All good things must come to an end (at least temporarily). So, it was time to head back to our home on Cape Cod.
What should we do for our last night in St. Barth?
It was a no-brainer! I said to Steve,” Let’s go to the Carl Gustaf for sunset cocktails and watch Christine Gordon perform in the lounge and then stay for dinner at Victoria’s restaurant. I hear they have a new menu and I want to try it before we leave.” No objection from hubby on that suggestion.
When we arrived, Jackie was at the bar ready to serve his very famous Planteur’s Punch. We sat down on one of the comfy love seats to watch Christine perform and sing her songs. Un verre de Sancerre Blanc for me and a Planteur’s for Steve along with some complimentary veggies and dip set the mood for the wonderful evening that was to follow.
We continued on to dinner and were seated at a wonderful table for two that overlooked the harbor and its sparking lights. The kitchen is located on the far side of the restaurant and is completely visible to the patrons through sliding glass doors. Diners are welcome to watch as they prepare their delicacies.
The menu selections varied with appetizers ranging from 24 euros for a Caesar salad to an ounce of caviar for 95 euros. The main courses feature fresh local fish of the day, Sole Meunière, veal or beef ranging from 38 to 48 euros. Desserts range from 15 euros for the Crême Brûlée to 19 euros for the Tartelette au chocolat Valhrona (Smoked Valhrona chocolate tart with an avocado milk ice cream).
BUT…if you are venturesome (and want to save some euros) each evening at this time of year, the Chef creates two “blind” menus that are prepared with simple products using innovative techniques. It is called the Menu Mystère (Mystery). Order an appetizer, main course and a dessert for only 65 euros or for the less famished, order an appetizer and main course or a main course and a dessert for only 49 euros. Feel free to tell your server your likes and dislikes before ordering.
If you would like to stay in one of the suites at the Hotel Carl Gustaf, you will love having your very own plunge pool, king bedroom with en suite bath, living room and kitchenette. Enjoy complimentary continental breakfast served in your suite as your wake-up call. Savor the croissants and fresh baguettes while enjoying the incredible views overlooking the harbor. Are you traveling with other couples or a family? Stay in one of their 2 bedroom pool suites or the elegant 4 bedroom Royal Suite. The very spacious 7 bedroom Villa Golden Reef is perfect for larger groups. Packages are available. For more information, contact [email protected].
3 comments
I haven’t been there since they finished it. I drove by many times in 1990 before it was finished so I am happy it is such a lovely place. You remind me of my former favorite sunset hangout at the Hibiscus Restaurant (was on the steep hill towards Gouvenor, now it is gone). One famous (for me) evening was when I was there for a sunset cocktail with my girl friend in 1985 and there was just one other couple. It was near the end of the 84/85 season, and by the time line, probably late March. My friend, the proprietor Henri, had been lamenting his failing business at the place and then said: “that fellow that just left wanted to play the piano (it had a cover on it) and I said no, the piano is CLOSED.” I told Henri he was nuts…. I said do you know who that was? (he did not)…. It was the newly weds Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley. In the end, the place failed. But it was a great evening nonetheless with nice people to visit with and a beautiful sunset.
Hi Rusty, I remember the Hibiscus well. It was located on the road below the Carl Gustaf that goes down to Gustavia It was a little hotel at the time, and there was a small round pool and a deck with tables and chairs surrounding the pool. Bou Bou bought the Hibiscus and renamed it La Mandala. He put in a small bridge that covered most of the pool. One New Year’s Eve many, many years ago, I was dining there with my family and we had a pretty big table. The place was packed and Bou Bou had hired some “extras” to help out the wait staff. When our main course (filet mignon) arrived, our waitress (an extra) was serving the filets to us with her back to the pool. She stepped too far back and fell in the pool along with our filets mignons which soon sank to the bottom! It was hilarious but the waitress was mortified. It was midnight before we were able to finally dine but we had a marvelous time and of course great memories of the event.
Two years ago we sold La Mandala (We are St. Barth Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, too) to three young partners, two from Venezuela and one from France. They transformed the restaurant into a wonderful place called Bonito (named for the fish but also because bonito means beautiful in Spanish). The pool was removed and in its place is a Ceviche Bar. The menu is varied and quite good and they have a “living room” atmosphere in their lounge. The view is still incredible. We host our cocktail party there every Thursday evening 6:30-7:30 from the end of November through the end of April. I hope you will get back to St. Barth soon and that I will see you there! (And I will write a blog about Bonito one of these days) All the best, Peg