Let's begin our food overview by saying what everyone already knows (and probably why your'e going there) ..St. Barths is the gastronomic capital of the Carribean. Where else in the world will you find over 85 French, Creole, Carribean, African, and trendy Asian restaurants on one 8-square mile island? Some of the best chefs in the world, certainly in France, come ot the island to perfect their skills on the native fish and spiny lobster, not to mention all of the substantial goodies shiped in from France daily.
Let's begin with breakfast...I'm hungry after a long flight!
Let me begin by saying breakfast on St. Barths is not an event. After a long day of sun and cokcktails, a long evening of ....whatever and cocktails...most are happy to gnosh on French croissaints, a cup of yougurt, fresh fruit and coffee by the pool at their villa or hotel. Those who prepare ahead will have done their grocery shopping at Match (St. Jean), L'Oasis (Lorient) or the grocery in Gustavia. Other favorites for scrumptious croisssaint and other pastires are any of the locations of La Petit Colombe, La Rotsserie (which also has the best rotisserie chicken on the island, perfect for your picnic), Mayas to Go, the Coffee shop, and La Creperie. My advice, sleep in and wait for lunch! Oh, and for those of you who may require a bit of the "hair of the dog", the Bloody Marys on the island are some of the best anywhere. Most beach bars open by 11:00am or so.
Lunch...So hungry and yet bikini bound...don;t want to ruin my appetite for dinner this evening...oh please! Lunch on st. Barths is one of the best ways to experience many of the restaurants on the island, and at a substantial value over dinner premium prices. Sun, another reason you're in St. Barths, right? So combine sun, incredible views, and some of the best food in the world, all in one fine dining experience. My favorite beach lunch spots include Le Plage, Sand Bar at Eden Rock, Do Bazil, Le Rivage and Nikki Beach, all with toes-in-the-sand incredible food and views. During high season most restaurants are open for lunch, including those around the port of Gustavia, with eaqually stunning views of the yahts and harbor. A favorite of mine is La Route Des Boucaniers, on the port, with a delicious salad nicoise. And what trip to St. Barth would be complete without a stop at Le Select in the heart of Gustavia, a great place to grab a beer and cheeseburger, and meet up with friends after a long morning of shopping, or just an opportunity to wet your whistle and watch the world go by St. Barths style! After several days of sunning, it may be fun to jump in the Jeep and go island exploring! Check out La Fiesta Au Santa Fe or L'Hostellerie Des 3 Forces for food with incredible views. A picnic on the beach is the perfect way to enjoy lunch on St. Barths, just remember parking is at a premium, and some beaches require a hike...be prepared to HAUL everything, and I mean everything! I'm talking no shade and no Coke machines here folks!
Brunch, Snacks, cocktails, and DINNER! More to come...all for right now, Binti.
