It’s time to wrap up my wining and dining report on St. Martin and I want to leave you with some of the very best restaurants in Grand Case, and then some. As I’ve pointed out, Grand Case is home to a very Francophile restaurant culture. I’ve also mentioned that many of the restaurants are blessed with wonderful waterfront locations that contribute not only to their appeal, but also to the entire dining experience.
While a restaurant on the water can rest on it’s laurels, those with the less appealing road front locations, or worse, must rely on their food to survive and thrive. Two of the best restaurants in Grand Case are located roadside, and continue to thrive precisely because the food is fantastic. Either of these restaurants, Spiga for Italian food and Bistro Caraibes for French, would be a grand success just about anywhere. Both offer world class dining experiences that should not be missed.
Shopping in Grand Case
While I mentioned the Match supermarket in Marigot last week, I don't want to fail to mention the small market, and superb little bakery, located in Grand Case. Just down the street from the Bistro Caraibes you can find the modest market, great for stocking up on necessities between trips to Marigot, and more importantly the French Bakery. Once you've bought your cheese and meats you'll need a fine baguette to complete your meal. This is the place, and don't overlook the pain au chocolate!
The Two Finest Restaurants in Grand Case
Bistro CaraibesBistro Caraibes is located pretty much smack in the middle of Grand Case. It’s recently renovated dining room is cool, and modern serving as a fine backdrop for a smartly executed meal that combines the best of the French and Island traditions. Read the full review.
Spiga
Spiga, the lone Italian, fine dining outpost in Grand Case, is a world-class restaurant that has never failed to impress me. If it was here in New York City I might be there every week, but as it is, I certainly look forward to the handful of times I can dine there each year.
Read the full review.
Bistro Caraibes is located pretty much smack in the middle of Grand Case. It’s recently renovated dining room is cool and modern and serves as a fine backdrop for a smartly executed meal that combines the best of the French and Island traditions. Spiny tailed lobster is an island specialty and a focal point of the façade of Bistro Caraibes, where you can find the live lobsters on display, and choose your own for dinner.
Before you get to the entrée though the appetizers at Bistro Caraibes are worthy or attention. The house-smoked salmon is a wonderful mouthful of silky, smoky, salty salmon that is as good as any I’ve ever had. The eggplant “Bavarois” with crispy crab was superb as well, contrasting flavors and textures to produce a whole that truly was more than the sum of its parts.
I had a special of Sea Bass for dinner but my table also ordered a brilliant lobster, grilled and served with garlic butter that was phenomenal, expertly cooked, tender and sweet and beyond a doubt the best lobster I have ever tasted in the Caribbean. Now, with all due respect some of the credit must go to the lobster itself, and since I can’t be sure exactly how much it looks like I’ll need to follow up with a future visit to Bistro Caraibes to test the grilled lobster for consistency!
Comments
I haven't been to Grand Case since January, 2006, but my wife and I loved Bistro Caraibes. The view from the outdoor dining was breath-taking (like all the restaurants in Grand Case).
Calmos Cafe is a cute little hut situated right on the beach that serves delicious food. There are numerous tables in the sand, along with lounge chairs. You can order some sumptuous entrees and appetizers that are even more delicious due to the scenery. Also, their wine list is pretty good.
My wife and I loved their Oceane Salad that was refreshing and delicious. I don't recall the wines that we had, but I do remember being very happy with our entire experience. Of course, we were on a long vacation and my theory is that wine and food always taste better when you're on vacation.
Check it out if you get the chance. Cheers.
Jan 21, 2010 at 11:26 AM
Wow, that sounds like a great trip,I gotta get there.The food the scenery, and to finish off with the Sassicaia, nice.
Jan 21, 2010 at 12:16 PM
Dal Piaz
I love Calmos, though have not had a meal there recently. The service was, shall we say, paced!
Yeah, the Sass was a great way to bring the trip to a close, and the food at Spiga is always a true high-point of any visit too!
Jan 21, 2010 at 5:04 PM
Hi Greg,
Thanks for your great review of Grand Case. We visit every year in October, stay at GCBC & Bistrot Caraibes is our favorite restaurant. Thibeault and Amaury are wonderful hosts & treat us like old friends. One of the best things I like to hear is Thibeault saying- Come fishing with me- as we go out to the lobster pool & choose the fare for the night. Thanks for featuring our favorite place!
Jan 21, 2010 at 7:53 PM
Bistrot Caraibes is my wife's favorite dining haunt. It has been the place of choice to celebrate our anniversary. She has a Lobster Thermodor dinner prepared by Thibeault every visit. Bistrot Caraibes is an always visit on St. Martin.
Jan 23, 2010 at 8:12 AM
42
Just finished dinner at Spigo. Ok not great. Diffident service, low attention to small things like beverages and bread. Horrible wilted pseudo-ceasar salad. Shrimp and scallops appetizer was one shrimp and one scallop on a salad. Pappardella pasta special was served with a wonderful veal bolognese but the pasta was overcooked. Best dish was the meat ravioli. Wine list was a yawner except for some overpriced brunellos. wine by the glass was maybe a 3 ounce pour. Wouldn't go back.
Il Nettuno is far better for italian in Grand Case
Feb 10, 2010 at 9:25 PM
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