We were there when Mr and Mrs Blanchard were both there and they are very gracious. They table-hop and visit with patrons, so my guess is that keeps the rest of the service staff on their toes. When your clientele typically doesn't have to be concerned with menu prices, they will surely let the boss know if they are not satisfied.

That's true. Do they have set days they go there?

I don't think there are set days, but from what I understand, if they are on the island (which is not always the case) they try to be there.

Another reason it's better when they are present is that Melinda is in the kitchen cooking, and she's a wonderful chef. Also they have a great wine cellar and Bob has extensive knowledge regarding it and is happy to make recommendations for your meal.

David

In January, the night we tried Zurras, Melinda was at Blanchards and Bob was at Zurras.

which one did you like best? or both!

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out why service/food is better when the Blanchards are around vs. when they are not. Remember the old adage - when the cat's away the mice will play. Simply put, while the staff is capable they simply do not put forth their best efforts without proper supervision.

This restaurant lives on it's past reputation and gained notarity a number of years ago when the Blanchards published their book "A Trip to the Beach" which cronicals their early visits to the island and ultimate decision to open a restaurant. It's an interesting read (not particularily well written) and has served as an excellent marketing tool. Anyone who reads the book naturally wants to dine at the restaurant.

Over the years I've eaten there several times and there is definitely a difference in experience between when the Blanchards are there as opposed to when they are not. The trouble is there is no way for the average tourist to know ahead of time if the owners will be there the day one chooses to dine as the Blanchards travel off-island frequently, especially in low-season. Also, just because they are on-island doen't mean they will be making an appearance at the restaurant.

This restaurant has the potential to be one of the best on the island but, in my opinion, because of the inconsistencies in service and food you have to be prepared for a less than stellar experience. If you happen to hit it on a good day it rates 5-stars but if it's an off day think more along the lines of a 4-star meal (not bad mind you but you are paying 5-star prices).

We happened to dine at Blancards when they were celebrating their 13th anniversary as a restaurant. The meal was incredible and the wait staff went out of their way to assist us. It was the best meal we had on the island and we ate at a number of places including: Strawhat, Mango's and Banana's. You will have issues with most restaurants regarding service depending if the owners are present or not. We were fortunate that they were present and also celebrating a special occasion. Overrated was Cap J and CuisieArt's restaurants... over priced and poor quality food!

We had our anniversary dinner at Blanchard's last May. Bob and Melinda were not on the island that week. We had outstanding service---the best of any restaurant we visited during our stay. I just emailed my reservation request for our upcoming visit in a few weeks.

We were there in 2005 and I thought it was pretty good, not great.

Here is an excerpt from my trip report:

Well, I just had to do it - I know it’s touristy and pricey, but who knows when and if we will get back there, so I made a reservation at Blanchard’s - made it on line and Melinda emailed confirmation back right away.

What a lovely setting, we were sitting down below by the door to the walkway and could see the grounds and hear the ocean. Bob came over right away and visited, and I had my book - “A Trip to the Beach” for him to sign - he took it back to the kitchen for Melinda to sign too.

We shared the spring rolls, and I had the corn soup - delicious and a fabulous chopped salad - it had all kinds of vegetables - tiny little cucumbers, cherry tomatoes - it was scrumptious. I wanted to get the cracked coconut but was just too full!

Melinda came out during our meal and thanked us for coming - she said she doesn’t get out of the kitchen too often and it was a pleasure for her to visit with her guests.

Both Bob and Melinda were charming and gracious and we greatly enjoyed the meal and the attentive service

We haven't returned...too many other good places are on our "favorites" list, and too many we have yet to try.

Our experiance is that both Zarra and Blanchards are both better when Bob and Melinda are there and both have problems when they are not. This goes for both food and service. The prices at Blanchards are very high so when service and food suffer from lack of supervision the pricing adds insult to injury regardless of your personal financial situation. I would only go to either place if they are there. You can call and find out when you are on the island. When they are at their best they are excellent. If they are off the island or not at the particular restaurant that we want to eat in we just simply go elsewhere. There are too many other great restaurants on the island to risk an unsatisifing and expensive night out.