Your St Barts -Villa Rental in St Barths, Saint Barthélémy

St Barts Book :: Paradise Found :: Photo Credit ~ Amazon.com

Okay, okay….yes, I'm still surfing around Amazon!  But I couldn't go before I recommended this book about St Barts; "Paradise Found: The people, restaurants and recipes of St. Barthélemy" by Robert Brooks.

Ranking 8th in books about travel to the French West Indies, this book has consistently been rated 5 starts by those that have purchased it. A book that is jam packed with recipes straight from the island, and beautiful photographs to boot, this is a must have for anyone that has ever been to St Barts, or is dreaming of someday going.

In its 250+ pages, it completely encapsulates the island, its culture, the locals, and the tourists.  Everyone and anyone has a place between these to covers. It especially pays homage to the restaurants, their owners, and the sweat equity that they've put in to their world-class eateries.  As one reader so aptly put it, "International movies stars and high profile musicians and artists are perennially drawn to St Barts during the holiday season for a number of reasons." Read this book and you'll see why.

If you've ever been to the island, this book will serve as a wonderful reminder of your trip; if you are planning a trip, or know someone who is, grab a sneak peek at what's in store during the vacation.  This book is well worth the investment.

St Barts Restaurant :: Café Victoire Waiter

OK, before I even give you a review of this St Barts restaurant, I want to be very upfront and tell you that I have a very biased opinion when it comes to Café Victoire.  The waiter is a St Barts gym buddy, so I can only say good things about the restaurant.  Although, on the flip side, I could shed a darker light on it; out of sheer jealousy of course. I find it completely unfair that he is able to serve this amazing food for lunch and dinner day-in and day-out, yet he still has the most enviable six-pack…..absolutely sickening….lol…..I'll just take a little more of that decadent warm chocolate cake please….and thank you very much!

When you first approach Victoire, you will notice that there are two sides; one retail, the other food.  The retail side is the fashion boutique which is part of the chic Parisian retail chain by the same name - so chic in fact, Nicolas Sarkozy, the President of France, wears a suit bought at Victoire in his official inauguration picture.  The other side holds Le Café Victoire, which is really more of a restaurant than a café.

What I love to do is this: spend a few hours shopping in downtown Gustavia and when all those orange Hermès bags I'm carrying get to be too heavy, I head on over there to get a bit to eat.  It is definitely sort of a French tapas place -you get small dishes of fresh, tasty, and light food, presented in the most beautiful way.  If there are two of you dining, I would suggest taking the three courses and sharing the feast.

Although Victoire also serves dinner and is a great option for a simple, tasty dinner in Gustavia, I prefer to use them as a deluxe take-out joint in the evening.  What better way to finish off a fine day than to sit in the comfort of your villa and share this yummy food with a loved one?  As an added bonus, it's a cheaper alternative to Maya's To Go.

Hopefully, my bias didn't shine thru too very much here. I promise you, if you go over to have a bite to eat at Café Victoire, you will be a die hard fan too.  Enjoy your meal!

To this special St Barts Restaurant, La Crêperie, let me say this: "Oh, I love my crêpes!" And more specifically I say to you, dear readers, "Oh, how I love these crêpes!"

Let's say you are in Gustavia during the noon time hour and you're hungry.  Much to your chargrin, you find that the shops are closed. Where can you fill you belly without emptying your wallet? La Crêperie.

With its French-style pancakes, it makes a great mid-day snack which often ends up being almost a meal on its own.  Try a salted crêpe with salmon, ham, egg, or vegetables; your tastebuds will be pleasantly satisfied.  To finish your meal on a sweet note, have a sugar crêpe, with ice cream and fresh fruit……delicious!

The place does not look like much from the outside; it will definitely be a change from the other restaurants on St Barts.  And granted, the only view you'll have is the street. But it is very French, with a great mix of tourists and locals to give you a wonderful experience. It is great quality food for the money, and a nice change from posh restaurants.

As one final note from this adoring fan: they have extended their choice beyond crêpes to offer plats du jour at a good price.

Le Select is a gem in Gustavia that became famous without intending to do so.  A bar that is loved by both sailors and tourists alike, this is the place that St Barts villa owner Jimmy Buffet sings about in his ever popular song, "Cheeseburger in Paradise."  From the outside, it doesn't look like it has much appeal; however, saunter in a steamy evening when the sailors are in town for a boatload of fun (no pun intended!)

Holding the title of the oldest bar in town, it sits at the center of town, and is one of the few places in Gustavia that you do not need to make reservations.  Grab a burger and a beer and seat yourself.  Because of its location and its laid-back atmosphere, this is one of my favorite places to sit and people watch; by the way, between you and me, the Marius Special (double bacon cheeseburger) is delicious!

As the darkness falls, this bar usually rocks out with live music and many tend to gravitate here just to relax and socialize.  A lot of fun, Le Select is a Gustavia gem that shouldn't be missed!