Eating in St. Barths

As the winter in New York winds down - it got me thinking about one of my favorite locales, St. Barthelemy (St Barths) in the French West Indies. This was one of the most relaxing places to be (in the off season), and as a foodie it was out of this world!

From the moment we arrived to the moment we left, all we did was enjoy the food, the drink, and the people in our little paradise. Considering that this island is thought to be pretentious and one of the most ritzy islands in the caribbean, I have to admit that it was very friendly and down to earth during the middle of their slow season.

Although we enjoyed restaurants of all levels from the small little "hole in the walls" to the top restaurants on the island, the one that truly stood out was Pipiri Palace, a little quaint restaurant located in the middle in Gustavia. The food was outstanding, as I had a seared Tuna Steak, and my wife enjoyed a Filet Mignon with a crust of apples and gorgonzola cheese. On top of the food, the service was excellent! On top of the complimentary small bottle of Vanilla Rhum, that almost every restaurants offers at the end of the meal, we were given several other bottles during the hour after our meal that we sat talking with another couple that was in the restaurant.

On top of this restaurant, there were a slew of other great places that had either great food, to have a drink, or both. From Le Select, Bacardi Cafe, Andy's Hideaway, (to name a few) the choices were amazing. To compliment the restaurants, one can visit the local supermarket Match Supermarche across from the airstrip. Since the island gets the bulk of their food and goods from a daily delivery from France, walking into the supermarket gives you the sense that you are in Paris, with great cheeses, wines, meats, and much more. There is no doubt, no matter what you are in the mood to eat or drink, one can truly satisfy their culinary needs on this wonderful island.