trip report Norm, thank you for all the info. Gerald, you are correct on the $8 bowl of soup, I'll pass (and that's without service charge and tip included) Seems to me that a lot of his dinners were less expensive than his lunch at Andy and Cheryls.

Gov,

If I am going to have $8+ soup, it better come with a hat. Crazy prices, but people pay them. I just don't understand it. A light lunch there sets you back 50 bucks

Gov.
i used to eat at andy and cheryls but the prices now are sooo much higher than many others and the food not that much better, if as good. plus seeing the sweat drip off andy while cooking and serving just does nothing for my appetite. i do not go there any more and definitely would not pay eight bucks for a bean soup.

Unfortunately this is St Martin's price and without giving a full extensive list of menus here are some example...:

Antoine Restaurant : Onion soup $10.75
Auberge Gourmande : Onion soup 10 euros / Lobster Bisque 14 Euros
La Belle Epoque : Fish soup 10 Euros
California : Fish soup 10 Euros
Rancho del Sol : onion soup 8 euros
Palm Beach : Gazpasho soup 8 Euros
Ti Bouchon : fish soup 11 euros

so nothing is surprising, chocking or amazing with Andy and Cheryl's $8 bowl of soup...

But (and) beside that, restaurants I frequent in Ft Myers Florida have similar prices too, so it is not only in St Martin:

The light House : Lobster bisque $7.99
Bonefish Grill : Corn Chowder $7.00
Pincher's Crab Shack : Chicken sausage Gumbo soup $8.99
Mimi's Cafe : split peas and ham soup $8.00

Kind Regards,
Philippe



[www.facebook.com]



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 07/24/2010 10:36AM by Tabba Khady.

It's not his prices but it is so typical of New Jersey diner food. I can have that anyday at home. Certainly not why we go to SXM.

I guess... But it must work out for someone and some people must buy it and like it because they are still in business. Personally I like finding typical american food here in sxm, because when you live here, american diner food becomes "exotic"...

Kind Regards,
Philippe



[www.facebook.com]

The above restaurants you listed above serve quality house made soup. Not some slop dished out of a can and perhaps enhanced a bit. I will stick to the soup at the fine restaurants, where your dollar is well spent, and the quality worth it.

By the way Norm, I forgot to congratulate you on your fantastic trip report, fully detailed as always! and also it was good to se you and Betty even though it was only for few minutes and in my office (and that I was stress as hell....LOL)

Kind Regards,
Philippe



[www.facebook.com]

Hey Norm!

You know how to do it up on Island and the choices you make are top notch!

Thanks for the report and pics!

Denis

Thanks Denis. Wasn't real pleased with pics this trip. Some of the close-ups seemed a little out of focus, not as clear or crisp like your photos. Not sure if it's my camera or me.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/31/2010 10:50PM by SXMNorm.

Great trip report...thanks so much for sharing your memories and advice with us! I wrote down some places to try on our list for our upcoming 1st trip to the island in 2 weeks....Beau Beau's and La Bamba Beach Bar.