St. Martin/St. Maarten Cuisine

My husband and I took a heavenly vacation to St. Martin/St. Maarten the first week in June. It was paradise! It was my first time to the Caribbean, but it won't be my last time to St. Martin/St. Maarten. We stayed on the French side at Grand Case Beach Club within walking distance of the main street in the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean, Grand Case. Here are some of the delicious meals we enjoyed!

First stop, Le Tastevin:


Scallop and Zucchini Carpaccio with olives,
pine nuts, parmesan and arugula pesto.



Cod topped with black garlic over
a saffron sauce and purple potatoes



Red Snapper filet, artichoke and old fashioned
red carrots, olive oil and vinegar marinade.

Spiga was a recommendation from a friend, and they didn't disappoint:

Homemade tagliatelle with spiny lobster flambeed in Grand Marnier
with artichokes, peperoncino and tomato sauce*
*a bit too much tomato sauce for my taste, but
the flavor was delicious

Rack of lamb in red wine reduction
with mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus

Today's Catch!

Marigot, the capital of  French St. Martin, hosts a

lovely outdoor market Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Spiny Lobster

Colorful and fragrant spices!

We enjoy sushi frequently in NJ and couldn't resist

The Sushi Place in Princess Casino. 

My recommendation: more sushi, less slot machines.

Tempura Shrimp to start

 

Sushi and Sashimi

My favorite dining experience was at Le Pressoir in Grand Case. A little history...Before the Europeans colonized St. Maarten/St. Martin, the original inhabitants, the Arawaks, had migrated there from the Amazon Orinoco basin thousands of year ago. They called their home "Sualouiga" or "Land of Salt" because of the many salt pans found on the island. Le Pressoir is named for the Salt Mill Press that resides in the town's city center.

 

Homemade slices of rhum jumbie marinated

foie gras with sweet wine

My husband and I both ordered specials.

This is the beautiful grilled lobster.

Curry dusted filet

Beautifully plated dessert trio
Delicious sweet bites to share and end an amazing meal.

Let me know if you ever make it to St. Maarten/St. Martin. We'd definitely return again, if not for the soft sand beaches, friendly people or zip line tour in the trees but for the culinary experience!