Gourmands seeking France can
surrender their taste buds and
olfactory to the genius of Le
Montmarte in Cupecoy, adjoining
Atlantis Casino. The Brasserie
Parisienne continues to give
diners that French flare with
a Caribbean twist to retain
its title of Best French Cuisine
for another year. Le Montmarte
transports diners to Paris with
its stylish interior and outside
tables draped in Red and White
table cloths with accent candles.
More than the ambience, the
culinary creations of traditional
French favorite with a modern
twist enthrall the appetite
and satisfy its craving. Create
a meal to celebrate the senses,
artistry and sheer culinary
genius starting with Escargots
Provencal, followed by Roasted
French Sea Bass or Filet of
Kangaroo and finishing with
a delectable dessert of Montmartre:
A crisp, buttery pastry base
with vanilla crème brulee,
covered with chocolate mousse.
A vegetarian menu also calls
out to herbivores who want their
cravings taken care of without
the fuss of meats to detract
from the flavors of the Vegetable
Tarts featuring tomatoes, eggplants,
zucchini with parmesan cheese
and pesto, salad on the side.
Temptation Best Romantic & best High End Restaurant
Named the one at the top of the top ten restaurants in the Caribbean by Bon Appetit
magazine, Chef Dino Jagtiani's Temptation never fails to awaken lite senses. For
the third consecutive year, the restaurant in Cupecoy, near the Atlantis Casino,
has made an indelible impression on the palate of diners to maintain the titles
for Best High End and Most Romantic Restaurant on St. Maarten. Creating a menu
which combines worldly flavours with Caribbean flare, the restaurant's Nouveau
Caribbean cuisine has sparked the imagination of lovers who want to stimulate
their taste buds and ignite a flame to burn strong. Accented with soft candle
light and lily white napkins, it is hard not to feel romantic, as the pianist
tickles the ivories to fill the air with sweet music. Waiters offer extraordinary
service to complement the romantic mood. The High End part can be easily recognised
not in the menu prices but in the quality of ingredients, Jagtiani a silver medallist
of the Taste of the Caribbean Culinary Competition selects daily for creations
such as Warm Walnut Crusted Vermont Goat Cheese Medallion with rosemaryhoney infused
cranberries, and balsamic caramel; and Creme Brulee Sampler: Chocolate, lemongrass,
vanilla and passion fruit. New comers discover that all accolades received the
most recent was the title of GaultMillau Best Restaurant of the Year were earned
and deserved. Jagtiani holds the distinction of the first St. Maartener to graduate
from the Culinary Institute of America, an accomplishment he takes pride in and
shares through his culinary creation, by assisting upcoming chefs and promoting
his island in New York, the Netherlands and the Caribbean. Runners
up:»
Best High End Restaurants:
La
Gondola and Rare
» Most Romantic Restaurants : Holland House's Ocean
Lounge and Bamboo Bernies
Its freshly made pasta no packaged
dough is credited for La Gondola
being voted the Best Italian
Restaurant for a second consecutive
year. Longtime Chef Marco Ferrante
learnt the techniques of famous
Italian cooking mostly from
frequenting the kitchens of
his grandmothers. Later he polished
his knowledge with formal training.
The homey yet sophisticated
dishes are formed from the freshest
ingredients coupled with only
the best meats, poultry, fish,
and legendary Caribbean lobster.
From the first bite of the appetisers
to the symphonic finish of dessert,
La Gondola treats the palate
like royalty. The classic Spaghetti
alia Bolognese (Spaghetti with
a special bolognaise style meat
sauce) is made into a feast
with flare that only authentic
Italian cooking can conjure
up to please a gourmand. For
the Ossobuco alia Milanese (braised
veal shank), no knife is necessary
because the meat is so tender.
Best of voters were also captivated
by La Gondolas Fantasia di dessert
del carnevale di Venezia (A
selection of homemade desserts:
Tiramisu, warm chocolate tart
and a frozen nougat served on
a raspberry sauce). Cupecoy
is located next to Atlantis
Casino.
St. Maarten's culinary scene
changes drastically every year.
Many restaurants close, some
open, while others expand Ihis
year the choice wasn't easy
for our voters, as several new
restaurants are hot and happening.
Fusion opened this year on Front
Street next to Sea Palace Resort.
The owners have made a big effort
to keep their restaurant local.
Building the expansion of the
restaurant, furbishing and furnishing
the entire interior have been
done through local people and
products. As little as possible
was imported. The menu, as you'd
expect from the name, is an
exciting mixture of cooking
styles and ingredients. At first
just open for lunch, but now
open for dinner as well, Fusion
can proudly call itself St.
Maarten's best new restaurant
in 2007.
On the strip, right next to
Dolphin casino, a truly oneofakind
dining facility is open seven
days a week. The restaurant,
which just celebrated one year
on Halloween, is now open for
its second season, and for Toppers
restaurant, it's already been
a good one. People can't get
enough of the tasty Brisket
and delicious pastas. Topper
is proud, "We have a good team
and good food and people respond
to that." Whether you come in
for lunch or dinner, the menu
is a solid mixture of Italian,
Caribbean and American food
with hinds of many other cultures
all cooked together. The Japanese
fighting fish will welcome you
to your table and your drinks
will be served in jars. For
a unique and definitely scrumptious
dining experience, Toppers is
your place to be.
On an island known as the
"Gourmet capital of the Caribbean,"
it's only natural that there
are a few top of the line
Indian eateries among the
vast culinary options. With
two locations in St. Maarten,
Anand Restaurant has distinguished
itself as being the leading
restaurant of delectable Indian
cuisine. This cosy eatery
has two convenient locations
(Billy Folly Road and Philipsburg)
for appetites craving Indian
cuisine. It offers delectable
servings of spices and flavours
of curry, cardamom, vegetarian
dishes, great nans, chicken,
beef, lamb, goat and seafood
at prices that won't burn
a hole in your pocket. Its
sauces: Tandy, Masala, Kashmiri,
Mongoly, Kurma and Spinach,
add that special flavour that
whets any appetite and can
only be described as incredible
Indian. Runners
up:Shiv
Sagar, Lal's
A Chinese restaurant can be
found at almost every corner
of the Dutch side, but there
is only one which offers perfection
and Far East cuisine, inspiring
diners to return again and again.
For half a decade now, White
Swan's loyal clientele have
voted it the best in Chinese
food, an achievement the owners
are elated about. Authentic
dishes take diners, through
their taste buds, to the exotic
Southern Provinces of China.
The Cantonese Cuisine is famous
for its seafood, especially
steamed fish and shellfish prepared
in various ways. Try pork and
duck glazed with mixtures of
sugar, wine, and soy and roasted
to a beautiful goldenred. Discovering
your aptitude for chopsticks
is made better with the feast
at White Swan, which is fit
for the emperors who conquer
and build stunning empires that
resulted in world power house
of China. Ambience and friendly
staff are also the allure of
White Swan. Its two locations
Royale Village and Sister Modesta
Adding flare to a sumptuous
steak meal is regular live entertainment
that splashed and hints of the
Caribbean and the exotic intoxication
of Latino music and dance. The
sensual, romantic tango gets
the blood pumping to help the
meal that would humble the tough
gaucho satisfies. Road, Simpson
Bay satisfy the longing for
cosiness and for open air near
the water. The original restaurant
still sits on Simpson Bay Lagoon
as part of Royale Village, while
the second location has a homier
neighbourhood feel as part of
Simpson Bay Village.
Sushi lovers unite at Bamboo
Bernies. Voted number one on
the island again, Bamboo Bernies
offers a substantial selection
of Sushi which hardcore fans
of raw fish will definitely
appreciate. Don't worry; there
is also a great selection for
those who say, "I don't like
raw fish." The ambiance in the
restaurant is great and has
a relaxed vibe to it, as you
enjoy the great food. The very
helpful staff will help you
make a selection if you can't
decide which delicious Japanese
treat to choose from.
You don't have to rough it on
the steppes of South America
to eat hearty and fresh like
the iconic Gauchos. The wafting
aroma of succulent steaks on
the grill and the searing of
juices so savoury your mouth
begs for release is the allure
of Los Gauchos Argentinean Grill
in Pelican Resort, Simpson Bay,
voted the Best Steakhouse on
the island. Fodor's Caribbean
described the steakhouse, run
by Liesa Euton and her friendly
staff, as "some of the best
beef" in a town where foodies
seek out French cuisine and
seafood. House specialties are
juicy, freerange steaks with
a generous helping of baked
potatoes and salad. Nonredmeateaters
can select dishes from creations
built on chicken, fish, and
vegetables. The extensive menu
is complemented by wine from
Argentina's top vineyards and
collections. Adding flare to
a sumptuous steak meal is regular,
live entertainment which splashes
and hints of the Caribbean and
the exotic intoxication of Latino
music and dance. The sensual,
romantic tango gets the blood
pumping to help the meal that
would humble the tough gaucho.
Whether you call it Shawarma,
Shwarma or Shoarma, if it's
not Abu Ghazi's, it's not the
real thing. Despite the mushrooming
of various shoarma places, Abu
Ghazi in Madame Estate still
prepares the most outstanding
example of the genre. Generous
slices of roasted lamb are cut
from a traditionally vertical
kabob and enveloped in fresh
pita bread topped with salad,
onions, tomatoes, and as much
garlic sauce as you desire.
The result is chewy, crunchy,
creamy, spicy, and supple all
at once. A highly delectable
solution to an empty stomach
and questing taste buds alike.
Change it up and go for a version
of chicken, turkey or shrimp.
Even the noncarnivores will
find pleasure in the veggie
shoarma. With a new added porch
with tables and chairs, you
can enjoy them right on the
premises. Location: Madame Estate
across from Shell Gas Station.
Whether your appetite is calling for fresh fish, fresh lobster, chicken or ribs,
Lee's Roadside Grill is the place to go. Conveniently located on the roadside
in Simpson Bay, Lee's serves up some of the most finger licking grilled delicacies
on the island, winning the Best Place to get Seafood in The Daily Herald's Best
Of 2007 survey. Lee's boasts the freshest daily catch of seafood options which
is grilled to perfection for your mouth watering pleasure. You can watch your
meal cooked in front of your eyes or take up the chef's offer to do it yourself.
You can also take your pick of fresh lobster from the good supply that's always
available in the lobster tank. The live, nightly music only adds to the great
ambience that Lee's is known for.
Burger lovers have not budged
from their choice of best place
to get burgers in St. Maarten.
For the umpteenth time, the
public has chosen Burger King
as Best Burger joint proving
that customers can indeed "Have
It Your Way," at the king of
burgers. It offers a line of
burgers from the whopper and
the double whopper Jr. to cheese
burger and double cheeseburger.
And with several locations on
the island (Cyrus Wathey Square,
Philipsburg, Bush Road, Cole
Bay and Simpson Bay and drivethru's
at three locations), burger
lovers don't have to venture
too far to place an order for
their favourite burger.
For three years in a row, no
establishment has managed to
dethrone Shell Gas Station as
Best place to get a hot dog
on the island. SheU is proud
of its tasty, juicy, huge hot
dogs, served with a special
combination of cheese and what
Shell considers the best baked
bread on the island. Shell's
hot dogs contain just the right
combinations of onions, cheese,
ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard,
hot sauce pickles and relish.
Hotdogs have been on Shell's
menu since the establishment
was birthed about seven years
ago. SheU Select is open 24
hours a day; so whether you
crave one of the best hot dogs
at 2:00 in die afternoon or
2:00 in the morning, the minimart
is always open to cater to your
appetite cravings.
Runners up:Caribbean
Cinemas, Sunset
Beach Bar
McDonald's has dethroned Kentucky Fried Chicken as the Best Fast Food outlet in
St. Maarten. McDonald's, the world's largest chain of fast food restaurants, caters
to the busy customer onthego with its line of fast food choices such as hamburgers,
cheeseburgers, French Fries, breakfast items, soft drinks, milkshakes, desserts,
salads and fruit. The outlet has two convenient locations in St. Maarten Philipsburg
and Simpson Bay. the latter location features a drive thru for those on the go
and also has a large indoor playground for young kids. The Simpson Bay location
is also a popular spot for children's parties. The outlets usually have special
promotions where customers can purchase goodies, in some cases, for as low as
US $1.
Domino's Pizza isn't a big hit on St. Maarten only, as this year Kittians are
ordering pizzas by the dozens, since the first Domino's opened its doors on the
small island. With the four pizzarestaurants on St. Maarten, Domino's reaches
everyone on the island. The latest addition is the small restaurant located on
the airport, where you can order your personalsized pizzas for a quick snack or
dinner on the go. Once again, pizzalovers voted Domino's the best pizza on the
island. Order your pizza by phone and pick it up or, of course, have it dropped
off at your door step and continue watching that movie or entertaining friends.
Order the special combination of toppings like Meat lovers, Extravaganza or Deluxe
and feast your taste buds on a truly delicious pizza.
Right next to Le Grand Marche is a oneofakind dining facility. With its steel
bars, it is protected, yet open; and with its location, it is close by for a quick
bite, or for foodonthego. Mark's Place has been in existence for many years. Before
Le Grand Marche plaza was built, Mark had a place in French Cul de Sac, where
in the late "70s he opened his restaurant. Unfortunately, along with a lot of
things, the original Mark's place got blown away by Luis. A year later, Mark opened
the new location on the Dutch side and has been serving the most delicious dishes
ever since. The best local food means you'll get a killer chicken & ribs combo,
a very tasty mahi mahi or snapper filet and even to the Dutch it's a local place,
as Frikandellen and Kroketten are on the menu too.
There's no better place better to get a good fingerlicking barbecue than under
a tree and "Johnny B Under the Tree," has proven this by sliding into the first
place position unseating Lidos as the Best place to get barbecue in St. Maarten.
Last year, Johnny B placed first runnerup in the survey. This roadside outdoor
eatery snuggled under a huge shaded tree in Cole Bay serves up the tastiest barbecued
chicken, ribs and fish served independently or with meals of rice and peas, all
types of salad and other tasty options. All of Johnny B's delicacies are grilled
to perfection in a homey, nice outdoor setting which is truly Caribbean. The prices
are down to earth so everyone can sample why this roadside eatery is the best
in town.
Top Carrot is located
on the main road in Simpson
Bay: A good location for a lunchroom,
as it's often right in the middle
of the two lunching companions.
Location isn't what makes a
lunchroom successful; it's a
combination of certain factors:
Good food is the starting point.
At Top Carrot, where the food
is mostly homemade, and at all
times organic and biological,
you can taste the nature with
every bite. The wide selection
of juices, blended from fresh
vegetables and fruits right
on the spot, is a definite plus
as well. With a wide variety
of vegetarian dishes, this lunchroom
takes in two prizes in one go!
Top Carrot has been voted best
vegetarian restaurant as well
as best lunchroom So now you
know where to go!
The name Zee Best says it all
and is once again voted Best
Breakfast Spot on the island.
Owner Dominic Lapierre is justly
proud to retain the #1 breakfast
spot for several years in a
row. Zee Best is located in
the Simpson Bay Yacht Club on
the Dutch side and at the Port
de Plaisance Yacht Club. Customers
rise and shine at Zee Best with
fresh coffee, fresh squeezed
orange juice, eggs, omelettes
and much more, as they indulge
in freshly made pastries, baked
at the Marigot location every
morning. Everyone is invited
to experience breakfast at its
best from 7:30 in the morning
until 2:00 in the afternoon.
The fresh ovenbaked breads,
pastries and other delicacies
of Carl and Sons Bakery have
placed this family owned business
in the driver's seat as the
leading Bakery in St. Maarten.
And with some 26 years experience
in the business, this accolade
comes as no surprise. Carl and
Sons has three convenient locations
serving up baked goodies, salads
and lunch specials. Its freshly
baked goodies can also be purchased
at almost any supermarket on
the friendly St. Maarten isle.
Carl's Unique Inn a small hotel
property is located in Cole
Bay and caters to scores of
Caribbean visitors who come
to the island to take advantage
of the fantastic duty free shopping.
The local familyowned business
was established in 1982 and
has blossomed into the leading
bakery on the island with quality
service and delectable baked
appetite pleasers.
Gone are the days of just a
simple brew of roasted coffee
beans with a spot of sugar and
a dollop of cream. Coffee requires
the alchemy of a top bartender
and the flavour pairing ability
of a world class chef to please
connoisseurs. No place on this
island has mastered the art
of the perfect cup of coffee
to soothe, energize or even
flirt with the senses like Kaffe
St. Maarten in Princess Juliana
International Airport Terminal
Building. For the second consecutive
year, Kaffe has reined supreme
with Best Of voters as the island's
best coffee joint. It's location
in one of the most highstress
environments, only adds to its
fame for comforting waiting
passengers and keeping the company
of those who are rushing without
sleep and rest. The coffee beans
used to stimulate the senses
and palate are grown in Panama
some 1,500 metres above sea
level where they thrive in the
cool, fresh air. Kaffe coffee
brews invite drinks to take
a mini vacation without leaving
the airport and in between that
place here and there.
It reigns supremely with
the sports team greats and is
the den for those who need to
share the thrill of the game
with a huge crowd of close friends
or a barrage of new ones united
in the spirit of the game. Rics
Place is synonymous with the
hottest international sporting
events. For providing well for
sports fans through the ins
and outs of game frustration
and joy, Ric s Place with its
16 varieties of international
beers was again named the Best
Sports Bar by Best Of voters
who are pretty serious about
their game experience. Your
team not doing too well or need
fuel to continue the distant
cheer directed at the television?
Ric's Place has a menu to calm
a macho hunger faster than a
photo finish. Indulgence in
some of the best TexMex offerings
of burritos, nachos grande (and
its big!) or munch on buffalo
wings while contemplating where
in the world buffalos are winged.
Burgers and fries are also a
staple of any selfrespecting
sports bar and Ric's has them
freshly grilled up. Location:
Simpson Bay, just across the
bridge.
Sexy, pumping and stylish, Bliss
is the elite club for the trendy
liming crowd. If you're looking
for the island's best clubbing
experience, this is your destination.
You can head there any day of
the week and you'll find the
stateoftheart equipped dance
floor rocking. Whether it's
a famous Grammyaward winning
DJ or the best local spinners,
Bliss is known for getting them
behind the decks. From old school
hip hop and eighties hits to
the latest techno and pop, you
can dance to it all. The recently
added fabulous themed decorations
by the Ba'zart Family have only
enhanced the "Total Bliss Experience"
that keeps you begging for more.
While the DJs are the main attraction,
it's the lounge area by the
pool with bountiful bottle service
that creates a laidback vibe,
perfect for conversation and
flirtation. Reserve yourself
a private cabana, order an ice
bucket full of bubbly drinks
and experience true Bliss!
It's no surprise that Sunset
Beach Bar located on Maho Beach
has been voted the # 1 beach
bar on the island once again.
It features live acts and fun
entertainment for young and
old, seven days a week. Adding
to its list of entertainment
are the bikini contest
and muscle beach contest, a
must see. Happy hour is still
as fun as ever and the cocktails
are great! Enjoy the sight of
incoming and departing planes,
as this is one of the best spots
on the island to watch this
happen, while enjoying an ice
cold beer. Listen to live music,
as the sun sets, and enjoy the
island bar experience at its
best!
This Roman inspired adult entertainment
club at Maho conjures up the
intense adult revelling of olden
times, in a modern setting of
an upscale nightclub, thus allowing
it to again grab the title of
the island's best adult entertainment
spot. Exotic beauties from across
the world mingle and dance for
their audience, as light bounces
off the indoor pool, creating
a perfect fantasy setting. For
a high in demand close up encounter,
a patron can enjoy his or her
favourite dancer in a private
setting, as they whisper in
his or her ear sweet nothings
with an accent that sounds of
someplace far away. The upscale
atmosphere of the club also
easily allows for a scintillating
outing for any guy who wants
to offer his girlfriend a different
kind of date. On the other hand,
if a patron craves anonymity,
strategically coveted dark corners
will do the trick.
Many of us work hard and take
great pleasure in having a special
deal now and again. The Greenhouse
realises this and offers the
best "two for one" happy hour
on the island to retain the
title of Best Happy Hour in
St. Maarten for the third consecutive
lap. Its "two for one" special
on drinks Tuesday nights special
is probably the most popular
special on the island. Many
people head down to The Greenhouse
on Tuesdays just to cash in
on this great deal. The Greenhouse
also gives patrons dollars off
selected appetisers daily. This
trendy eatery has been very
popular among happy hour seekers
since it opened its doors in
1986. The Greenhouse is conveniently
located in the centre of the
island's bustling Philipsburg,
so there is no excuse not to
cash in on the best happy hour.
You just can't go wrong with
a sandwich that's as tasty as
it is good for you. And healthy,
goodforyou sandwiches are exactly
what Subway voted Best Sandwich
place four years in a row offers.
Its tasty sandwiches are as
healthy as they come. Subway
has six convenient locations
in St. Maarten (Walter Nisbeth
Road, Front Street, Le Grand
Marche complex, Airport Road,
Maho and in Marigot) where sandwich
lovers can have it their way
anytime. They offer 15 different
choices of healthy sandwiches,
seven of which are only six
grams of fat, so just about
anyone can flavor up his/her
palate with a wide selection.
Customers can take their pick
of bun. There are six choices:
parmesan, oregano, cheddar cheese,
whole wheat, white and honey
oats. And the fresh line of
salads guarantees that oneofakind
freshness that only Subway offers.
It looks like we have to look
for Ivan again...or maybe not.
Last year's winner "Where's
Ivan?" has changed owners recently,
however, the sweet hot spot
remains at the top under the
name "Piece of Cake." If you're
going to sabotage your diet,
this is the place to do it.
It's still a Gelatoria scooping
up Italianstyle ice cream in
24 rotating flavours —
from Tahitian Vanilla and Caramel
Heath Bar Crunch to the unusual
Rhubarb Creme Fraiche and Blackberry
Cabernet. Ihe gelato contains
less butter fat but is full
of flavour. The sorbets are
packed with morsels of "~ fruit
and will almost convince you
you're having a healthy snack.
But the gelato is not the only
thing that will have you drooling.
Wait till you see and sample
the scrumptious looking and
tasting dessert made by the
inhouse French pastry chef.
Ihe selection is modest, but
what it has to offer is made
with lots of attention and eye
for detail. Each and every one
of those artistic creations
is a piece the resistance...there
goes your resolution again.
Ever since it opened its first
spacious and convenient location
on Bush Road, Le Grand Marche
has been our reader's choice
of Best Supermarket on the island
in The Daily Herald's Best of
Survey. Last year was no different.
The supermarket, which has since
opened other convenient locations,
remains Best Supermarket. Le
Grand Marche provides the ultimate
shopping experience in St. Maarten
with its spacious locations
boasting ample parking space
and a wide selection of choice
items ranging from vegetables
and grocery items to fruits,
meats and just about any and
everything you need for your
shopping cart. Its helpful staff
only adds to the superior service
Le Grand Marche is known for.
And if you're lucky, you can
cash in on its regular specials
and promotions such as the SUVs
usually raffled where customers
who spend 100 guilders or more
get a chance to fill out an
entry form to win. The Bush
Road branch also offers a lunch
counter and fresh salad bar.
The smooth, refreshing, distinctive
taste of Heineken Beer has given
it the edge to retain the Best
Beer crown yet again. Heineken's
superbtaste and refreshing flavour
kept it far ahead of competitors
Presidente and Carib beer. Our
readers continued enjoying this
bright, clear beer during 2007.
This bottom fermenting beer
was founded in the Netherlands
in 1863 and has been available
for your drinking in St. Maarten
ever since beer began distributing
on the island. Your favourite
beer is available in close to
200 countries around the world
and in almost every establishment
that sells beer in St. Maarten.
With quality being poured into
every green bottle, customers
are assured of the very best.
In St. Maarten, the Heineken
company is also a good corporate
citizen. Apart from being the
leading sponsor of the popular
annual Regatta in St. Maarten,
it has also thrown its support
behind many community initiatives
as a corporate sponsor. Bottoms
up for a superior taste!
Holland House is famous for
its white lounge sofas and its
relaxing atmosphere. After work
or for a night out with friends,
it's a place you can hang out
and catch up, while sipping
a delicious alcoholic concoction
made by Tory, the head bartender
and cocktailspecialist. Tory
loves to mix and match and be
creative with his bottles: an
experimentation which has led
him to good things, not the
least of which is "the island
lover" a luscious cocktail that's
so good you'll want to sip it
drop by drop to savour each
flavour as best you can. Also,
always at your service is "Iceman,"
the beach boy at Holland House,
who together with Tory make
a great team. So, plan to spend
your Sunday a bit differently
this coming week, and let Iceman
and Tory make it an unforgettable
and relaxing one for you. Congratulations
to Tory and all his staff: You
deserve the title of best cocktail
place on St. Maarten!
Although online booking is growing
in popularity, nothing beats
the personalized service of
travel agents. Especially when
they are from Let's Travel,
our voter's favourite. The personalized
service Agnetha, Karen, Lisa,
Kitty and Francoise give you
cannot be compared to the massive
World Wide Web. Travel agents
can still get the best deals
and have sources the typical
consumer doesn't. The savvy
agents at Let's Travel also
know their booking tricks that
can cut your cost by a lot or
even score you a room or cabin
upgrade. This agency knows the
destinations and keeps its clients
up to date on deals with its
monthly newsletter. If you value
your time, a 10minute call to
one of the agents will get you
what you'd take hours to find
online. And when problems hit
you on the road, the agents
at Let's Travel are your best
ally. If you need a gateway
to the world, pay a visit to
Let's Travel.
Nothing hits the airwaves stronger
than LaserlOlFM. The unbeatable
radio station is the proof that
attitude pays off. Whether it's
its dedication to excellence
or the station's versatile programming,
our readers still prefer to
tune in to "Storm Station."
Wake up with sparkling sounds
of Elektra, get through our
workday with Gee Money's workload
show and chill out in the afternoon
in the JZone with Party Dude
Jason. The nights are time to
party with "dancehalltologist"
Suppa Kid. When weekend comes,
Gee Money warms you up for club
land with the Saturday Jump
Off and Passion makes a sweet
ending with "The Candy Shop"
on Sunday. At LaserlOl, listeners
can also win big prizes and
keep uptodate with what's happening
on their Website www.laserl01.fm.
Take it from our voters, stop
tuning; keep your radio on Laser.
Once again, Windward Island
Bank has proven to be the island's
most preferred bank, with its
fourth consecutive win as St.
Maarten's Best Bank. When asked
how it feels to be voted as
St. Maarten's Best Bank, Managing
Director Jan Beaujon said he
felt thrilled, as this win once
again reassures the bank that
its customers continue to have
trust in its services. Beaujon
said the bank's progression
over the years is based on its
aim to continue enhancing its
services. He said in the pipeline
for the bank is to work with
other businesses in the community
to develop means of combining
their services. Additionally,
the bank would like to inform
its customers more on the advantages
of online banking, as it will
shortly be undertaking some
renovations to its main branch
in Philipsburg. Beaujon recognizes
the employees for the bank's
continuous success and extends
gratitude to the faithful customers.
He advises everyone to avoid
withdrawing large amounts of
cash and walking on the streets
with them, as robberies on the
island are on the rise.
TelCell has dethroned United
Telecommunications Services
(UTS) and its Chippie mobile
service as our readers' pick
as Best Telecommunications Provider.
TelCell, which calls itself
the leading mobile carrier on
the island, offers a wide range
of telecommunications services
to its clients, including the
recently launched Multi Media
Messaging Service (MMS) which
gives mobile users the possibility
to send and receive pictures,
videos and voice. TelCell continues
to improve its product by continually
training its human resources
and improving its service.
Our readers remained under the
"NAGICO umbrella" and kept the
insurance company in the driver's
seat as Best Insurance Company
on the island for the fourth
consecutive year. With its efficient
claims handling procedure and
policies tailored to suit the
needs of clients, NAGICO has
proven over the years that it
has definitely got its clients
covered. NAGICO is also a good
corporate citizen and sponsors
many community initiatives.
With 24 years experience in
the business, it doesn't look
like NAGICO will be relinquishing
this title anytime soon. The
company's main branch is located
in Philipsburg. It also has
branches in 13 countries in
the region.
After a hard day's work we all
want to retreat to our respective
cosy places of abode accentuated
with just the right furnishings
to help us unwind, relax and
destress. Nothing brightens
up your abode like furnishings
from Discount Furniture on Bush
Road. This spacious store offers
everything for your home, from
living room sets to everything
you need for your kitchen, bedroom
and bath. And like the name
suggests, this store boasts
competitive prices that are
easy on your wallet. It offers
delivery services and caters
to all tastes.
More exclusive listings and
a team that is in tune with
the wants of luxury and general
buyers were credited for Century
21 Real Estate Company being
named the Best Real Estate Company
on the island, unseating long
time title Holder Re/Max Island
Properties. Real estate is the
hottest business on the island
and providing the best service
and selection for discerning
clients is what Century 21 thrives
for, as the market continues
to t ompete with more and more
development taking place. Showing
properties and making the sale
are not the only things the
real e itate company does for
clients. Giving advice and guiding
them thrc ugh the process of
buying a prime piece of St.
Maarten for their own are also
keys to success for the team.
Commitment of real estate agents
to listen and meet the needs
and wants of clients is a service
Century 21 strives to maintain
here, as well as on Saba, Statia,
Anguilla and other islands where
the company operates. If you
don't know what it is you crave
in a new house, a place to hang
out, or a building for business,
Century 21 has been given the
nod of approval by Best Of voters.
Location: Cole Bay
Located in the middle of Front
Street, opposite Holland House,
is a unique and diverse electronics
store. It's probably the store
with the widest variety of anything
electronic you'll ever want.
The second location of Klass
Electronics just opened this
year. On the cruise shippier,
all tourists have the pleasure
to shop taxfree for electronics.
Come in for a phone, a camera,
a flatscreen TV, a laptop, play
station games, or anything else
you want to hook up. With ongoing
offers and good prices, it's
not a surprise that Klass Electronics
has been voted best electronics
store of St. Maarten. The friendly
guys behind the counter know
what they're talking about,
so come on up with all your
questions. You'll be satisfied
with the large array of choices
in any item you want to purchase
and Klass Electronics always
makes sure to have the best
and the latest in stock. It
offers brands like Sony, Samsung,
Nokia, iPod, Olympus, Nikon,
Canon and many more. For cool
gadgets, the best quality and
price, the guys at Klass are
ready to help!
With several locations on St.
Maarten, ACE has been one of
the main players in the field
of hardware and building supplies
for a long time. Home Appliances
is one of its trademark inventories.
ACE is a household name on St.
Maarten and won't easily go
away. It proved that this year
as it opened its new Megacenter
in Cole Bay. The humongous warehouse
sells everything from makeup
to plywood to fishing gear to
assorted screws. The Megacenter
has definitely rung in a new
chapter of ACE on St. Maarten.
The knowwheretogo factor is
now higher than ever, as people
tell each other, "Just check
out ACE, it'll have it." With
a dedicated staff and a wide
array of items on the shelves,
ACE can proudly call itself
the #1 store for Home Appliances
on St. Maarten for 2007.
St. Maarten's jewellers, mostly
concentrated in Front Street,
are available by the dozens.
Both regular and cruise ship
tourists know how to find precious
gems cheaper here than at home.
Out of all the other players
on the blingbling scene, Little
Europe has won the vote of Best
Jeweller and has been hailed
#1 jeweller for 2007 by the
St. Maarten public. This jeweller,
with two prime locations on
Front Street and a boutique
in Marigot, offers a wide range
of "girl's best friend." You'll
find anything within your pricerange
whether it's an exclusive watch,
crown jewels for the misses
or sophisticated ear rings on
a budget. The Alwani family
has owned and operated Little
Europe since day one. Three
generations of the family are
in the photo above. Little Europe
is a success not just for the
prices and the quality of its
stock, but because of the pleasant,
costumerfriendly atmosphere
which welcomes you at any of
its locations.
Surrounded by fine restaurants,
boutiques and great night life
and entertainment, Sonesta Maho
Resort was obviously voted Best
Hotel for a reason. Sitting
on 10 acres of lush beachfront
property, this 537room resort
set in tastefully designed tropical
de*cor offers you heaven on
earth. The availability of a
wide range of activities and
amenities cater to your every
need so that you won't want
to leave the property. Tourists
and locals enjoy the popular
street show every evening, as
it gets you in the mood to dance
and party the night away at
Q Club Disco or try your luck
at Casino Royaie. A stay at
Sonesta Maho Resort is a wonderful
experience and one to treasure
for a lifetime.
With a number of accolades under
his belt, it comes as no surprise
that the mixology chief Paul
Peterson is our reader'spickfor
Best Bartender in St. Maarten.
Winning is nothing new to Peterson,
who can be found mixing his
magical concoctions at Best
High End and Most Romantic Restaurant
Temptation. Over the years,
he has accumulated numerous
honours for his drinks and cocktails
and is among the leading bartenders
in the region. He is the 2006
Taste of the Caribbean Bartender
of the Year and the St. Maarten/St.
Martin 2006 Caribbean Bartender
of the year. His goldmedal winning
concoction St. Maartini is a
must try. Bottom's up!
Runners up:Brian
at Lady
C, Julio at Toppers
It is no surprise that Atlantis
World in Cupecoy won Best Casino,
considering the fact that casinos
and restaurants make for the
perfect combination of an animated
night out; and this luxurious
casino is in close proximity
to two exquisite diningfacilities:
Rare and Temptation, which was
voted best Highend and best
Romantic restaurant. Atlantis
World offers tablegames like
blackjack, roulette and threecard
poker and of course a wide range
of slot games. The sports corner
has been getting busier as well,
as you can now bet at any MBA,
NFL or any other match for that
matter. However, without a doubt,
the biggest thing this season
is the poker room. The biggest
tournaments are held almost
every day with your choice of
freezeouts or rebuys and various
numbers of betting. The best
one yet is the Sunday game with
the highest guaranteed jackpots
on the island! Feel lucky? Take
a risk and have fun!
Who else would you trust your
precious nails to than the top
nail salon, New York Nails?
Owner Walter is set on quality
and hygiene in his salon. Whatever
the occasion, it has the right
colour nail polish for you,
with more than 100 colours to
choose from. Need something
different and unique? Check
out New York Nails' unique airbrush
techniques and leave with artistically
done nails. Your precious pinkies
get some serious pampering at
this salon. Even your tired
footsies get pampered with a
manicure. Colour your toe nails
and slip on your prettiest pair
of open toe heels and show off
what New York nails has done
for you.
Pineapple
Pete Best Live
Music Venue / Best Place to
Play Pool
Pineapple Pete wins not one,
but two categories of this year's
Best of St. Maarten. Besides
the food and the service, Pineapple
Pete has more qualities that
speak to the St. Maarten public.
It's clear that the game room
is one of them. With five pool
tables, three dartboards and
several arcade games in an airconditioned
room, Pineapple Pete's the answer
to the problem many bored people
stuck on their couches are facing
these days. Come in, have a
drink and go headtohead in a
competition with family, friends
or actual rivals. Of course,
it comes down to just having
a good time. That's the same
reason Pineapple Pete won best
Live Music Venue: Whenever you
come to eat, your conversation
can handle a silent moment as
the air is filled with sweet
tones. Ronnie Santana plays
his swaying guitar every day
from Wednesday to Sunday and
on Tuesdays the band "House
of Blues 'n more" rocks the
house with live reggae and blues,
island style. Best live Music
Venue » »
»
Runners up: Live
Music Venue:Cherri's
Cafe, Red
Piano Best
place to play Pool:The
Greenhouse, Soggy
Dollar
When it comes to your "do" leave
it up to the Xperts. The namesake
salon in Simpson Bay gives the
best hair cuts, according to
our voters. Its popularity has
forced owner Eyup Akyurt to
get additional hairstylists
on board to keep up with the
growing demand. Besides getting
a magical makeover from Eyup
Akyurt, you can also get a perfect
haircut from his brother Sinan
or the fashionable Jacy. With
help from assistant Angela,
the Xperts team will transform
you from "sag" to "fab." Need
a lift between haircuts? Let
Dennis pamper your hair with
moisturizing treatments and
heavenly scalp massages. With
products from L'Oreal, Goldwell,
Kerastase and Lanza, your locks
will look smooth and shiny.
Location: La Palappa Marina,
Simpson Bay.
Thinking of heading off for
a day at the spa? Voted best
spa on the island, Good Life
Spa located in Sonesta Maho
Beach Resort is the place to
be. You will be taken care of
by the finest licensed professionals
and enjoy the ultimate spa experience.
The Full service spa offers
a wide range of packages including
massage, reflexology, body treatments,
hydro therapy bath and much
more. Clients can also enjoy
the full service the fitness
centre with complimentary use
of the Dry Sauna. Good Life
Spa makes it easy to escape
from everyday life.
Everybody knows that St. Maarten
is a Walhalla for tourists,
especially American ones, because
of the dutyfree shopping. Apart
from jewellery and liquor, perfume
is an item best purchased on
the island. Penha is a big player
in the perfumebusiness. The
store has just this year gone
through amazing refurbishments
and now has two entrances one
on Front Street and one on the
Boardwalk. The store has almost
doubled in size and is on the
right track to becoming the
household name in the island's
fragrance scene. Proof is right
here, as the store has been
voted number one in the category
of Best Perfume Store for 2007.
Whether you want to express
your love, commendations or
joy, nothing says it better
than flowers. At Angel's Flower
Shop you can convey just about
any emotion with its artful
combination of nature's best
blooms. Whether it's an extensive
arrangement or something less
extravagant, at Angel's Flower
Shop on Back Street you can
tell that special someone exactly
what's on your mind. Angel's
has reputed itself as a flower
house whose floral artistry
is as unique as it is distinctive.
The experts at Angel's sign
each order with a stamp of excellence
and tailor make each order to
suit the emotion you want to
convey. When The Daily Herald
visited Angel's recently, it
was busy getting the location
ready for the day of love Valentine's
Day.
If sea pirates of the olden
days still pillaged and plundered
the high seas, their treasures
would be found in a place like
Shipwreck Shops, a treasure
trove of the best kept Caribbean
secrets in unique souvenirs.
Coconut shells filled with scented
candles, jewellery crafted from
semi precious stones indigenous
to the archipelago that sparkles
in the sunlight, handmade Caribbean
themed cards and Tshirts galore
are just some of the reasons
Shipwreck Shops, located at
every corner of St. Maarten,
was again named the Best Place
to get Souvenirs. The choices
are endless whether you are
shopping for the perfect trinket
to inspire friends back home
who never take a vacation to
drop their cares and head to
the island, or getting a special
reminder of your fun in the
sun, there is always something
to discover. Shipwreck Shops
offers the best of the Caribbean
in paintings by local, regionally
and internationally known artists;
music to invoke the moods and
groove of the island; cook books
to transform the food; and novels
to whisk you away from wherever
you are back to the azure sea
with waves lapping dreamily.
Location: Front Street, Le West
Indies Mall and various resorts.
Whether you want to enclose some money in an envelope and put a cool card with
it, or give something special and unique, Good Cards is the place to go. Choose
anything from bags, jewellery, kids' toys, photo frames or one of the other unique
items. It focuses on stocking fun and affordable gifts that you won't find anywhere
else. The cards of course, are the main thing, and whatever card you're looking
for, you'll find. The shop is located at Palapa Marina in Simpson Bay. With its
two entrances (on the main road and on the Marina side), it makes a very accessible
and diverse shop that will definitely be worth your while to visit sometime.
Liz Claiborne continued on its trail of excellence in 2007 to retain the title
of Best Women's Boutique on the island. It offers an exquisite line of trendy
and quality clothing, bags, shoes and stylish accessories to go with any look.
The always eyecatching, Liz Claiborne, window displays keep clients flowing through
its doors for the latest ensembles. Its items are as durable as they are trendy
and oneofakind. And the smiling, friendly and welcoming faces of staff and comfortable
shopping environment make you keep going back for more.
Being a mother is already a hectic full time job. There's just not enough time
in the day to shuttle the kids back and forth to baseball and swimming practice,
afternoon school and still find time to get them the right apparel for everyday
wear. That's where Bebe 'n Kids comes to your rescue. The store offers everything
for children, toddlers and newborns from clothing to toys, educational materials,
footwear and just about everything you need for your kids. And with competitive
prices, you don't have to break the bank to keep your kids happy. It has a large
stock of car seats for kids so that you can adhere to the new traffic rules that
require that each baby and young child be in a car seat
With five floors of shopping pleasure, Penny's Department Store on Back Street
has recaptured its space on the throne as Best Department Store in St. Maarten.
In its basement, Penny's offers everything for your bed and bath. The first floor
has a wide selection of his and hers clothing and shoes while the second floor
the baby department has everything for your little ones from clothing and footwear,
to school supplies and toys. The third floor has all your houseware needs, while
the fourth floor contains everything to keep you in tip top shape.
Angelo's has won the race and was again picked as the island's "Best Men's Boutique"
a distinction the shop can continue to boast of. The recently renovated store
gives the sceptical male shopper a comfortable rustic and ultra male setting in
which to pick his garb. Angelo's main focus is on men's clothing; however, the
store's wide selection of ladies' clothing and accessories is a sure way to tempt
the ladies into the store followed by the usually indecisive male shopper A technique
which seems to work for Angelo's. Offering high quality designer brands such as
Levi's, Dockers, Timberland and many more, Angelo's can transform the scruffiest
man into a gentleman. A scene often observed in Angelo's is the very attentive
staff of mainly women banding together to help the lone male shopper, who seems
unsure of what he really wants. With Angelo's new look, it is sure to attract
more men shoppers.
Friendly Island Pharmacy has dethroned its sister pharmacy in Simpson Bay as the
leading provider of pharmaceutical services and products on the island. Fuelled
by a hardworking team of professionals, Friendly Island Pharmacy is a shopping
bonanza with the largest selection of European and US prescription medicines,
vitamins, over tike counter medication and other pharmacy items. It has an extensive
line of Dutch, French and US cosmetics, beauty aids as well as other grooming
items. The pharmacy retails the 100% pure Aloe line from Bonaire, which is reputed
to be the best in the world. It stocks a full complement of vitamins and supplements
as well as a great selection of sunglasses and reading glasses.
For most of us, our vehicles rank in the same category as our best friends We
rely on them to take us just about anywhere and everywhere we want to go. In addition
to offering some of the top brand vehicles, F.W. Vlaun and Son's also provides
the best after sales service to keep your friend on wheels on the road and in
good health. Our readers know this all too well and have chosen Vlaun as the company
offering the Best Garage and Mechanic service on the island. Vlaun offers general
vehicle maintenance and professional mechanical repairs and body paint, among
other w ork to ensure that your vehicle is always in tip top shape. Founded by
Sir Charles Vlaun in 1957, F.W. Vlaun and Sons has established itself as a professional
local company with a solid family heritage and has a reputation for air and honest
business practices.
Tanking up has never been so easy as when you're doing it at one of the convenient
Shell Gas station locations in St. Maarten our reader's pick for Best Gas Station
in St. Maarten an undefeated four times in a row. On an island where we depend
on our vehicle to take us from point A to point B, Shell makes it easy to get
us on the road with its professional service, convenient locations and welcoming
atmosphere. And as if that wasn't enough to tank up at Shell, the company boasts
that its gas contains a special treatment which is guaranteed to add longevity
to the lives of your vehicle.
Shell has five convenient locations
for your tankingup pleasure:
Madam Estate, Bush Road, Cole
Bay, Simpson Bay and Sucker
Garden. Runners
up:Texaco
Just as the legendary eternal
fountain of youth offers immortality,
St Maarten's very own Fountain
of Health on Cannegieter Street
offers its customers the gift
of healthy eating and living.
The store, stocked with everything
a healthconscious person would
want to indulge in, offers its
customers a lifestyle of healthy
living. Browsing through the
rows of health wonders, patrons
are pleasantly surprised by
the wealth of information available
on the products offered at the
store; while racks of books
can offer the inspiration to
start a lifestyle of better
living. Patrons usually walk
out of Fountain of Health feeling
healthier than when they walked
in. Shoppers can indulge in
lots of good stuff, including
nuts and a wide range of multi
vitamins. Fountain of Health
was selected the best health
food store and can celebrate
being the mustvisit place for
changing to a health conscience
lifestyle.
When it's time to sweat, our athletic voters go to Mard's Mega Gym! The lack of
airconditioning does not hold any gym goers back. On the contrary, they seem to
share Marci's philosophy that sweating is the key to success. Having recently
celebrated its 10* anniversary, the familyfriendly facility is more than a place
to do cardio and weights. The workout area is host to classes ranging from Taebo
and kickboxing to yoga and salsa. There's no need to leave the kids at home. Marci
offers a special fitness program and dance classes for them. Adults can also sweat
it out with power circuit training or oneonone training with Marci. After your
workout, relax in Shake Shack with a cool replenishing drink.
