St. Martin shares a 37-square-mile island in the eastern Caribbean with Dutch St. Maarten. The character of France remains strong in St. Martin, where trendy European-style boutiques with dutyfree shopping abound, along with lush, mountainous scenery and captivating resorts.
The heavy French influence means that as far as food is concerned, “very good” translates into a short life for a restaurant. It must be outstanding. The culinary center of the island is Grand Case Village, about a 15-minute drive from Marigot, the capital. Grand Case (a Creole word meaning “Big House” ) was a sleepy little place with the main road built inthe days of horses, mules and carriages. As the cotton plantations, shrimping operations and salt ponds shut down, homeowners began to convert their houses into restaurants. Despite being completely renovated inside, the structures still retain their yesteryear exterior appearance.

Today, Grand Case is a microcosm of world dining, with restaurants featuring American, Asian, Caribbean, Mexican, seafood and of course, French cuisine. They run the gamut from internationally known to lolos, small outdoor places where local ladies barbecue fresh lobsters, chicken, fish and spareribs. Highly recommended restaurants include Ti Provencal, L’Auberge Gourmand, Spicy, Taste A Vin, Bistro Caraibes, L’Escapade, and the Fish Pot.

The Grand Case Beach Club is a 71-unit oceanfront resort which has won countless awards for its service and hospitality. Theresort’s Sunset Cafe, located only a stone’s throw from the water, is noted for its fine gourmet cuisine. Chef Alexandre and his wife Chantal make sure that there is something for everyone, however, with many value entrees on the daily menu.

READ MORE IN THE JANUARY ISSUE