News from St.Martin | 2008
     

ST.MARTIN & ST.MAARTEN 2008


Best St.Maarten Restaurants 2007



Best French Restaurant Montmartre in St.Maarten
Montmartre
Best French Restaurant

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 traditionalFrench 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.
Runners up: Auberge Gourmande in Grand Case, Tropicana in Marina Royale.
Restaurant Temptation in St.Maarten
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 rosemary honey 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
La Gondola Best Italian Restaurant in St.Maarten
La Gondola
Best Italian Restaurant


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 ala 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.
Runners up:
La Rosa II in Maho Village, Spiga in Grand Case,
Fusion Best New Restaurant in St.Maarten
Fusion
Best New Restaurant


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 theexpansion 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.
Runners up:
The Stone, Tijuana Yacht Club
Toppers Best International Restaurant in St.Maarten
Toppers
Best International Restaurant


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.
Runners up:
Pineapple Pete, Cherri's Cafe
Anand Best Indian Restaurant in St.Maarten
Anand
Best Indian Restaurant


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 seafoodat 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 op:
Shiv Sagar, Lal's
White Swan Best Chinese Restaurant in St.Maarten
White Swan
Best Chinese Restaurant


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 feastat 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 Caribbeanand 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 secondlocation has a homier neighbourhood feel as part of Simpson Bay Village.
Runners up:Pink Pearl on Front Street, Island Seafood.
Restaurant Temptation in St.Maarten
Bamboo Bernies
Best Sushi Restaurant


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.
Runners up:
Thai Savannah, Bliss
Restaurant Temptation in St.Maarten
Los Gauchos Argentinean Grill
Best Steakhouse


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 forrelease 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. Non-red-meat-eaters 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.
Runners up:
Peg Leg Pub in Three Palms Plaza, Rancho in La Palapa Centre.
Restaurant Temptation in St.Maarten
Abu Ghazi
Best Shoarma


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.
Runners up:
Aldywan, Marty's Gyro
Restaurant Temptation in St.Maarten
Lee's Roadside Grill
Best Seafood Restaurant


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.
Runners up:
Chesterfield, The Boathouse
Restaurant Temptation in St.Maarten
Burger King
Best Burger Restaurant


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.
Runners up:
McDonalds and Sunset Beach Bar

Shell Gas Station in St.Maarten
Shell Gas Station
Best Hot Dog


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. Shell 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
Restaurant  in St.Maarten
MCDonalds
Best Fastfood


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.
Runners up: KFC, Subway
 in St.Maarten
Domino's
Best Pizza


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.
Runners up:
Pizza Hut, Pizza Galley

Restaurant  in St.Maarten
Mark's Place
Best Local Restaurant


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.
Runners up:
Yvette's, The Jerk
Restaurant  in St.Maarten
Johnny B Under the Tree
Best Barbecue


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.
Runners up:
Lido's, Deelishous.
Restaurant  in St.Maarten
Top Carrot
Best Lunch & Best Vegetarien

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! Best Lunch
Runners up:
Chesterfield, Pineapple Pete
Best Vegetarian restaurant.
Runners up:
Shieka's, Ital Shack
Restaurant  in St.Maarten
Zee Best
Best Breakfast Spot


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.
Runners up:
Bagelhouse, Chesterfield
Restaurant  in St.Maarten
Carl and Sons Bakery
Best Bakery

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.
Runners up: Le Sucriere, Serafina

Restaurant  in St.Maarten
Kaffe St.Maarten
Best Coffee


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.
Runners up:
Kangaroo Court in Philipsburg, Zee Best in Simpson Bay Yacht Club.
Restaurant  in St.Maarten
Rics Place
Best Sportsbar

It reigns supremely withthe 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.
Runners up:
Time Out .. Sports Bar in Paradise Plaza Casino and Sunset Beach Bar, next to the airport.
Restaurant  in St.Maarten
Bliss
Best Nightclub


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!
Runners up:
Q Club, Club Vibes
Restaurant  in St.Maarten
Sunset Beach Bar
Best Beach Bar


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 cocktailsare 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!
Runners up: Mr.Busby's and BuccaneerBeach Bar
Restaurant  in St.Maarten
PlatinumRoom
BestAdult Entertainment


This Roman inspired adult entertainment club at Maho conjures up theintense adult revelling of olden times, in a modern setting of an upscalenightclub, thus allowing it to again grab the title of the island'sbest adult entertainment spot. Exotic beauties from across the worldmingle and dance for their audience, as light bounces off the indoorpool, creating a perfect fantasy setting. For a high in demand closeup encounter, a patron can enjoy his or her favourite dancer in a privatesetting, as they whisper in his or her ear sweet nothings with an accentthat sounds of someplace far away. The upscale atmosphere of the clubalso easily allows for a scintillating outing for any guy who wantsto offer his girlfriend a different kind of date. On the other hand,if a patron craves anonymity, strategically coveted dark corners willdo the trick.
Runners up:
GoldenEyes, Casa Blanca.
Restaurant  in St.Maarten
TheGreenhouse
BestHappy Hour


Many of us work hard and take great pleasure in having a special dealnow and again. The Greenhouse realises this and offers the best "twofor one" happy hour on the island to retain the title of BestHappy Hour in St. Maarten for the third consecutive lap. Its "twofor one" special on drinks Tuesday nights special is probablythe most popular special on the island. Many people head down to TheGreenhouse on Tuesdays just to cash in on this great deal. The Greenhousealso gives patrons dollars off selected appetisers daily. This trendyeatery has been very popular among happy hour seekers since it openedits doors in 1986. The Greenhouse is conveniently located in the centreof the island's bustling Philipsburg, so there is no excuse not tocash in on the best happy hour.
Runners up:
SunsetBeach Bar, LadyC
Restaurant  in St.Maarten
Subway
Best Sandwich


You just can't go wrong with a sandwich that's as tasty as it is goodfor you. And healthy, goodforyou sandwiches are exactly what Subwayvoted Best Sandwich place four years in a row offers. Its tasty sandwichesare as healthy as they come. Subway has six convenient locations inSt. Maarten (Walter Nisbeth Road, Front Street, Le Grand Marche complex,Airport Road, Maho and in Marigot) where sandwich lovers can have ittheir way anytime. They offer 15 different choices of healthy sandwiches,seven of which are only six grams of fat, so just about anyone canflavor up his/her palate with a wide selection. Customers can taketheir pick of bun. There are six choices: parmesan, oregano, cheddarcheese, whole wheat, white and honey oats. And the fresh line of saladsguarantees that oneofakind freshness that only Subway offers.
Runners up:
Quiznos, TopCarrot
Restaurant  in St.Maarten
Pieceof Cake
BestIce Cream & BestDessert


It looks like we have to look for Ivan again...or maybe not. Last year'swinner "Where's Ivan?" has changed owners recently, however, thesweet hot spot remains at the top under the name "Piece of Cake." Ifyou're going to sabotage your diet, this is the place to do it. It'sstill a Gelatoria scooping up Italianstyle ice cream in 24 rotatingflavours — from Tahitian Vanilla and Caramel Heath Bar Crunchto the unusual Rhubarb Creme Fraiche and Blackberry Cabernet. Ihe gelatocontains less butter fat but is full of flavour. The sorbets are packedwith morsels of "~ fruit and will almost convince you you're having a healthysnack. But the gelato is not the only thing that will have you drooling.Wait till you see and sample the scrumptious looking and tasting dessertmade by the inhouse French pastry chef. Ihe selection is modest, butwhat 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...theregoes your resolution again.
Runners up:
PizzaGalley, Vanilleet Chocolate
Shopping in St.Maarten
LeGrand Marche
BestSupermarket


Ever since it opened its first spacious and convenient location onBush Road, Le Grand Marche has been our reader's choice of Best Supermarketon the island in The Daily Herald's Best of Survey. Last year was nodifferent. The supermarket, which has since opened other convenientlocations, remains Best Supermarket. Le Grand Marche provides the ultimateshopping experience in St. Maarten with its spacious locations boastingample parking space and a wide selection of choice items ranging fromvegetables and grocery items to fruits, meats and just about any andeverything you need for your shopping cart. Its helpful staff onlyadds to the superior service Le Grand Marche is known for. And if you'relucky, you can cash in on its regular specials and promotions suchas the SUVs usually raffled where customers who spend 100 guildersor more get a chance to fill out an entry form to win. The Bush Roadbranch also offers a lunch counter and fresh salad bar.
Runners up:
Afoo, Lido
Restaurant  in St.Maarten
Heineken
Best Beer


The smooth, refreshing, distinctive taste of Heineken Beer has givenit the edge to retain the Best Beer crown yet again. Heineken's superbtasteand refreshing flavour kept it far ahead of competitors Presidenteand Carib beer. Our readers continued enjoying this bright, clear beerduring 2007. This bottom fermenting beer was founded in the Netherlandsin 1863 and has been available for your drinking in St. Maarten eversince beer began distributing on the island. Your favourite beer isavailable in close to 200 countries around the world and in almostevery establishment that sells beer in St. Maarten. With quality beingpoured 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 Regattain St. Maarten, it has also thrown its support behind many communityinitiatives as a corporate sponsor. Bottoms up for a superior taste!
Runners up:
Presidente, Carib
Restaurant  in St.Maarten
HollandHouse
BestPlace to have Cocktails


Holland House is famous for its white lounge sofas and its relaxingatmosphere. After work or for a night out with friends, it's a placeyou can hang out and catch up, while sipping a delicious alcoholicconcoction made by Tory, the head bartender and cocktailspecialist.Tory loves to mix and match and be creative with his bottles: an experimentationwhich has led him to good things, not the least of which is "theisland lover" a luscious cocktail that's so good you'll want tosip it drop by drop to savour each flavour as best you can. Also, alwaysat your service is "Iceman," the beach boy at Holland House,who together with Tory make a great team. So, plan to spend your Sundaya bit differently this coming week, and let Iceman and Tory make itan unforgettable and relaxing one for you. Congratulations to Toryand all his staff: You deserve the title of best cocktail place onSt. Maarten!
Runners up:
Bliss, SunsetBeach Bar