Le Testavin, St Martin
Has anyone been here recently? Going down for a short trip in two weeks, I would like at least 1 REALLY good meal. The menu looks amazing. Is it worth the price? Is there somewhere else Chowhounds would recommend instead? Thanks!
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Best meal we've had so far...with one night to go is L'Estaminet- Phenominal food. Everything is thought out. From the bread and butter (truffle), to each item on every dish. Gourmet without being unreachable, and the owners (the chef and hostess) really care about every detail. DON''T MISS this wonderful experience. And the prices are very reasonable for the quality of food!! WONDERFUL
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re: sockster
dennisl
Mar 4, 2010 09:49 AM
Well, never quite made it to Le Testavin. (This is long!)
Drove through Grand Case too early one day and were trying to play it by ear for dinner. In Marigot had some wonderful pastry at Seraphina's (sp.) right near the market. This authentic-style French patisserie and boulangerie was a nice spot for an afternoon snack. We did peruse the menu for Le Vie en Rose, and it looked quite nice, but our timing was off for dinner, so never made it back.
We stayed at the Westin and had dinner there our first night, as we got in quite late. It was ok, nothing impressive. We had breakfast there most days as we were hitting the beach, again, just ok (wasn't expecting much.)
Dinner 2 nights at Big Fish in Oyster Bay, wonderful food and atmosphere. Both nights we had the ceviche for a starter, which was amazing. This was billed as a ceviche 'martini' but came in a souffle dish, enough for two. The fish was shrimp, mahi mahi (which the menu is full of) and tuna. Beautiful presentation with colorful alfalfa garnish, red bell peppers added a nice fresh crunch, along with a toasted garlic bread piece. The liquid in the ceviche was lime-based, but almost with a creamy taste to it, fresh and clean. I forgot to mention when you first sit you get some fresh bread with an olive oil dipping sauce with finely chopped olives in it, very nice. For an entree the first night my husband had "She's Gotta Have it All" billed as Oprah's favorite: Spiny lobster tail, scallops, shrimp and mahi mahi with a lobster sauce, which was slightly spicy and had crabmeat. I had the mahi mahi with the same sauce, mashed potatoes and a tomato/carrot salad. Had a refreshing sorbet for dessert.
The second night we had the ceviche again, my husband had the exact entree I had the first night, while I chose the Fettucine Alfredo with shrimp. Large portion, nice sauce, great amount of shrimp. They have a decent wine list, though with not a lot available by the glass.
Some off-putting issues: the hostess and host (owners?) were not as friendly as the waitstaff. The first night was Saturday, and we were fairly dressed down, she put us outside, which was fine, and offered us Cutter's for the bugs, also fine. It didn't smell and take anything away from the meal, and the bugs did stop after that. However, there was a nice Canadian couple behind us and we were chatting quite a bit, which seemed to annoy the host (we were taking too long to clear the table?)
The second time we dressed up more, and it was Monday (so not very crowded) and the hostess was very annoyed that we wanted to sit inside after she suggested we go outside (?) Again, the waitstaff was friendly and efficient, would definitely go back (as is evidenced by going twice in 4 nights!)
Rather boring St Maarten review, but hope it helps someone.
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Hi- Leaving tomorrow morning for SXM. We stay in a house in Orient Baym but here's what I found out about the best of the best: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/679764
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What part of the island will you be staying in and will you be renting a car (recommended)?
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re: dennisl
I can only tell you about what others have raved about in Grand Case:
Le Cottage and Spiga are two that come to mind. They are not cheap however but people tell me it worth it. In Sandy Ground, near Marigot is Mario's another outstanding but not cheap restaurant. In Marigot, La Vie En Rose is quite good.
On the Dutch side, La Gondola is supposed to be the best (depending on who you're listening to) Italian restaurant on the island. More moderately priced restaurants are Big Fish which is right by Dawn Beach. The Greenhouse has 2 restaurants, one in Philipsburg and one near the Atrium in Simpson Bay. This is a short list of restaurants that are excellent or considered excellent. BTW, in case you didn't know it, Dawn Beach is right by the French border.
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