St. Martin / Sint Maarten is known worldwide for its fine dining restaurants. Being the culinary capital of the Caribbean islands, it reflects the multi cultural nature in its cuisine. Mainstream is international, but strongly influenced by the French cuisine and the French ‘savoir faire’. Dining in St. Martin makes you discover ‘the French touch’ of life, an unforgettable experience in an unforgettable ambience - Elegance of fine French dining in the Caribbean.
‘French cuisine’ is a style of cooking and originates many centuries back. ‘Le Viandier’ is known as one of the earliest collection of recipes, it dates from the middle age. During the 17th century, at the times of Napoleon, fewer spices but more herbs and cream were in fashion, indicating the beginning of modern cuisine. In the 20th century, with G.A. Escoffier, French cuisine became the modern version of ‘haute cuisine’. Today French Gastronomy is added on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List (November 2010).
The French way of life, why not start your day with a typical French breakfast… freshly pressed orange juice, some ‘café au lait’ with a savory ‘croissant’ or ‘pain au chocolat’ coming out of the oven? Which better way to finish your day with an champagne aperitif, or a nice glass of chilled white wine … And experience a freshly cooked three courses meal, ‘foie gras’, a mouthwatering delight such as ‘Rosace de St. Jacques au Chutney de Mangues’ (sea scallops in mango butter), a Chateaubriand with ground pepper flambé with aged Armagnac, crispy vegetables, followed by a tasty French cheese and/or a ‘mousse au chocolat’…. And all complemented by a most exceptional wine list.
St. Martin / Sint Maarten are both influenced by the French culinary style. Traditional French cooking is composed of French pastries and the famous ‘baguette’ bread, the ‘foie gras’, escargots and game meat, as well as seafood, oysters, salmon and lobsters, just to name a few. The settings of French restaurants are typically very elegant and charming, perfect for a romantic dinner for two enjoying spectacular views on the sea and sunset. Reservation is often required, and a quick question on ‘the dress code’ might be a good idea. Most restaurants have highly recommended specialties, and many of them are award winners! They pride themselves with famous French chefs, trained by famous French and internationally recognized chefs like Paul Bocuse, others were voted ‘Best Chef of 2010’ by ‘Gourmet et Savours’, or ‘Top 4 Restaurants in the Caribbean’ by the ‘Caribbean Travel & Life Magazine’, ‘Gault Millau’ award winners – what more to tell you, try for yourself and enjoy this unforgettable experience!
Why not enjoy your fine dinging in your villa? Private chefs are available to prepare your dining experience for you and your family and friends. What a perfect vacation ‘souvenir’ bringing home the ‘savoir faire’ of the French cuisine? Organize your cooking lessons with your chef, check out the numerous ‘epicieries’ and super markets, learn how to choose the delicious ingredients for your home cooked French meal.. St. Martin / SInt Maarten have plenty of possibilities where to buy your oysters, foie gras, duck, scallops. Super markets on the French side have daily fresh deliveries from Frances’ markets, and most of them are open 7 days a week until 8 pm.