Hi dwtx!
We just returned from a 10 day stay and here are some of my thoughts and input on your questions:
1) The road construction in and around Lorient is nothing. In fact, the traffic flow solutions in place are excellent! A few more minutes with the top down and Radio St Barth.
2) The island was dry, no doubt about it, but it has been receiving more rain from what I have heard and later in our week we had some good nightly downpours. It did not, in any way, affect our time or enjoyment of the island. Mosquitoes will be around no matter what. A citronella candle and a good repellent (we love
https://neteffectrollon.com/) is really all you need.
3) We found Segeco in Gustavia on Monday. Everyone was really helpful, from the guys loading trucks and directing us to the spiral stairs, to the gal in the office who handled our transaction. We purchased a case of VC Rose for $260E and an arrow tin for $60E. A good $5-10 savings per bottle.
4) We never made it to Saline this trip but Goveneur was a mess. St. Jean is our favorite beach and it was free of sargassum. Probably your best bet for a day at the beach.
5) Can’t comment….did stop for a beer on a couple of occasions at Le Select. My wife had a burger from Le Bouchon and loved it.
6) Not sure on the delivery, but I’d recommend just driving to wherever you choose and taking back to the villa. We did Le Bouchon on a couple of evenings for just that purpose. We loved their pizzas! There is a pizza joint on the east end called JPizza that is supposed to be excellent but we didn’t try.
7) We missed Orega on this trip (but witnessed his wedding procession) and didn’t love our experience at Tamarin last time so I can’t comment on these. Eddy’s was a miss for us and will likely cross that off next time. Black Ginger was solid. We ordered in the main restaurant and took back to the villa. Portions are fairly small so order accordingly. The duck was excellent and my wife’s green curry dish was as well. Bonito is one of our favorites. I had the tenderloin which was amazing. The wahoo and sea bass are usually on the menu and excellent as well. Don’t miss Bagatelle which was our #1 favorite dinner!
8) Can’t comment…haven’t heard of this place.
9) We stopped at both hotels and had a drink at their bar. The vibe at Le Barthelemy was a lot more fun and active. Le Sereno was very quiet and service was a little indifferent. I would recommend Le Barthelemy if you are looking for a beachside/waterfront lunch of the two. I would also recommend Mango at Hotel Christopher as well. No beach, but waterfront tables in the sand. Good service, drinks and food. Tell Jackson (bartender) that Brett and Kimberly from Portland say “hi”!
10) We tried to get in, but needed reservations. That said, the Smoky Maple Old Fashioned is pretty amazing!
11) We went to Shellona for a first seating Sunday brunch and it was really good. We like it there. Also went to Pearl Beach, sat at the bar and shared a couple of apps. Good drinks, service and food. We walked up to Lil’ Rock to check it out. It was busy, but were brushed off by the hostess when we just said we were taking a look. Probably isolated, but the reviews are pretty good from what I hear.
12) Get a table on the harbor at Bagatelle. It’s boujee, high class and a little expensive, but worth the splurge. You will not be disappointed.