La Villa Hibiscus
Michelin-trained chef Bastian Schenk (stints with Anne-Sophie Pic and Joël Robuchon are among his credentials) has created an intimate restaurant that hearkens back to the South of France.
A charming outdoor garden and simple white and beige palette are the backdrop to a delightful, ever-changing multi-course menu (available for lunch or dinner), prepared by the chef and his small team. Lunch could begin with a Vieux Carré, followed by a trio of gourmet courses like a citrus-butter poached lobster tail, juicy chicken ballotine filled with sun ripened tomatoes and herbs, and a refreshing kiwi-cucumber mousse dipped in a whisper-thin coating of white chocolate. It’s just the meal to accompany lovely sea views, swapping the Caribbean Sea for the Med, of course.
HERE? La Villa Hibiscus, 61 Mont Vernon, Saint‑Martin.
Amsterdam Cheese and Liquor Store
As soon as you step into the shop, you’re greeted with an offering of aged cheese to sample. Trinkets, and nods to Holland are everywhere from clogs to mini graters, there’s a large selection of wine and spirits including stroopwafel liqueur and specialty foods straight from the Netherlands. All of it leading to a wall of tempting cheese – gouda in various stages of aging, edam, and Old Amsterdam Cheese.
Proprietor Etienne Roger grew up in St. Maarten, and took over the family business after a successful engineering career. His amiable personality and welcoming smile guide you through a relaxing and informative cheese and wine tasting, offering a selection of cow and sheep cheese, both young and aged, including a bright green wasabi gouda with delicate notes of spice and a highly awarded two-year-old gouda with notable nuttiness. Bring home a few blocks of cheese (we love the truffle gouda), to enjoy with friends and family.
WHERE? Amsterdam Cheese and Liquor Store, 1 Emmaplein, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten.
L’Auberge Gourmande
Since 1979, this small restaurant set in an old Creole house in Grand Case, has served classic French dishes with warmth and hospitality. At the helm is its warm owner, Pascal Narme and has wife.
Inside, butter yellow walls hold wood framed paintings and tables are set with hand painted plates from Limoges featuring a hibiscus and facade of the restaurant.
The familiarity of staff and host, greeting customers like old friends and carrying on conversations like family, is undeniable while the menu is a feast of iconic dishes: French onion soup (vegetarian), foie gras, and whole grilled Dover sole meuniere done to perfection. The silky lobster bisque is creamy and heady with crustacean flavour, crisp vol au vent filled with shrimp and scallops sits on a smooth Mornay sauce and rack of lamb is well flavoured with roasted garlic sauce and herbs. This is the kind of restaurant to which you will certainly return.
WHERE? L’Auberge Gourmande, 89 Boulevard de Grand Case, Saint Martin.
Luciano
This already famous Dutch gelato chain recently opened its first location in St. Maarten on Front Street in Philipsburg, next to the tourism office. Can’t find it? Look for the long queues of tourists holding cones or cups.
Luscious gelato is churned on site, at the back of the standalone location, with a rotating menu of more than 24 flavours – from classic pistachio (one of the best) and nutella to modern flavours like Bailey’s and stroopwafel. Sorbets, sugar and dairy-free options are available, along with gelato ‘cakes’, sundaes, baked goods (try the apple cake, a Dutch specialty), Nespresso (served with tiny gelato filled cones), and soft drinks which round out the delicious offerings.
WHERE? Luciano 28 Frontstreet, St. Joseph building, Unit #102, Philipsburg, St. Martin.
This original article first appeared in the FALL 2024 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
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