… on the way to dinner!
Despite claiming “semi-retirement” status, there continue to be times when “duty calls.” Today was one of those. A very long afternoon conference call, comfortably conducted from my “mezzanine” office at CEC, left me about 5:30 . . . hungry & desirous of a quiet space in which to eat fine food in the company of my iPad, reviewing & responding to SBH Online & email messages, with relaxing thoughts & some refreshing beverages.
The island being under “curfew,” with a selection of restaurants which is particularly limited at this time of year & on Monday night, I quickly called my trusty taxi. (In the past year, I decided, for numerous good reasons, to forego nighttime driving on SBH . . . it is such a pleasure to leave the driving to David Bardon!) Destination, Le Repaire . . . with a long history of quality, comfort food & warmth in service & setting. Delivered with a smiling face about 6 PM (remember, 8 PM curfew), I was warmly welcomed by the staff — which seemed like the usual evening complement — and savored a cool, highly chilled vodka gimlet — “up.” About 6:20, when I requested a menu . . . it was explained that “we’re not offering dinner during the curfew.” WHAT? NOW YOU TELL ME!
There was a suggestion that I might be able to get to the nearby AMC market before it closed in order to get some food to take home. Alternatively, the suggestions were Le Bar de L’Oubli or Le Select. I thought to myself . . , I didn’t shower, shave, put on my “good” clothes, & call a taxi to go to a grocery store in Gustavia or to eat a hamburger. (Apologies to all who like dinner at either of the suggested restaurants.)
So as I ruminated, walking along the quay, a vision appeared! L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon. It was meant to be! Owing to a last minute “no show,” I was seated at a lovely table looking over the harbor . . . with not much time to enjoy the prix fixe, three course dinner. Nonetheless, Wilfred (a/k/a know as “Willie,” long-time with Maya’s) & the very beautiful Agathe, teamed-up to provide smooth, terribly gracious service . . . getting me in-&-out in about 75 minutes . . . with a quick cocktail, some excellent Morgan wine, and a delicious non-dairy & non-gluten menu of smoked salmon with fresh chives &, in lieu of blinis, my personal petit loaf of GF bread; an out-of-this-world filet mignon; & sorbets of shizo, red fruits, & “exotic” fruits with small chunks of very rich dark chocolate sprinkled on top. (Photos below.)
As the witching hour approached — and I was nearing the end of my dessert — the restaurant’s beautiful, & trés discret hostess, came alongside and quietly whispered, “I’m sorry to say, Mr. Carlton . . . we must close in three minutes.” I was not the last out of the door . . . but, as I was getting into my taxi, the roller door at the restaurant’s entry was coming down.
I often think of the great Jimmy Stewart film, “It’s a Wonderful Life” . . . and tonight was one of the times that makes me grateful for it.
Despite claiming “semi-retirement” status, there continue to be times when “duty calls.” Today was one of those. A very long afternoon conference call, comfortably conducted from my “mezzanine” office at CEC, left me about 5:30 . . . hungry & desirous of a quiet space in which to eat fine food in the company of my iPad, reviewing & responding to SBH Online & email messages, with relaxing thoughts & some refreshing beverages.
The island being under “curfew,” with a selection of restaurants which is particularly limited at this time of year & on Monday night, I quickly called my trusty taxi. (In the past year, I decided, for numerous good reasons, to forego nighttime driving on SBH . . . it is such a pleasure to leave the driving to David Bardon!) Destination, Le Repaire . . . with a long history of quality, comfort food & warmth in service & setting. Delivered with a smiling face about 6 PM (remember, 8 PM curfew), I was warmly welcomed by the staff — which seemed like the usual evening complement — and savored a cool, highly chilled vodka gimlet — “up.” About 6:20, when I requested a menu . . . it was explained that “we’re not offering dinner during the curfew.” WHAT? NOW YOU TELL ME!
There was a suggestion that I might be able to get to the nearby AMC market before it closed in order to get some food to take home. Alternatively, the suggestions were Le Bar de L’Oubli or Le Select. I thought to myself . . , I didn’t shower, shave, put on my “good” clothes, & call a taxi to go to a grocery store in Gustavia or to eat a hamburger. (Apologies to all who like dinner at either of the suggested restaurants.)
So as I ruminated, walking along the quay, a vision appeared! L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon. It was meant to be! Owing to a last minute “no show,” I was seated at a lovely table looking over the harbor . . . with not much time to enjoy the prix fixe, three course dinner. Nonetheless, Wilfred (a/k/a know as “Willie,” long-time with Maya’s) & the very beautiful Agathe, teamed-up to provide smooth, terribly gracious service . . . getting me in-&-out in about 75 minutes . . . with a quick cocktail, some excellent Morgan wine, and a delicious non-dairy & non-gluten menu of smoked salmon with fresh chives &, in lieu of blinis, my personal petit loaf of GF bread; an out-of-this-world filet mignon; & sorbets of shizo, red fruits, & “exotic” fruits with small chunks of very rich dark chocolate sprinkled on top. (Photos below.)
As the witching hour approached — and I was nearing the end of my dessert — the restaurant’s beautiful, & trés discret hostess, came alongside and quietly whispered, “I’m sorry to say, Mr. Carlton . . . we must close in three minutes.” I was not the last out of the door . . . but, as I was getting into my taxi, the roller door at the restaurant’s entry was coming down.
I often think of the great Jimmy Stewart film, “It’s a Wonderful Life” . . . and tonight was one of the times that makes me grateful for it.
