The cuisine of St. Martin attracts many people and famous chefs from around the world. After visiting the Caribbean Island, I can see why.
The restaurants we visited were the perfect example of “earth to table.” I see no reason for them to label their food organic, it just is. Local fish and fruit and vegetables are found on the menus and prepared with pure elegance.
From each restaurant’s front door you cannot even begin to judge what the food will be like. The venues are not fancy — in some cases needing a fresh coat of paint. Our favorite was French restaurant L’Effet Mer. Very small — maybe seats 30 people at a time – this eatery had neon lights on the outside with an almost a brothel-feel.
We hesitated before entering, but were glad we did. The meal was so exciting — excellent wine list, creative preparation and flavors to die for. It made us dance in our chairs.
The fish that night was the red snapper. Caught fresh from the ocean that day, it was presented to us as a whole fish then de-boned table side. It came with a small salad, risotto and a parmesan cracker.
My husband ordered scallops. They were very good as well. The most interesting on his plate was the truffle ice cream. Yes, ice cream made out of mushrooms served in a small ice cream cone. “Well, I never!” Just too cool.
A variety of dishes were used to serve meals — I really liked the pieces of slate, decorated with some sort of red spice (we all tasted it, could not figure out what it was and the server did not know how to say it in English).
Presentation of the dessert was like a side show. Stuffed with chocolate mousse, fruit and Pop Rocks, our chocolate ball the size of a large Christmas ornament, decorated with detailed colored sugar. Yes, I did say Pop Rocks, like the ones you used to eat when you were a kid.
Doused in brandy and lit on fire, we giggled with excitement as the chocolate ball melted and all the goodies inside poured out.
At the end of this meal complimentary champagne was served, so we toasted to a great meal.
We enjoyed several other restaurants, and could not find a bad meal on strip. Anything from outdoor barbeque to fine dining can be found on the strip of Grand Case, St. Martin. Italian, Mexican, French and seafood cuisines are all available. As you walk down the strip trying to figure out where you are going to eat, restaurant owners are outside waving you in. One right after the other, lined up and decorated with vibrant colors, it is like attending a food carnival — which restaurant do you want to take for a spin?
Dining at a venue that sat right on the ocean seemed to be our favorite location. As the dining rooms on this side of the strip are fairly open, the cool breeze and sounds of the waves and birds fill the room. I do not think you can pay for this kind of atmosphere.
St. Martin is on my top ten list for dining experiences for sure.
