Take one sun-drenched island, spice with a lively Caribbean
culture and add
a dash of chic French cuisine and the result is the unbeatable dining scene
on St. Barts. Glenn and I have been reviewing villas on St. Barts for a
combined total of almost 20 years and one of the reasons we never tire of
this tiny piece of paradise is the quality of the food. It is absolutely
spectacular. When we’re working, the promise of tuna tartar or grilled
lobster at the end of each exhausting day is the carrot at the end of our
stick. Knowing that I can sit back with the best salmon carpaccio served
this side of Paris keeps me going during the weeks when we exam 90 villas in
five days. Of course during the times I’ve visited St. Barts as a tourist,
I’ve never needed an incentive to indulge in the gastronomic pleasures
around the island.
Just as we’re unable to visit all of our favorite spots during each trip to
the island, we haven’t squeezed them all in here. This is just a sampling to
get your taste buds – and your vacation plans -- going. And do get going –
your lobster is getting cold!
The Latest Hot Spots on the Island
With its growing reputation as the place to be in the West Indies, St. Barts
is always buzzing with something new. During our visit to the island this
fall we discovered two new restaurants that have been added to the already
stellar list of establishments. Nikki Beach, built on the perfect curve of
white sand that is St. Jean Beach, is a hot new member of the Nikki Beach
collection, joining the Nikki Beach restaurants located in Miami Beach and
St.
Tropez. The fresh white décor reflects the white sand of the beach while the
wait staff’s sun-soaked pareos add a lively splash of color. Trendy
cocktails are whisked around to the tables while the latest world music
pulses through the dining area. Two words: Vertical food. That’s what we
were served. The presentation of our spring rolls with shrimp and crab was a
vertical work of art, a plate so pretty we were hesitant to cut into the
amazing design. But of course we did, confirming the plump, fresh shrimp was
ever bit as good as the presentation. Entrees and main courses focus on
fresh seafood and include lots of fresh salads and pastas along with beef,
lamb and chicken. Glen and I had the delicious salmon carpaccio and the tuna
tartar. At the end of the meal we split a serving of white chocolate mousse
served with a cinnamon biscuit.
Another sophisticated new restaurant we had the pleasure to discover is
Zanzibarth on Route de Saline. The restaurant is surrounded by a lush
tropical garden that creates the feeling of a hidden oasis. The all-white
interior is accented with angel light
fixtures,
white tables and white chairs. Romantic candlelight flickers from each
table. We joined one of our local representatives and her sister for dinner
and the four of us ordered four dishes to share. We started with a delicious
pan seared foie gras served with Xeres vinegar and red fruit compote then
sampled a unique asparagus, crab and avocado salad served with tomato
concasse. We chose seafood dishes for our main course: Herb crusted sea bass
and pan-seared sea scallops. Our “mixed dessert” included lemon sorbet with
vodka, coconut flan and an irresistible crème brulee. The dessert menu also
lists half a dozen coffee choices including café pucci with chocolate,
almond liquor and cinnamon and there is a separate menu for champagnes and
digestives.
Continued
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