Trip Report – January 25- February 12, 2013
Air: American. Bought tickets in May 2012 for $576.+ pp/rt. A pretty good price for most direct and quickest way to SXM from St Louis, providing there are no delays. This trip, both ways, were on time or early. Especially good since our return flight through Miami was 15 minutes early giving us just enough time to make it though C & I, stop at the rest rooms, pick up a sandwich, and wait a few minutes while they processed Group 2. We were Group 4.
Car: Waiting for us as we exited the Terminal was Angela from
Horizon Car Rental. www.horizoncarrentals.com Good price with good service that included picking us up at Turquoise Shell on our final morning and delivering us to airport. $480. for 18 days.
Weather: We expect a breeze during this time in SXM, but this year's was breeze was cooler and less humid.
A couple days of on and off showers. A couple downpours, one as we sat on tarmac waiting for KLM to clear our gate.
Phone – Who else,
Sharon @ www.queenofsxm.com
Bed: Oyster Bay Beach Resort for the first two weeks.
Turquoise Shell Inn for the last few days.
Both were fine, although we had to listen to the Time Share Sales talk in order to get our reservation form for next year(2014) at OBBR. Thought this was a little “heavy-handedâ€.
Breakfast:
Our first breakfast on SXM was with friends at their
JAPEC Hotel and featured a St Louis specialty, Gooey Butter Cake, which we had carefully carried through security and airports from St Louis.
The new
Pier Grocery,(9) [
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La Madine - France – Located across from the entrance to Captain Olivers. Met Jeannie, from Shop n Drop SXM for breakfast. Norm had a cheese and ham omelet [
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Betty had scrambled. [
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Jeannie had a cheese and tomato omelet. Along with a croissant, toast, one fresh orange juice, two coffees and a diet coke and exchange $46.00. No service charge.
Chesterfields – A favorite for breakfast as well as dinner. Brother Bob and Norm enjoyed two eggs over easy with toast and coffee. [
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Sarafini's – On way to Marigot Market we stopped for some “goodiesâ€. [
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Norm enjoyed his ham and cheese croissant. Almost forgot to take a picture. [
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Mr Busby's - One of the first places I ate at on my first visit to SXM in 1998. Still has a pictureques view. [
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I asked to substitute a Johnny Cake for toast with my eggs, bacon, and home fries. [
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Betty had scrambled and a Johnny Cake [
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Bob had eggs and sausage. [
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There's no service charge or tax at Mr Busby's.
Vesna Taverna or Bagel House(2) - Longtime favorite for breakfast. A warm smile and good service provided by Sally. [
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My favorite – French Toast with whipped cream(don't know their secret of removing the calories).
[
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Lunches
12 Meter Bar(2) - A favorite, owners Matt and Flo, past Dinghy Dock owners have many old receipes and preparations. Betty's favorite ribs - [
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Their Cheeseburger - [
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Great place to sit and enjoy the sights and sounds of the waterfront. [
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No service charge or tax at 12 Meter.
Infinity Restaurant(OBBR)(4) - As in past, the Chicken Caesar Salad at Infinity and Beau Beau's at OBBR is the best on SXM in our opinion. Usually ordered poolside. $13.50 tax and service charge is added to bill.
Cheese Burger – with fries and cokes - $14.00.
Beau Beau's(OBBR)(2) – Had the Chicken Caesar Salad on both occasions, including the one where we lunched with Dina B. [
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Dina had their Chef Salad [
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St Maarten Yacht Club(SMYC) - Always a favorite place. We had their Cheeseburger plate with a rum and coke and tea - $17.00 no service charge, no tax.
Dinners:
Happy Family - A new place we visited with Island friends. It was a cool and rainy night so we were the only ones there. It's located across the street from the old Gess gas station in Orleans just slightly towards Phillipsburg. [
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In daylight here's the dining area. Notice the little stage and brass pole at the far end. [
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Here's their menu. [
s216.beta.photobucket.com] A basket of warm Johnny Cakes came while we were waiting for our meals. [
s216.beta.photobucket.com] I had the Grilled Mahi Mahi. [
s216.beta.photobucket.com] It came with salad, fries, and some plantain. [
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Two ladies had the Chicken on a stick, one with rice, the other with fries. [
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Can't remember what John and Paul had. Our meal finished with some complimentary shots.
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This is the owner, Sylve. [
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Other than the weather, it was a really enjoyable meal and a great value.
Dinghy Dock(2) – We had eaten at DD back in November, shortly after the new owners, had taken over, but were anxious to see what changes they had made to menu.
The rib plate is pretty much the same. [
www.flickr.com] With a Captain and Coke and Diet Coke it was $19. with no service charge. The second visit we had the Fish and Chips.
[
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John and Cyndi from Tijon also joined us on this visit and split a BLT [
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The Fish and Chips are $14. Don't have prices on the other items., but a 15 % Service Charge was added to our bill. Should have asked if this was a new policy or because there were 5 of us, but didn't.
LaGoonies – [
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From the recommendation of Louise and David and a second recommendation from English friends who live on SXM nine months a year we found this place with only a few extra turns. Friday is their Fish and Chips night. Other specialities on other nights.
[
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were $12. Dessert was $5. Couple Cokes $4.. No service charge or tax.
Buccaneer Beach Bar – Always a winner. Had to change plans when we found
La Bamba Beach Bar, had been shut down during the first part of this trip. We had gone to the
SMYC for Happy Hour and to watch yachts come. Had an order of Coconut Shrimp, so we weren't real hungry. Drove around the corner from La Bamba to BBB. Crowded, but we lucked out and found a parking place. Lucked out again and found a small table. Of course, no visit to BB is complete without a BBC, which was ordered along with a Cheeseburger. $16, w/ no service charge. Good recovery.
Island Pizza - Located next to Mr Busby's and only steps away from the entrance to OBBR We decided one night that we weren't interested in driving out. This was a first visit and we ordered our favorite Sausage with extra cheese. [
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A good pizza. Thin crust, almost as thin as back home. Crumbled sausage, not slices. We took it back to our room to eat. There are a few tables available also to eat there. Pizza - $14.75. No service charge.
Infinity – OBBR. Probably only the second time since 1998 that we've eaten here. Usually just go out, but they were having a 20% off anything on the menu, so we decided to give it a try. We split a 9 oz. Filet which came with a baked potato and vegetables. It was good and cooked as we ordered it. Of course we also had to try the Crème Brulee. [
www.flickr.com] It was good, but not as good as Pineapple Pete's. The filet was $28. The Crème Brulee was $8. The 20% off covered the service charge and tax, 17%. Here's their menu - [
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Chesterfield's – Another “always go†place. Always get the same thing. Grilled Grouper.
[
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www.flickr.com] The meal with a glass of wine and tea - $28.10 including service charge and tax.
The Palm's(2) - Recently voted Best Local Food on SXM in the Daily Herald. The owner and chef is Greg. [
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His Mom does the baking, his Dad does everything else. I've tried several of his dishes, but always come back to his Lasagna. [
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There is no skimping on the portions. Betty tried the Pao, which are dough pillows filled with, in this order, ground pork. Comes with Taminad sauce. [
www.flickr.com] With a beer, tea, and coke, the bill was $32.50. The Palm's was also voted 3rd best Happy Hour with half price drinks and food specials.
Our second visit with friends found everyone ordering something different.
Betty and I split their 9oz Filet. [
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Harbour Queen – Love the ribs here. Prices are up a couple bucks for a rib plate to $13.95 with two sides. The baked beans are really good and the rice is much better than most.
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Just a slab of ribs is $9.95. My brother was with us and tried the Teriyaki Chicken. $17.95.
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Piazza Pascal - A great place to eat when you go to Harmony Night. Specials for the night.
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Betty and I had the Coconut Encrusted Mahi Mahi. [
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Three meals, two desserts, two wines, one tea - $118.00 Cash. No service charge or tax.
Pineapple Pete's – We stopped here after Contessa's party at the Dream Bar. We stop here for one thing,...Creme Brulee, but we try to justify it by eating something better for your body. This night it was a Grouper Burger with cheese. [
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Soprano's – A Bacon Pizza. We ate early so it was Happy Hour. Pizza's are ½ price. With a glass of wine and tea - $13.00. No service charge or tax.
Sugar Cane Cafe – Another favorite, especially since it's so convinient to the Atlantis Casino. We split their French Dip with Provolone cheese. [
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[
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$19.00 . No service charge or tax.
Canoa - A favorite, especially the Canoa Appetizer. Here's their Blacken Mahi Mahi. [
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and their Chicken Skew - [
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BZH Creperie – Following dinner at Canoa, we needed a little special dessert. BZH was the solution. [
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I had the hot chocolate, [
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Happy Hours, Things, and Stuff -
Our first week of this trip was kind of peaceful(lazy). As mentioned, we had breakfast one day with Jeannie, and lunch one day with Board member, Dina.
We bought groceries at
Grand Marche in Cole Bay.
St Maarten Yacht Club(SMYC) (4) – First visit had Coconut Shrimp, $11. with a beer and coke. No service charge. It was a Sunday afternoon and we saw a nice group of boats come through the bridge.
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Some already moored.
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The bridge had gone down and we were starting to walk to our car when the bridge gates came down again and the bridge went up.
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The Limitless was coming in. SO impressive to stand there and watch his baby.
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One visit we went to the outgoing. Only one noteworthy.
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On another visit we went on Friday for both in and out going. A good show.
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While we waited for the incoming we enjoyed SMYC'sPizza bread [
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Here's a menu of Happy Hour snacks and their specials, which you could easily make a meal from.
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We were rewarded for waiting with this beauty.
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We also took brother Bob to an in and outgoing show.
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In between openings we had a few bites. Their grilled Chicken Caesar Salad [
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and their Loaded Potatoes [
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Bob had the Jerk Chicken Wrap [
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Here's the incoming that evening.
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It was an impressive afternoon of boats.
We watched the Super Bowl or at least the first half at
Maggi's Sports Bar, right next to Dinghy Dock. Here's Maggi at Maggi's. [
www.flickr.com] For Superbowl, they had a bowl of 8 dry-rubbed ribs for $6. and a plate of 10 chicken wings for $5. Presidents beer were $1. They had a jumbo hot dog for $3. but if you added cheese, it jumped to $9.00 There were other deals too.
We met Bruce and Susan, Dave and Britt on Orient at
Orange Fever. Here's some of them trying fresh coconut milk and listening to the coconut man. [
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We attended Contessa's Party at the
Dream Bar. Here's Bruce and Susan trying the Dream Bar's version of a BBC. [
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We stopped by
Bernadine's store in Paradise View and made a donation for her kitties and dogs.
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Here's one of her cats sleeping with his tongue out. [
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The view from her place is wonderful. [
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We attended
Harmony Night. That day the forecast was for rain and winds, so before we got there they had cancelled the official Night. Most vendors were still open, just no bands or floats.
We visited the
Marigot Market several times. A
jewelry artist, Tessa Urbanowicz, had created a blue enameled pendant which we had bought a couple years ago.
[
s216.beta.photobucket.com] We were hoping that she could create a set of earrings to match the pendant. On the third try, we made contact and agreed on what could be made. She'll work on it this year and we'll pick it up in November probably.
For the past couple years we have spent an afternoon with good friends, Paul and Carol at their home, and pool. We call it the
JAPEC International Chinese Swim Club. We always pick up chinese food from their favorite place,
Happy Island, in Cole Bay, next to the Burger King. My friend , Mei, [
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with her new helper, [
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We get the sweet /sour chicken, [
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My brother got the eggs rolls. [
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You know Betty and I love desserts. Because this was such a “lazy “ trip, we only made
the Carousel
twice this trip. My flavor choices were Bailey's with chocolate bits one trip and Crème Brulee the other trip. Betty had the Snickers flavor one trip Can't remember the other.
SXM Lovers Get Together – This party has been growing each year. This year, even with 25 no-shows, we had 104 people attend. Anyone who loves SXM is invited. People came from the four SXM Travel Boards I post on, and well as residents/business people of SXM, as well as owners from OBBR.
Philippe and the Captain Olivers staff put out an impressive spread of snacks and appetizers.[
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The last couple years we held this event at the
Iguana Bar which is located at the far end of Captain Oliver's restaurant. It has a great view and usually nice breeze. This year was no exception.
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Here's a link to the people pictures. [
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Thanks to all who attended.
I visited the
SXM History Museum in Phillipsburg. [
museumsintmaarten.org] While talking to the lady at the desk, I was telling her about the Boy Scouts in St Louis who are interviewing and videoing veterans about their war experiences. I memtioned, that I thought it would be a great idea if SXM students would do a similar thing with older residents of SXM. She said that , if fact, the Museum is in the process of doing just that, and are also looking to interview and tape long time visitors to SXM for their stories and the changes they've seen.
Art In The Park – We are lucky that the weeks we visit SXM fall when they have the annual Art In The Park event. [
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Always enjoy the variety of art and crafts.
As already posted, we did a Happy Hour at the new
Boca Marina. [
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www.flickr.com] Drinks are ½ price during HH from 3-6pm.
We visited the
Princess, Atlantis, Tropicana, and Dunes Casinos. We probably prefer the Atlantis and Princess. The Dunes was good as a place to watch for my brother's plane to land. Tried the Tropicana just because we hadn't been there in five or six years. Still not a favorite.
The Causeway across the Lagoon is making good progress. When it'll be finished brings a six month variety of ansers.
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Indigo Development on Cole Bay Hill just below the Bethal stand. Has life and making progress finally.
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La Bamba - reopened and we were able toenjoy the Category 5 band , at least once on this trip. Food service was not available though.
If you're looking for a beautiful, sandy, and long beach, check out Simpson Bay beach here, looking towards Karacters and the airport. [
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Not real crowded. [
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Just a few pics of Simpson Bay.[
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A final look at
Oyster Bay's pool after an afternoon shower cleared the deck and the staff made it ready for tomorrow. [
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And a pretty clear view of
St Barts from OBBR. [
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It was another great trip. A little lazier than some. Thanks to all who have posted info and pics and contributed to my enjoyment of St Maarten/St Martin. Hope this report is helpful to some in return.
Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 02/21/2013 07:47PM by SXMNorm.
