Bonjour St. Barths!

[cec1]

An early, “on time” arrival yesterday! My travel from Florida usually finds me overnighting in San Juan (not a hardship since I’ve found a couple of hotels & restaurants that I enjoy a lot) or arriving SBH about 6 PM as the sidewalks are rolling-up for the evening. Yesterday, however, everything “clicked” to get me here at 3PM! (I think there’s a new flight in the AA schedule from MIA to SJU. Transfer times at MIA & to Tradewind at SJU were very short, but within “legal” limits.). How very nice it was!

Villa CEC had guests ‘til today, so last night was at my very favorite (since 1978!) island hotel, Hotel Le Village St. Jean . . . same lovely family still running it with warm, welcoming greetings — and a beautiful room!

After catch-up conversation & a “mood enhancer” with local friends & a refreshing nap, it was time for dinner at L’Esprit with Florida friends visiting on the island.

Dinner for me was exquisite, fresh white asparagus (‘‘tis the season) & octopus.

The evening concluded on a very special note as Chef Jean-Claude very generously gifted me with his Chef‘s Jacket from the 2026 Gourmet Festival!

Without question, I slept “like a baby” & enjoyed an exquisite “VSJ” breakfast this morning (fresh fruit, fluffy scrambled eggs, & a “to die for” chocolate & pear tarte) . . . overlooking St. Jean Bay.

Next stop . . . Ti Corail!

 

[davesmom]

Every photo a winner!! So beautiful and no one ever gets tired of that view of the harbor while coming in!! Keeping dreams alive, one at a time!! Thank you for all of the love and work on behalf of the Forum!

 

[elgreaux]

welcome back !

 

[cec1]

Every photo a winner!! So beautiful and no one ever gets tired of that view of the harbor while coming in!! Keeping dreams alive, one at a time!! Thank you for all of the love and work on behalf of the Forum!

. . . and for your love & support, Gina!

 

[cec1]

welcome back !

“No place like home!”

 

[didier]

Nice photo's and very nice jacket....looks good on you!

 

[amyb]

As Sir Rod sang “YOU WEAR IT WELL”

great knowing your outstanding island reporting and photos will be back to the forum.

Have a great trip

 

[dadto6]

Very cool to be honored with best chef on the Island jacket

 

[cassidain]

Starting off hitting on all 12 cylinders.

Bonne continuation !

ps, hope you took a taxi to ti corail avoiding the parking mélée

 

[cassidain]

ps, hope you took a taxi to ti corail avoiding the parking mélée

though, I suppose, as an über friend-of-the-house at Al Mare you could borrow their valet service

 

[Cwater]

Just wonderful my friend enjoy your time in paradise!

 

[etx]

The evening concluded on a very special note as Chef Jean-Claude very generously gifted me with his Chef‘s Jacket from the 2026 Gourmet Festival!

How cool is that!

 

[dudleydog]

Keep em coming. Living through you this week. Thanks.

 

[CaribbeanSoul]

My wife and I are right behind you arriving on Friday the 22nd!

 

[cec1]

Very cool to be honored with best chef on the Island jacket

Thanks, Bob! Jean-Claude & I have been ”together” as friends for more years than I can count! He knows my love of fine dining, which we explore multiple times a week when I’m on the island. It’s great — & enormously flattering — of Jean-Claude to acknowledge me as partner in our mutual pursuit!

 

[cec1]

Starting off hitting on all 12 cylinders.

Bonne continuation !

ps, hope you took a taxi to ti corail avoiding the parking mélée

. . . actually, Cass, with sturdy walking shoes, I firmly gripped my walking stick, forthrightly moving, one foot in front of the other, & walked to/from CEC & ”Ti Corail.” An important effort (successful?) in seeking to maintain a limber “youth!” (In this regard, Ti Corail’s very sweet manager/server, “Camille” asked, at conclusion of my lunch, whether I would like her to drive me back to the Villa. Could it have been related to the fact that I had a Ti Punch & glass of Sancerre? Without a doubt, Camille’s one of the family of island friends committed to my longevity! (a worthy goal.))

 

[davesmom]

Thanks, Bob! Jean-Claude & I have been ”together” as friends for more years than I can count! He knows my love of fine dining, which we explore multiple times a week when I’m on the island. It’s great — & enormously flattering — of Jean-Claude to acknowledge me as partner in our mutual pursuit!

Oh, I know a few people who would like that “status” with J-C…Amy, are you with me?! And Camille is adorable and we love seeing her! Special people deserve great treatment

 

[KevinS]

The evening concluded on a very special note as Chef Jean-Claude very generously gifted me with his Chef‘s Jacket from the 2026 Gourmet Festival!
View attachment 72845

Wow! Nice Chef’s Coat!

 

[cec1]

Wow! Nice Chef’s Coat!

Tight on me, Kevin! I shoul lose a few lbs!

 

[NancySC]

Dennis, the asparagus at 1st look ... a hand (missing the thumb) slathered in sauce! Love your pix & descriptions ! Enjoy your island time! And as always, thanks for taking us along since we can no longer visit our beloved island.