The Hopper Report- Feb. 4- Feb. 18- Part 1

stbartshopper

Senior Insider
We were with two other couple during week one and then just the two of us week two.
Our report is in no particular order- just general comments about the restaurants we visited.

Nikki Beach on Super Bowl Sunday-
The staff had the black 'football' paint below their eyes and there were large goalposts upon entering. We were on the noon to 3:30 shift. A Magnum of Ott got us off to a good start. As always the music was quiet and volume increased as the day progressed. The place was packed both at the tables, on the beach, in the water and at the bar. The servers paid attention to their customers and the food arrived quickly. It is not about the food at Nikki- it is about the scene. Dancing on tabletops started at 2ish and the handheld fireworks and Champagne Magnums then started up. The sax player started around 2:45 and the servers in costumes were out around 3pm. We left at 3:45 back to our quiet Villa with nap and swim time on the agenda.


Santa Fe- Super Bowl Sunday Dinner
David Moutin had 2 tvs projected onto large screens and a third tv in the bar area showing the game and Lady Gaga at half time. There was a nice breeze but no view of course as it was dark. The food and drinks were served quickly with the Gazpacho with Prawns and Mango, Ceviche, Veal Flank, Ocean Hot Pot, Dover Sole and Grilled Lobster as the highlights. We missed Emmanuelle's mother's recipe of Coq au Vin but c'est la vie- life moves on and we are lucky to have David at the helm.

Maya's on a Saturday Night
Randy greeted us and could not have been nicer. We saw Forum comments earlier about mixed reviews on Trip Advisor. Our meals were generally very good. Nothing was bland as it has been on occasion in the past. The service though was at times inattentive- there was plenty of help but they were all often standing around together near the kitchen talking amongst themselves. We told Randy and he got them 'hopping.' One of our group said the beef was 'ok.' Those that ordered fish loved it. The chocolate cake and the orange cake were both delicious.

On the Rocks
In contrast to previous years the service and food were amazing. From entering to leaving the staff could not have been nicer or more accommodating. We asked for table #305 and got it- it is the one all the way out for 6 at the end of the pier nearest the stairs going down to the restrooms. The starters of Champagne and Black Truffle Risotto and King Crab- Ginger Mayo- Fennel Salad were excellent. They also had a half price special on French Imperial Caviar with all of the trimmings- yum!
Beef Filet just melted in your mouth and others loved the Sake Cod and Nut Encrusted Mahi-Mahi. The Banana Souffle came out quickly as promised and wonderful Chocolate Mousse. Great wine list but pricey as expected!
The only complaint is you have to give your credit card number on a form in advance and agree to pay 150 Euros per person with a less than 24 hour cancellation. No other restaurant on the island required this from us.

Aux Amis- Le Barthelemy
The place is very large and there were only 6 people dining for dinner. The staff said it has been that way since they opened. The money spent in this Hotel is breathtaking- an underground garage, beautiful artwork in the restrooms, art deco decor and modern lighting throughout. One of the Managers told us the hotel owner is out of Boston- Denise Dupre of Champagne Hospitality http://www.dartmouth.edu/~trustees/biographies/dupre.html
The service was very attentive and the food was hot and well prepared. We had the tasty Crabmeat Cannelloni and Fish Tartar as starters. The Lobster with Curry and the Mahi-Mahi with hints of pepper and nutmeg in the roucou were delicious. The desserts are a must- Crispy Coconut Cookies with Mango, Passion Fruit and Guava Sorbets and a "Chocolate Delight" on a Hazelnut Biscuit with Salty Caramel Ice Cream. We opted for glasses of very good Champagne (VC) instead of wine.
 
Some good eating for sure. Still, so many restaurants so little time. You did sample many so well done, Bill
 
We were with two other couple during week one and then just the two of us week two.
Our report is in no particular order- just general comments about the restaurants we visited.

Nikki Beach on Super Bowl Sunday-
The staff had the black 'football' paint below their eyes and there were large goalposts upon entering. We were on the noon to 3:30 shift. A Magnum of Ott got us off to a good start. As always the music was quiet and volume increased as the day progressed. The place was packed both at the tables, on the beach, in the water and at the bar. The servers paid attention to their customers and the food arrived quickly. It is not about the food at Nikki- it is about the scene. Dancing on tabletops started at 2ish and the handheld fireworks and Champagne Magnums then started up. The sax player started around 2:45 and the servers in costumes were out around 3pm. We left at 3:45 back to our quiet Villa with nap and swim time on the agenda.


Santa Fe- Super Bowl Sunday Dinner
David Moutin had 2 tvs projected onto large screens and a third tv in the bar area showing the game and Lady Gaga at half time. There was a nice breeze but no view of course as it was dark. The food and drinks were served quickly with the Gazpacho with Prawns and Mango, Ceviche, Veal Flank, Ocean Hot Pot, Dover Sole and Grilled Lobster as the highlights. We missed Emmanuelle's mother's recipe of Coq au Vin but c'est la vie- life moves on and we are lucky to have David at the helm.

Maya's on a Saturday Night
Randy greeted us and could not have been nicer. We saw Forum comments earlier about mixed reviews on Trip Advisor. Our meals were generally very good. Nothing was bland as it has been on occasion in the past. The service though was at times inattentive- there was plenty of help but they were all often standing around together near the kitchen talking amongst themselves. We told Randy and he got them 'hopping.' One of our group said the beef was 'ok.' Those that ordered fish loved it. The chocolate cake and the orange cake were both delicious.

On the Rocks
In contrast to previous years the service and food were amazing. From entering to leaving the staff could not have been nicer or more accommodating. We asked for table #305 and got it- it is the one all the way out for 6 at the end of the pier nearest the stairs going down to the restrooms. The starters of Champagne and Black Truffle Risotto and King Crab- Ginger Mayo- Fennel Salad were excellent. They also had a half price special on French Imperial Caviar with all of the trimmings- yum!
Beef Filet just melted in your mouth and others loved the Sake Cod and Nut Encrusted Mahi-Mahi. The Banana Souffle came out quickly as promised and wonderful Chocolate Mousse. Great wine list but pricey as expected!
The only complaint is you have to give your credit card number on a form in advance and agree to pay 150 Euros per person with a less than 24 hour cancellation. No other restaurant on the island required this from us.

Aux Amis- Le Barthelemy
The place is very large and there were only 6 people dining for dinner. The staff said it has been that way since they opened. The money spent in this Hotel is breathtaking- an underground garage, beautiful artwork in the restrooms, art deco decor and modern lighting throughout. One of the Managers told us the hotel owner is out of Boston- Denise Dupre of Champagne Hospitality http://www.dartmouth.edu/~trustees/biographies/dupre.html
The service was very attentive and the food was hot and well prepared. We had the tasty Crabmeat Cannelloni and Fish Tartar as starters. The Lobster with Curry and the Mahi-Mahi with hints of pepper and nutmeg in the roucou were delicious. The desserts are a must- Crispy Coconut Cookies with Mango, Passion Fruit and Guava Sorbets and a "Chocolate Delight" on a Hazelnut Biscuit with Salty Caramel Ice Cream. We opted for glasses of very good Champagne (VC) instead of wine.


seems you enjoyed your stay !
 
Great, succinct reporting . . . but only five venues in a two week stay? Perhaps you ate at the Villa for other nights, as my wife & I often do -- much to be said for being "at home!" Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
 
Great, succinct reporting . . . but only five venues in a two week stay? Perhaps you ate at the Villa for other nights, as my wife & I often do -- much to be said for being "at home!" Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

But he said, "Part 1"........I'm sure more reports will be coming.

And now that Hopper has returned, is that an omen for the return of the JEKster?!!??!!??
 
Top