Some notes and comments 2023

[Jim A]

We flew in via SJU and Tradewind for our two week stay last Saturday. As I mentioned elsewhere we were told the Tradewind Lounge will be expanding in size next month (well now that it is November, maybe this month?). We arrived very early for our 4pm flight due to not being able to safely schedule the 1pm flight based on our arrival time.

Due to the current and apparently worsening storms in the area and the fact that apparently all passengers had arrived, one of the 4pm flights departed at 2:30 and ours around 3. The flight over was on and off with almost no visibility through the clouds. The pilots avoided most of the rough stuff until we approached SBH. Then it was pretty much a start, go, sputter, shimmy, shift, drop, rise, sway, stammer last 30 seconds over and down the hill. But the actually landing after we cleared the hill was perfect. We’ve arrived.

 

[Jim A]

This trip included a doctors visit due to what we feared might be an oncoming (or current) case of bronchitis or something similar. After calling and not hearing back from the doctor behind L’Oasis Monday morning (apparently low season hours were in effect), we went to the doctor by the medical supply store behind the fire house. When we walked in there were 3 people in the waiting room who were all very helpful. We called the phone number and were able to make an appointment for that same afternoon. The doctor first told us what we purchased the day before at the pharmacy was basically useless, then prescribed a few different medications and pretty soon after and certainly by the next day the improvements were evident. so lucky we were able to get in so quickly and start recovering. A+ for Dr Mazue Sophie I think was his name.

 

[cec1]

Happy to read of your safe arrival, Jim . . . and quick relief from medical concern. Stay well. I look forward to more restaurant commentary & “food porn!” You’re off to a great start!

 

[Jim A]

we stayed in the first few nights. Saturday we went to the super marche U after arrival for some weekend provisions and picked up dinner there as well. Sunday we decided to try Black Ginger to Go as our original plan was to dine there. It’s never the same as dining at the resto of course but was still really good. we ordered a bunch of items including a pad Thai dish that was similar to one on the menu.

Tuesday night we tried “Buns” for the first time since we were in the mood for burgers or something similar and JoJo is being renovated and we weren’t quite ready to dine out. It was really good. The staff was great and the burgers were great. We may go back for takeout again or even to dine in as they have a few tables. While there we grabbed a card for “midnight drinks st barts”. Alcohol delivery from 11pm to 5 am. Picture below for those that need a late night “fix”

 

[Jim A]

 

[Jim A]

We also stopped for the first time at the new La Cave du port franc “1952” wine store in Gustavia near La Cantina. Great store. Smaller version of the one in Public on the way into Gustavia. very good service and prices. We found a great chablis for a very reasonable price in addition of course to stocking up on some Veuve Cliquot.

 

[etx]

I loved going to La Cave in Public. Could've spent an hour or more just exploring their selection. Folks were very helpful there and the prices were markedly better than Marche U.

 

[Amery]

I loved going to La Cave in Public. Could've spent an hour or more just exploring their selection. Folks were very helpful there and the prices were markedly better than Marche U.

We too love Cave du Port Franc, excellent wines, husband loves shopping (and dreaming) in back! Very nice staff and a well curated selection of spirits--they carry Fortaleza tequila, a favorite.

 

[elgreaux]

welcome back and thanks for the report... great you got in last Saturday, the weather was quite something and some people were delayed by days...

 

[Jim A]

Sargassum update. Monday we went to Gouverneur and there was a lot of sargassum on the beach and a little bit in the water. Tuesday we went to Saline and it too had a lot on the beach but the water was clear. Thursday morning I was up early so I drove by both beaches and both had crews out and were being cleared. We went back to Saline that day and there was almost no trace of any Sargassum and the water was perfectly clear. All other beaches (flamands, St Jean, Lorient) have been totally clear.

Need to add that Tuesday after Saline we walked over to Grain de Sel. It was our first time going there. The fish was really fresh and good. Not cheap of course but good. I would go back. Very convenient to just walk from Saline. With Santa Fe closed it helps to have other options in the area.

 

[Jim A]

welcome back and thanks for the report... great you got in last Saturday, the weather was quite something and some people were delayed by days...

Hi Ellen. We came in this past Saturday not the Hurricane Tammy day. Were the delays that bad last week also? I guess we were luckier than I thought.

 

[Jim A]

Tuesday night we went to Eddys for the first time. The food was really good. The service was a little chaotic but they seemed to be trying. There were what appeared to be a ton of wait staff all running around doing the same thing at the same tables, but seemingly without well defined rolls. I suspect it might have something to do with them just opening for the season (we saw the same thing at Nao) and a lot of the staff probably being new. But they were all very nice and helpful and it really wasn’t an issue or a negative. We had made a reservation through the website which they had no record of but if I don’t hear back I always assume they didn’t get it so we went around 7 and were able to get a table for 8 which is exactly what we wanted So we went to Baz Bar for a pre-dinner drink.

We split the goat cheese samosa for an appetizer which was very flavorful and I had the duck with udon noodles for my main course which was fantastic. The duck was so tasty. GM had a tuna three (or 4?) ways dish that was also very good. My two issues were there was what appeared to be a hair on my dessert (they took it into the kitchen and they said it was from a brush used in the kitchen) and they were the only place to ask us if we wanted to add a tip to the bill. I said no and mentioned to her that I thought they weren’t supposed to do that any longer and she either didn’t hear or pretended not to hear/understand what I said.

all in all I was very happy with the dinner and will go back and absolutely get the duck again!!! I loved the setting and a nice breeze came through the restaurant Throughout dinner.

 

[KevinS]

There was a time when Eddy’s didn’t take reservations. And then there was Mahé, who brought many changes. Sounds like Eddy's still doesn’t take reservations.

 

[andynap]

There was a time when Eddy’s didn’t take reservations. And then there was Mahé, who brought many changes. Sounds like Eddy's still doesn’t take reservations.

Yes they do. I called them directly. I always call to make sure.

 

[JEK]

Yes they do. I called them directly. I always call to make sure.

Online too using social media. Mahé is very responsive.

 

[LondonLife]

Very useful info in your posts, Jim. Thank you! We are back in 3 months time, and I'm trying to catch up on all of the changes.

 

[Cwater]

Wonderful reports. I am glad you are feeling better. Surprising about Eddy’s asking for a tip. Never has happened to us. We book reservations through Facebook. Grain de Sel is one of our favorite go to spots. Glad you enjoyed.

 

[cec1]

I don’t find it objectionable for a server to ask someone if he / she wants to add a tip. The reason is that many Americans are not aware that when a credit card has been “run” for payment of a check, it’s too late to add a tip to the credit card payment. It’s not like in the US when a tip can be added after the server runs the card.

The server’s question, however, would best be accompanied with an explanation of this fact.

 

[Cwater]

I don’t find it objectionable for a server to ask someone if he / she wants to add a tip. The reason is that many Americans are not aware that when a credit card has been “run” for payment of a check, it’s too late to add a tip to the credit card payment. It’s not like in the US when a tip can be added after the server runs the card.

The server’s question, however, would best be accompanied with an explanation of this fact.

I wonder why I never realized that before? Furthermore…why not have a small sign posted in the resto with that explanation? Would save a lot of angst. Thank you

 

[JEK]

I don’t find it objectionable for a server to ask someone if he / she wants to add a tip. The reason is that many Americans are not aware that when a credit card has been “run” for payment of a check, it’s too late to add a tip to the credit card payment. It’s not like in the US when a tip can be added after the server runs the card.

The server’s question, however, would best be accompanied with an explanation of this fact.

It seems most people understand the chip and pin system by now when the server approaches with the reader to the table. Occasionally for certain cards they will take the card away for the old fashioned mag strips swipe. Maybe another Timeless Tip on paying protocols would be useful. I still exclusively tip in cash from the many ATMs scattered around the island.