659616 Thu Oct 15 06:23:49 -0700 2009 5 54 Caribbean 0 5104774 My BF and I have never been to the Caribbean, but we've decided to go after seeing many shows about the amazing local seafood available in the islands. We're not ones to spend the day sunning on the beach, but we love to explore little local eateries and drinkeries and enjoy the scenery. It seems that the consensus on the boards is to go to either St. Martin or St. Bart's for the best food experience. Any opinions either way, or alternative suggestions? Thanks! Thu Oct 15 06:23:49 -0700 2009 63241 sonicchef 1 5106444 Wow, what fun..since beach is not your plan what about Old San Juan? The dining is great, the fort and architecture and area is very cool. You could take a day trip to El Yunque as well. St. Martin does have amazing food and I do recommend Le Petit Hotel in Grande Case. The Lolo's are fun to eat and Grande Case and Marigot have a plethora of dining choices. I am not fond of the Dutch side. There is not much to do but beach on SXM. Barths is fine but it's a little to high end for my wallet. I was there on a boat twice and had fun..but there is nothing to do there but beach... IMHO the gastronomic capital is Anguilla. Not much to do which is what I like. There is snorkeling and some hikes and some near photo ops. If Ihad to choose between SXM and Barths or Anguilla hands DOWN Anguilla. www.anguillabliss.com Thu Oct 15 15:36:53 -0700 2009 5104774 27444 phelana 1 5109379 I can't write about St. Bart's but I can tell you about St. Martin. It is known as the gourmet capital of the Caribbean. The French side has about a dozen top self restaurants while the Dutch side has about 4 or 5. There are also dozens upon dozens of restaurants on both sides that are considered just great to very good. I might add that the Dutch side has several casinos. Fri Oct 16 18:23:51 -0700 2009 5104774 123366 ajs42548 2 5110716 I have done the French side of St Martin and then Anguilla. It's very easy, so perhaps 3 nights SXM and 4 nights AXA? Now that would be a little bit of Chow heaven. Sat Oct 17 13:55:53 -0700 2009 5109379 27444 phelana 3 5111869 Thanks everyone! I was just toying with the SXM AND AXA idea myself! I'll let you know how it goes! Can't wait! Sun Oct 18 06:58:05 -0700 2009 5110716 63241 sonicchef 4 5116494 sonic, email me if you need info on AXA. I am running a culinary tour there so know the chow situation well. ann@antiguacaribbean.com Tue Oct 20 03:44:25 -0700 2009 5111869 27444 phelana