. . . just a short walk along the beach from Ti Corail is the site of the former, famed “Lafayette Club,” which has been written about many times on the Forum. It opened, as I recall, in the early 80s — at Grand Cul de Sac — & was the most scenic & exclusive luncheon venue on the island. Also the pricey -est!
The owner, “George“ (does anyone remember his last name?), and his wife had a winning business model: She directed the slow circulation of beautiful young women, modeling expensive, fashionable, often-skimpy beachwear, among guests sitting in the shade of palm trees & large Cocoloba shrubbery . . . at beach tables which were elegantly understated in au courant French decoration.
George, meanwhile, moved among the tables, charming in conversation, which somehow compelled patient, would-be diners to drink multiple bottles of expensive champagne as they awaited delivery of their lunch orders (an always-slow interval, likely deliberately-so as a technique for selling more bottles of champagne!). The modus operandi, of course, encouraged mildly intoxicated guests to decide to buy beautiful beachwear for their wives & visiting “nieces.” The formula famously found sobering moments as guests returned to the US & opened their credit card bills.
Nostalgia is about all that remains.
. . . the beautiful seaside gardens now overgrown & abandoned
. . . memories!
The owner, “George“ (does anyone remember his last name?), and his wife had a winning business model: She directed the slow circulation of beautiful young women, modeling expensive, fashionable, often-skimpy beachwear, among guests sitting in the shade of palm trees & large Cocoloba shrubbery . . . at beach tables which were elegantly understated in au courant French decoration.
George, meanwhile, moved among the tables, charming in conversation, which somehow compelled patient, would-be diners to drink multiple bottles of expensive champagne as they awaited delivery of their lunch orders (an always-slow interval, likely deliberately-so as a technique for selling more bottles of champagne!). The modus operandi, of course, encouraged mildly intoxicated guests to decide to buy beautiful beachwear for their wives & visiting “nieces.” The formula famously found sobering moments as guests returned to the US & opened their credit card bills.
Nostalgia is about all that remains.
. . . the beautiful seaside gardens now overgrown & abandoned
. . . memories!
..!
). Rum Punches in goldfish bowls, ever-flowing wines, and rock lobsters by the 100G. The Lafayette Club was where we had our one and only $700 meal. For lunch. We were much younger then. These days, I would ask them to call me a taxi. With a wheelbarrow.
