Le Sereno
The restaurant scene in St. Barth always fascinates people because the island is renowned for its fabulous cuisine and the scenario is always changing. What’s new for this season? I heard rumors… but I couldn’t let you know until it was official… Grand Cul de Sac’s five star Hotel Le Sereno’s former restaurant, Le Pêcheur has a new name and a new concept. It is now known as Le Sereno Restaurant. Guess who owns it? A wonderful couple, Jonas and Alexandra Mllan. They also own Bonito, a very successful restaurant located above Gustavia harbor. Bonito used to be known as La Mandala. My company St. Barth Properties Sotheby’s International Realty sold the restaurant to the Milan’s several years ago; they transformed it into a gorgeous venue. They also own the famous Juvia restaurant in Miami. Juan Carlos Perez, a business partner and co-owner of Bonito is also an owner of Le Sereno Restaurant and is very much involved.
Le Sereno Restaurant is being billed as a dining venue offering French cuisine with an Asian touch focusing on Japanese simplicity. The hotel’s press release adds, “Overseeing the kitchen is a team of acclaimed chefs: that includes Executive Chef Laurent Cantineaux, a protégé of celebrated Chef Daniel Boulud, Executive Chef Sunny Oh who helmed the kitchen at Nobu South Beach for more than a decade and Executive Pastry Chef Gregory Gourreau who worked alongside iconic toques Alain Ducasse and Francois Payard. Together, this dynamic group delivers a lively atmosphere and exciting breakfast, lunch and dinner menus to guests of the island, executed by Chef de Cuisine Mathieu Gourreau”.
Parisian designer Christian Liaigre created a delightful setting that takes advantage of its beachfront location and delightful breezes. I loved dining there when it was Le Pêcheur because the towering palm trees and the lights of the pool as well as the sound of the gentle waves lapping on the beach made for a truly romantic evening. At lunchtime the colors of the lagoon are mesmerizing.
One or my very favorite Maitre D’s Frederic Dubrueil whom I adored at La Case de L’Isle at the Hotel St. Barth Isle de France is the new restaurant manager. Congratulations Fred! The restaurant is open daily non-stop from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I hear that in addition to their great bar that is located behind the restaurant, the hotel has added a beach bar. I can’t wait to meet the new hotel manager Samy Gachem, see all of the changes and give the restaurant a try once the hotel reopens on October 25, 2013.
Stay tuned for more restaurant updates…
