Grand Case, with its high concentration of award-winning fine dining establishments, is possibly the toughest place on the island of St. Maarten and St. Martin that an entrepreneur could choose as a location for their new restaurant. Doing so speaks of remarkable confidence, and an undaunted desire to make a name for oneself on the extremely competitive *"Boulevard de Grand Case"* - in the picturesque village better known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean.
Yet, this is exactly what Carole and Ina had in mind when they opened their charming new restaurant L'Estaminet in October of 2006, located right across the street from DineSXM featured restaurant "La California":http://www.dinesxm.com/restaurants/la-california A traditional Creole cottage, on the quiet side of the boulevard, became home to a hidden gem on restaurant row.
L'Estaminet is quickly making a name for itself, and already became an award winner with chef Ina Urfalino as the recipient of a Bronze medal at the 2007 Taste of St. Martin competition. Tripadvisor readers also give this restaurant high marks, with a popularity index of 2 out of more than a hundred featured island restaurants.
With the charming Carole as your host an evening at L'Estaminet becomes a culinary highlight, that combines warm and impeccable service with first-class French-styled cuisine. As you would expect from a new restaurant that vies to become a top contender, the cuisine at L'Estaminet combines long-established French culinary traditions with chef Urfalino's very personal creative twists and refreshing innovations. The duck breast is served *au cacao,* and the Mahi-mahi comes marinated in a delicious Guyanese masala. Attention chocoholics: leave room for the chocolate dessert sampler...
Source: www.dinesxm.com |
