Best of 2015 - The Daily Herald

Transcription

Best
The
of
St. Maarten
St. Martin
2015
A YEARLY SUPPLEMENT OF THE DAILY HERALD
2
the
BESTOF2015
/Ê9Ê,ÊUÊJANUARY 29, 2016
THE BEST OF 2015
is a publication of
President
Roger F. Snow
Managing Director
Mary Jane Hellmund
Publisher
Paul De Windt
Operations Manager
Steven De Windt
Coordinator
Claudienne Peterson
claudienne.peterson
@thedailyherald.com
Contributors
Claudienne Peterson
Alita Singh
Judy Fitzpatrick
Nilgun Graham
Charlesea Joseph
Andrew Dick
Rajesh Chintaman
Erika Danielle
Lay-out
Evadney “Eve” Henriques
Proof Reader
Sharon Van Arneman
For advertisements:
Call Advertisement Department
For reactions to
articles/contributions:
Call Coordinator
Calling The Daily Herald
54-25253/54-25597
54-20931/54-37236
Still growing
This is the 15th anniversary of “The Best Of,” our January publication
based on the results of an informal survey over December and early
January regarding people’s favourite business establishments and
personalities in various categories during the previous calendar year.
The number of responses keeps going up despite having switched to
online voting exclusively several years ago and placing a few restrictions
to prevent multiple repeat votes. This is a clear indication that interest
for the annual popularity contest continues to grow, while more and
more of the candidates also actively seek the backing of their patrons
in the survey.
Of course not everyone can finish first, but all nominees may rightfully
be considered winners as well. There are also numbers of relatively new
establishments that could not yet be considered or that failed to get
enough support this time around, but will hopefully do better in 2016.
Even if a particular existing business is not mentioned, it should
consider it an incentive to work even harder this year to make a positive
impression on the public and try to have its customers vote for it. If
there’s one thing “The Best Of ” confirms time and again, it’s that “The
Friendly Island” has a lot to offer.
The Publisher
The best of 2015
Table of Contents
Best High End Restaurant
3
Best Beach Bar
18
Best Furniture Store
38
Best New Restaurant
3
Best Happy Hour
18
Best Flower Shop
38
Best Breakfast Spot
5
Best Live Music Venue
20
Best Men’s Boutique
38
Best French Cuisine
5
Best Nightclub/Disco
20
Best Supermarket
40
Best Indian Restaurant
5
Best Local Food Place
22
Best Real Estate Company
40
Best Chinese Restaurant
6
Best Mexican Restaurant
22
Best Sports Bar
41
Best Thai/Vietnamese
6
Best Adult Entertainment
23
Best Women’s Boutique
42
Best Seafood Restaurant
8
Best Place to Play Pool
23
Best Gift/Souvenir Shop
42
Best Italian Restaurant
8
Best Casino
24
Best Children’s Store
44
Best Middle Eastern Restaurant
9
Best Hair Salon
24
Best Jewellery Store
44
9
Best Barber Shop
26
Best Perfume Store
46
Best Sushi
10
Best Nail Salon
26
Best Auto Dealer
46
Best Bakery
10
Best Spa
26
Best Department Store
50
Best Shawarma
11
Best Gas Station
27
Best Health Store
50
Best Pizza
12
Best Gym
28
Best Hardware Store
50
Best Place for Lunch
12
Best Radio Station
28
Best Party DJ
51
Best Place for Vegetarian Food
13
Best Pharmacy
29
Best Electronics
51
Best Barbecue
13
Best Bank
29
Best Computer Store
52
Best Place for a Burger
14
Best Telecommunications Provider
29
Best Local Band
52
Best Fast Food Place
14
Best Insurance Company
31
Best Bartender
53
Best Place for a Sandwich
15
Best Travel Agency
31
Best Artist
53
Best Place for Desserts
15
Best Guest House
31
Best Radio Personality
54
Best Place to Have Coffee
15
Best Resort/Hotel
36
Best Home Supplies Store
54
Best Beer Brand
18
Best Excursion/Activity
36
Best Place for Steak
1,9ÊÓ]ÊÓä£ÈÊUÊTHE DAILY HERALD
the
BESTOF2015
3
Best High End Restaurant
Give in to Temptation
Even if St. Maarten Iron award-winning restaurant through his door would of America graduate conChef Dino Jagtiani did in Cupecoy “Temptation,” have been led into tempta- tinues to wow diners from
not name his multiple every palate that walked tion. The Culinary Institute at home and from afar
st Temptation
with its culinary alchemy
that fuses Caribbean flavours with techniques from
2nd Big Fish
3rd IZI
around the world.
to, in Temptation’s case, the
outstanding service from
Temptation has retained restaurant staff spanning
the title of “Best High End from kitchen to table. UnRestaurant” for a dozen like many a restaurant today,
years consecutively. And which automatically tack on
it is no surprise nor is the a 10 or 15 per cent service
fact that “high end” refers charge to their bill, Tempta-
1
tion leaves it up to diners
to rate its cuisine and wait
staff.
Temptation continues to
“Awake the Senses” with its
romantic, yet versatile setting.
Best New Restaurant
Romance your appetite at The Harbor
Appetites can never be
bored at The Harbor Restaurant and Live Music Bar. This brand new
2nd
breezy, comfortable and island since it opened its
relaxing waterfront eat- doors a few months ago.
ery has been spicing up
the restaurant scene on the Located at Welfare Road
Buffalo Wings
3rd
Ginger
#80 in the heart of Simpson Bay, The Harbor offers
international menu options
including fresh seafood,
juicy steaks, pizzas, homemade burgers and much
more to titillate appetites.
Prop up around their bar for
a drink with friends; sit on
the terrace overlooking the
Simpson Bay beach or dine
by the waterside or on their
jetty for stunning lagoon
views.
1st
The Harbor
Latin Tuesdays with salsa
lessons from Daniel, Laura;
K Banna and DJ Junior are
popular.
The live nightly music will The Harbor opens for breakspice up your evening. Their fast, lunch and dinner, from
7:30am to 2:00am. Kitchen opens until 1:00am.
Happy hour is from 2:00
to 6:00pm. Contact [email protected] or
524-2324 for reservations.
4
the
BESTOF2015
the
BESTOF2015
5
Best Breakfast Spot
1st
Breakfast and boats @ SXM Yacht Club
St. Maarten Yacht Club
St. Maarten is the undisputed culinary capital of
the Caribbean and is a
stop for some of the world’s
luxury yachts. There is no
place better for that combination than St. Maarten
Yacht Club.
the ideal place for yacht
enthusiasts and foodies to
break their fast and indulge
in yacht fantasies as the marvels of modern boatbuilding
and design glide pass only an
arm’s length away from the
Yacht Club’s deck.
Breakfast Spot” is quite a
coup for the Yacht Club,
which has built itself into
an all-rounder from being
the base for the annual St.
Maarten Heineken Regatta
to a bona fide eatery and
liming spot for sailors and
landlubbers.
St. Maarten Yacht Club is Capturing the title of “Best
2nd
Best Italian
French Restaurant
Cuisine
Bon Appetit brings French
cuisine to the heart of the
Dutch side
Bon Appetit is a Frenchstyled Brasserie and Bakery. Sample some of their
classically French dishes,
like the mouth-watering
creamy lobster bisque garnished with croutons, the
classic escargot garnished
in garlic butter, or what
can be more French than
Le Moulin Fou
3rd
Chesterfield’s Restaurant
1st
The coffee served at breakfast and all day long (for
those who require more
to jet boat through their
day) is the perfect pickme-up and complement
to a sumptuous breakfast
to fuel up to conquer the
high seas or just a bit of St.
Maarten traffic.
Zee Best
Bon Appetit
roasted Camembert served
with garlic bread.
They are perfectly located in
the heart of Pelican where
L’Escargot
many tourists are able to
sample the best of French
cuisine for a great price. The
friendly staff will take care of
your culinary desires. Check
out Bon Appetit’s daily spe-
Best Indian Restaurant
1st
cials on the board outside
of their café, or like them on
Facebook for daily updates
of what is being offered.
local waters is a staple of
what can be found at this
quaint eatery. Congratulations to the recipients of
Best French Cuisine – Bon
Freshly caught fish from the Appetit!
Lal’s Indian Cuisine
Tasty Indian cuisine at Lal’s
When it comes to tasty
and authentic Indian
delicacies Lal’s Indian
Cuisine has few equals.
A multiple winner of The
Daily Herald’s Best Of
poll; Lal’s has again come
ahead of the competition
2nd
as Best Indian Restaurant cravings, leaving diners saton island for the year 2015. isfied every single time.
Lal’s is a simple, semi-open
air, waterside restaurant
that offers a wide variety
of tasty Indian dishes to
romance appetites, satisfy
Whether you’re in the mood
for Tandoori delights, chicken, lamb, seafood, mutton
or South African delicacies,
Lal’s has options for just
Anand’s
3rd
Bombay Bites
about everyone. Pair your Marché. There is plenty of
favourite Indian dish with parking and lots of seating
for everyone, so feel free to
your choice of beverage.
go with a big group for douLal’s is located at the Porto- ble the fun.
fino Marina in Simpson Bay,
just behind Le Gourmet Lal’s Indian Cuisine opens
seven days a week from
4:30pm. The last guests are
seated just before 10:00pm.
Call 1 (721) 587-9059 for
reservations.
6
the
BESTOF2015
Best Thai/Vietnamese
Fresh Thai delights at AVANTIKA
1st
AVANTIKA Fresh Thai
Cuisine & Lounge
When in the mood for authentic Thai
delicacies, AVANTIKA Fresh Thai Cuisine & Lounge on the second floor of
the Puerta del Sol building in Simpson
Bay should be your number one choice.
AVANTIKA is our readers pick for Best
Thai/Vietnamese cuisine on the island
for 2015.
AVANTIKA opens for lunch and dinner;
lunch is served weekdays from 11:00am to
3:00pm and dinner from 5:30pm. For reservations, contact AVANTIKA at [email protected] or 584-1444.
Website: www.avantikasxm.com.
2nd
Best Chinese Restaurant
White Swan’s cuisine reigns supreme
If China still
had an emperor,
White Swan in
Simpson
Bay
would have his
imperial
seal
for taste, aroma
and outstanding
service. Without
an emperor, this
award winning
Chinese restaurant has gotten
the nod of approval from “Best
Of” voters year in, year out, for the best in Chinese cuisine.
2nd
Chippie Café
Thai Savanh’
White Swan’s menu is a trip to the Far
East in every dish. It is the quickest trip
to China’s provinces one can take without
leaving the sunny, wave-kissed shores of
St. Maarten.
Every Sunday, indulge in White Swan’s
dim sum, a Cantonese tradition similar to
Spanish tapas with small delicate dishes
shared among a table.
AVANTIKA brings the exotic tastes of
Thailand to St. Maarten and offers a chic
dining environment. With extensive culinary experience, the establishment’s chefs
bring Thai food to the island, the way it
was meant to be – fresh, delicious, authentic and traditional.
Complement your dining experience with
your choice from their extensive wine list,
featuring wines from around the world, as
well as their full cocktail bar with many
of your favourite concoctions. The restaurant features air-conditioned indoor and
outdoor seating options.
3rd
3rd
Dish D’lish
Pink Pearl
Throughout the week, the restaurant
serves up the most savoury of cuisine. Try
Chinese traditional dishes as well as more
international ones.
This is not a fast food Chinese restaurant
with dishes made for quickness, rather
attention is given to balance, flavour and
delight. White Swan’s service is swift and
the food is made to order, rather than just
mass produced and plated with shortcuts.
the
BESTOF2015
7
8
the
BESTOF2015
Best Seafood
Best Italian Restaurant
Lobsters away! At Skip Jack’s Pasta? Risotto? Tiramisu?
That’s IZI!
Seafood is an
island staple!
Hardly anyone
heads to an island and seeks
out the steaks
(okay, if you
are in Japan,
that statement
will be bowled
over). One of the
first questions
from
visitors
to St. Maarten
is: “Where’s the
best seafood?”
2nd
Lee’s Roadside Grill
IZI lives up to its
name. Dining is
easy, relaxed and
satisfying – an
experience added
to by friendly and
knowledgeable
staff, led by owner
David and Head
Chef Marco.
Aside from swimming out to sea and
catching your own dinner, Skip Jack’s Seafood Grill and Fish Market on Simpson
Bay Lagoon is considered hands down the
best in preparing the fruits of the sea.
There is nothing
difficult about ordering at IZI. However, the difficult
2nd
La Rosa II
Fresh giant-sized lobster grilled and perfected with butter or other fixings is a
crowd pleaser. The Tuna Carpaccio with
lime and basil melts in your mouth, leaving the tang of the sea dancing on your
taste buds.
3rd
Pineapple Pete
More traditional? Grab a basket of BeerBattered Tempura Shrimp, Crispy Calamari or simply mouth-watering Crab
Cakes. There is also homemade New England clam chowder, French Onion Soup,
and Crab and Corn Chowder on the
menu, to put some warmth back in your
bones after a cool, windy night or a day
on the ocean.
3rd
Trattoria Pizza Pasta
part is ordering at IZI. Why the contradiction? The restaurant team has created
a menu that’s simple and straight forward
with all pasta types already paired with
best complementing sauces. What makes
IZI not so easy is that its every dish is
mouth-watering so choice may become a
task.
Should choosing a dish at the Paradise
Plaza-based eatery become a challenge,
do yourself and the Italian in you a huge
favour – order it all. The cuisine is that excellent and price does not require you to
get cash from a loan shark! The secret to
IZI’s success is tailoring the much loved
Italian dishes to suit diners’ changing desires. IZI was one of the first restaurants
on the island to offer an extended choice
of gluten-free pasta and other dish options.
the
BESTOF2015
9
Best Middle Eastern Cuisine
Best Place for Steak
Savour the Taste of Beirut
Bajatzu, a cut above the rest
1st
the island – and grew into
a courtship with hookahs.
Taste of Beirut can be considered the perfect marriage of all Middle Eastern
food with the addition of
traditions like fragrant fresh
brewed teas and aromatic
hookah smoke.
Taste of Beirut
The restaurant in Simpson
Bay is noted for its savour
and flavourful grilled meats
and traditional side dishes,
such as hummus and baba
ghanoush. Shwarma is a
staple on the menu served
gourmet style stuffed with
meat and veggies.
Interest and craving for
Middle Eastern cuisine on
St. Maarten have grown
tremendously in the past
years. The fascination
with its flavours and aromas started gradually
and has since blossomed
2
nd
AL Pasha
into eateries like Taste of
Beirut, named the Best in
Middle Eastern Cuisine
for 2015.
What have drawn even
more diners to Taste of Beirut are its extensive offerings of vegetarian dishes. St.
Maarten’s many vegetarians
The romance started with love to dine at the restaushwarma – the official take- rant for the guaranteed deliout and after-party food of cious food.
3
rd
Crave
Bajatzu oozes elegance
and class, earning itself
the name of the island’s
premier steakhouse destination. It’s a theme bar &
restaurant catering to the
ambiance of happy hour
relaxation in an upscale
club setting, or it can be
great for a late night romantic dinner. The inviting setting provides exceptional food
quality and taste combined with authentic service, making it a hard one
to beat. Take advantage
of their fresh cuts of all
natural Black Angus beef,
which put other steaks to
shame. Cut into a juicy
piece of perfectly seared
and seasoned beef, guaranteed to whet the taste buds
of even the finest palates.
2nd
Rancho
1st
Bajatzu
Bajatzu also boasts a wide
array of local and imported
seafood, for those of you who
cannot or don’t eat meat.
They also offer an Exclusive
VIP Bajatzu Card for locals.
Customer care is beyond
3rd
excellent, and whether it’s
a business meeting or you
are simply trying to have
dinner with your friends,
Bajatzu can cater to your
needs.
Pineapple Pete
10
the
BESTOF2015
Best Sushi
Best Bakery
Rolling over the competition
at Bamboo
Delicious food served with
welcoming smiles
Bamboo (formerly known as Bamboo Bernies) has been leading the
competition in sushi excellence.
Just check out the ratings on TripAdvisor; the rave reviews do not
lie. The authentic tastes mixed with
their signature rolls are the twists
that people have come to love and
expect along with their famously
fresh cuts of sushi.
It is the epitome of New York style
sushi with a Caribbean twist. The
atmosphere seems to boast of the
confidence of years of excellent service and premium products. The bold
black and red accents speak of maturity
and quality. When you stop by, make sure
2nd
Sushiito
Known for its amazing variety of French pastries, tarts,
quiches, cakes and breads, La
Sucriere is a favourite among
Sint Maarten residents and
tourists alike. Whether coming in for warm baguettes and
croissants, or for delicious
pastries, you know that whenever you arrive, the place will
be bustling and the food will
be great.
you try one of the specialty rolls like the
Bull Dog roll or the Kim Sha roll. Or if you
are vegetarian and think that sushi isn’t
for you, try one of the assorted vegetarian
rolls like the Garden or the Green Goddess. If you can’t make up your mind, try
the combos.
Presentation is the name of the game.
Congratulations to Bamboo Bernies, voted
2015’s Best Sushi. Keep up the good work!
3rd
Little Bamboo
Under new ownership and
management since September
2014, La Sucriere, has kept its beautiful
location overlooking the marina, but taken a fresh approach to running the bakery. They’ve put the focus on two things:
Great service and delicious products.
Asked the secret to La Sucriere’s success,
Manager Director Emmanuel Julienne
Geerts explains that they simply set out
to do their best. He also wants people
to know that although there are two La
Sucriere bakeries on island (one on the
Dutch side and one on the French side);
La Sucriere does all of its baking on site the two bakeries no longer have common
with three bakers and six pastry chefs. ownership or management.
2nd
Carl ‘n Sons
3rd
Sarafina
the
Best Shwarma Place
If it’s not Abu-Ghazi, it’s not
a shwarma
The tagline “If it’s
not Abu Ghazi, it’s
not a shwarma”
holds true when it
comes to indulging
in a good shwarma
in St. Maarten.
Abu Ghazi was
again voted as Best
Shwarma place in
St. Maarten for the
11th year.
Abu Ghazi prepares
this Middle Eastern tummy pleaser
with a special sauce
that keeps shwarma lovers coming back
for more. The shwarma options are wide,
so no matter what you’re craving, you
can enjoy one. Order the chicken, lamb,
shrimp, mix, soya or steak. You can also
enjoy their wraps, salad, kebabs and kebab meals served with French fries and
salad and a variety of beverages.
2nd
Little Jerusalem
The kebabs come in chicken, ground beef,
beef chunk, shrimp or fish. Or indulge in
a specially made healthy salad of lamb,
chicken, shrimp, soya, chicken, lamb
mixed or jumbo mixed (with your choice
of meat). Abu Ghazi opens seven days a
week from 11:00am to 4:00am.
3rd
AL Pasha
BESTOF2015
11
12
the
BESTOF2015
Best Pizza
Best Place for Lunch
No one does pizzas like
Domino’s
Committed to giving you the
best lunch experience
When it comes to pizzas, nobody does it
better than Domino’s – our readers pick
for Best Pizza on the island for 2015.
Domino’s
Domino’s offers all sorts of pizzas, oven
baked sandwiches, bread bowl pastas, Buffalo wings, cheesy bread, chicken kickers,
dessert and other delicacies. Their pizzas
are hand made with fresh ingredients making them delicious every time.
For meat toppings include barbecue chicken, ham, beef, pepperoni, chicken, salami,
sausage and shawarma. Vegetable options
include peppers (banana/roasted/green), 2015. It also launched online ordering: cusolives, tomatoes, spinach, jalapenos, mush- tomers place their orders at www.dominos.
sx and then track the progress.
room, pineapple onions and provolone.
Chesterfield’s has found
the perfect balance to
earn its position as the
number one restaurant
for lunch in 2015. Beautifully situated directly
on Great Bay, Chesterfield’s offers personable
service and delicious international cuisine at an
affordable price.
Chesterfield’s has become
an island staple and its
2nd
The Harbor
ties to Sint Maarten run deep. Four of
the women on staff have a combined 150
years of service at Chesterfield’s. With
staff so committed and obviously happy to
work there, it’s no wonder they’re able to
create a relaxing and cosy atmosphere for
both new and long-time customers.
Domino’s pizzas take seven minutes to cook/ Dominos has three locations: Cole Bay (544box so you can order and have your pizza to 5954), Bush Road (542-4397) and the Airindulge in, in no time. Domino’s cemented port (546-7722).
its status as best when it set a world record
by delivering to eight countries/islands in 3rd
under 46 minutes from its SXM location in
2nd
Pizza Galley
Pizza and Co.
3rd
Topper’s
Although Chesterfield’s sees its share
of tourists, about 60% of its clientele are
Sint Maarten residents. This means if
you need to fit lunch into just one hour
then head back to work, the wait staff and
kitchen are prepared to get you in and out
with ease.
If you’re looking for one of their top sellers for lunch, try the conch salad or the
Mahi Mahi wrap. You will not be disappointed!
the
Best of Place for Vegetarian Food 1st
BESTOF2015
13
Top Carrot
Teamwork makes the
dream work
Top Carrot is the best vegetarian restaurant for yet another year because
of its healthy and delicious food. It has
also become a meeting place for the
health-conscious on the island. You know
you will run into like-minded people and
your favourite Top Carrot waiter/waitress.
2nd
Owner Lydia Bonev explained that many
people come because of the wonderful staff :
“It’s not just me and Peter. It’s everyone. We
do this together.” Top Carrot succeeds because it offers a diverse and delicious menu
that has remained consistent over the years.
And, on an island where food costs can be
3rd
Subway
high, Top Carrot serves up healthy options in the standard menu. One of the bestsellreasonably priced.
ers from the standard menu is the Gourmet Vegetarian Sandwich; while the daily
Many of us cannot wait to arrive at Top quiche option is the top seller on the daily
Carrot each afternoon in order to see the special menu.
daily specials. Others are more interested
Ital Shack/Bushman
Best BBQ
1st
BBQ done right at
Yield to your BBQ cravings with a freshness and palate-pleasing flavour.
grilled delight from Lee’s Roadside
Grill – our reader’s pick for Best BBQ Order Lee’s barbecued chicken leg quarters;
on the island for 2015.
rack of pork ribs; chicken and rib combo;
boneless chicken breast or T-bone steak
Located by the waterside on the main and striploin. Lobster is grilled to perfecroad in Simpson Bay, Lee’s has won this tion; choose a live one from their lobster
category year after year, proving that its tank!
BBQ is top notch when it comes to taste,
Pair your grilled treat with your choice of
finger-licking sides. Lee’s also offers freshly2nd Talk of the Town
caught snapper, wahoo,
mahi-mahi
and yellow-fin
tuna. These
can also be
grilled. There
is also live enter tainment
nightly and
dancing is a
must-try option.
Johnny B.
Jackfish
Restaurant
Happy Hour
is from 4:00
to
6:00pm;
and
10:00
to 11:00pm.
Lunch
and
dinner
are
served daily
except Mondays
from
11:00am to
11:00pm. Call
544-4233;
fax 544-4234;
email info@
leesfish.com
14
the
BESTOF2015
Best Place for Burgers
When in the mood for a fulfilling, juicy
burger made fresh from scratch, head
over to Burger Madness on Great Bay
Boulevard. Burger Madness is our
readers pick of Best Place for Burgers
for 2015. This breezy, beachside eatery
has a wide range of beef, stuffed beef,
chicken, fish and vegetarian burgers as
well as chicken wings, half and quarter
chicken, tapas platter, homemade fries
and salad made fresh every day. The
burger buns are made from scratch on
location.
2nd
Buccaneer Beach Bar
Burger Madness
3rd
Burger King
Open 10:00am to 9:00pm, Burger Madness also has a fully stocked bar. You can
enjoy your burger meal inside the restaurant’s air-conditioned interior or sit on
the open-air patio with stunning views
of the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Owners
Sharon Brown, lead bartender, and Nadia
Baour, main chef, take pride in serving up
the very best burgers on the island. For
orders and deliveries anywhere on the island, call 522-1540.
Best Fast Food Place
Eat fresh and healthy at Subway
With everyone busy trying to get
everything done in a short time period;
no one has time to wait for eternity to
get their food. At Subway, you can order
and get your choice sandwich prepared
and toasted in front of your eyes, in just
a few short minutes. Subway is not just
prepared fast; it’s also healthy, tasty
and good for you.
There are 15 sandwich choices. Options
include Meatball Marinara, Italian BMT,
Subway Melt, Tuna, BLT, Seafood, Steak
and Cheese and Veggie. Choose your
own bread made fresh daily on location:
parmesan, oregano, Italian, cheddar
cheese, whole wheat, white and ninegrain honey oats.
Subway
Le Grand Marché complex, Boardwalk,
Walter Nisbeth Road, Simpson Bay, Cole
Bay and the Airport.
Subway is our readers’ pick for Best Fast
Food place in St. Maarten for 2015. Having
won and placed in several “Best Of ” food
categories over the years, Subway has
cemented its place as a leading eatery in
St. Maarten. Subway has several locations:
2nd
Domino’s
3rd
Mc Donald’s
the
BESTOF2015
Best Place for Sandwich
15
1st
Sometimes you just need a simple
Subway sandwich
You’ve been there: That point where
you’re hungry, but you know you do not
want a full plate of food, but you do not
want a snack. That’s where sandwiches
come in.
2nd
Carl’s & Sons
Subway has learned the art of making a
sandwich the right way and has perfected
it. Their signature bread can be imitated,
but never duplicated. The flavours of sandwiches are not all original, but the combi-
3rd
Atlantico French Bakery
Best Place for Desserts
nation of ingredients lets you
know you’re eating at a Subway
– it’s good to know that there is
consistency in flavour no matter
where you go.
The customer can choose any
combination of ingredients;
even if that means just jalapeños
on a veggie patty, they cater to
your needs. The chain, which is
known for its healthier alternatives, is located in many different countries around the world,
so you can create your own
sandwich anywhere and expect
the same great taste. Congratulations to the 2015 winner of the
Best Sandwich award!
1st
Subway
Carousel
Authentic Italian ingredients,
authentic Italian taste
For anyone who has passed by Carousel
on a warm evening, it’s no surprise they
ranked number one in 2015 for desserts on the island. With their luscious,
creamy, delicious, Italian gelatos and
sorbets in 62 flavours, Carousel is often
packed with families and ice cream lovers
2nd
of all ages and backgrounds. Everyone loves
ice cream!
Diego Montanaro and Stella Pelliccioli
took over ownership of Carousel in January 2015. They have maintained the same
high standards we’ve come to expect from
La Sucriere
Taste Factory
Carousel. The gelatos and sorbets are made
from the highest quality products – fresh
cream, chocolate from Belgium, pistachios
from Italy, fruits from Santo Domingo and
vanilla from Madagascar – in the impeccably kept, glass-encased, exposed kitchen on
the premises.
Best Place to Have Coffee
1st
There’s something for everyone at Carousel. If you’re looking to try a new flavour,
try Diego’s favourite – Bacio. In addition
to the amazing ice cream, there’s also the
beautiful Carousel, the cotton candy machine, and a bar for adults with a variety
of after dinner liqueurs amongst other
spirits.
Zee Best
Coffee made with love!
Why is Zee Best the best when it comes fers traditional coffee options such as lattes
to coffee? “Because it’s made with love, and cappuccinos, as well as amazing specialty coffee drinks with spirits like Irish
of course,” says Manager Charisse.
Coffee.
With a number of locations around the
island, including restaurants in Simp- Zee Best creates the perfect environment
son Bay and Port de Plaisance, everyone for relaxing and enjoying our beautiful isknows that Zee Best is the place to come land days. It’s no surprise that the terraces
to for friendly service, delicious food, and are always full and lively and not just on the
perfect coffee. Hot or iced, Zee Best of- weekends. Although, Zee Best does not take
Cappuccino Bar
& Restaurant
2
nd
La Sucriere
3
rd
reservations, it somehow manages to meet Whether you take your coffee to go, or
customer-timing expectations and provide you enjoy it at one of the Zee Best locations, don’t forget the almond croissant!!!
excellent, delectable dishes and drinks.
Trust me on this one.
16
the
BESTOF2015
the
BESTOF2015
17
18
the
BESTOF2015
Best Beer Brand
Best Beach Bar
Be like Bond; have a Heineken
Something special on
Sint Maarten
The frosty signature green bottle of renowned Dutch beer brand Heineken immediately sets off the thirst alarm in the
brain. A cold Heineken is perfect for a day
on the beach, a chat with friends, or a hectic day, just ask spy master James Bond.
Heineken is not only the Best Beer Brand in
St. Maarten, but also the preferred choice of
James Bond. St. Maarten “Best Of ” voters
have proven they have something in common with Bond – a love and appreciation
for the well-crafted beer.
This pale lager beer has only five per cent alHeineken
cohol by volume with 100 per cent ability to
quench a ravishing thirst, mellow the spirit
and wash away the hectic and the mundane. (The Haystack) brewery, by Gerard Adriaan
The beer that started in “De Hooiberg” Heineken, celebrated its 150th anniversary
in 2014.
2nd
Presidente
In 2015, Heineken won the Creative Marketer of the Year Award, becoming the second company to win the award twice. Capturing the title of Best Beer on St. Maarten
for 2015 is another consecutive win.
On our tiny Sint Maarten,
Topper’s by the Sea is a
special place. Live entertainment every night is
great, but Topper’s by the
Sea takes entertainment a
step further. Somehow managing to take the most popular Broadway shows, shorten
them to 40 minutes, and put
them on for their guests.
Owner, Topper, is a vibrant
man who pours his love and
energy into his family and business. His kindness and love for what he
does is apparent in the smiles and lightness of his employees and customers. You
can feel the breezy, relaxed atmosphere
of Topper’s by the Sea as soon as you approach the bar.
knows how to meet the needs and wants
of his customers. The key to his success,
he believes, is hiring amazing people and
offering delicious food at a great price.
Located directly on the Simpson Bay
Beach in Pelican Key, Topper’s by the Sea
is something unique, and it’s clear that
our voters can’t get enough.
A third generation restaurateur, Topper
3rd
Carib
2nd
Sunset Bar & Grill
3rd
Busby’s Beach Bar
Best Happy Hour
Say ‘cheers’ at Red Piano
The daily morethan-an hour-long
happy hour is the
happiest and most
fun-filled at Red
Piano in Pelican.
It is one of the most
swinging
places
on the island; offering live music,
talented barkeeps
and a crowd that
can quickly become
friends.
Happy hour will never be the same after
you have experienced it at Red Piano. Bartenders are skilled in making almost every
drink under the sun and have the talent to
even make plain old life juice (aka water)
into something phenomenal.
happy hour time or not. Even the beginning of the week blues stand no chance
against Red Piano’s happiness inducing
ambience and its call to go to church on
Monday – No, not actual church! Experience the live music at “Church of Monday” on – you guessed it – Mondays!
Red Piano transports you from the mundane to a different place. Walking into the
bar takes you to a place where it’s always
cozy, inviting and merry, whether it is
Live music and the happiest happy hour
are Red Piano trademarks.
2nd
3rd
Topper’s
Sint Maarten Yacht Club
the
BESTOF2015
19
20
the
BESTOF2015
Best Live Music Venue
Great evenings at
Red Piano
There is nothing better than to enjoy an
evening out dancing and having fun to
live entertainment right in front your
eyes. The Red Piano in Pelican has solidified its position as the 2015 Best
Live Music Venue on the island, having
won this “Best Of ” category for the sixth
time.
2nd
Cheri’s Café
1st
The Red Piano
Go with lots of friends on Mondays for an
entertaining evening “Church on Mondays”
with house band “Church.” The talented band
members have made Mondays the busiest
evenings at The Red Piano. Additionally, different pianists also take a seat at the huge
red piano in the establishment to entertain
3rd
Soggy Dollar Bar
guests on other nights.
Red Piano opens nightly for live music.
Doors open at 7:00pm Tuesdays to Sunday
Go with your dancing shoes because you and the show starts at 8:00. Doors open at
won’t be able to resist swaying your hips on 7:00pm on Mondays, and Church starts at
the dance floor when the music hits you. The 8:00pm.
Best Nightclub/Disco
2nd
Tantra Nightclub
Tantra Nightclub has been voted number one nightclub for a second year in a
row after another year of star-studded
events. Most popular for the club is
1st
Wednesday’s ladies night that boasts of
having the best VIP service. Celebrating
seven years in February, party animals
make it their spot every weekend.
Tantra Nightclub
Tantra expanded its services
quite significantly in 2015. Friday’s Beat the Clock was added as
an extra incentive for those who
want to party early. “It has been
another amazing year for Tantra,
and I’m very proud that the staff,
DJs, and of course our guests,
who make the party alive, can
come out and appreciate what we
do night after night,” said Tantra
General Manager and Co-owner
Manny Almirakis.
“I’ve taken pride all these years
for doing my part as manager
to make Tantra the number one
nightclub, and expanding my role
this year as a co-owner does not
change the great feeling of seeing people so satisfied night after
night about their time at Tantra.”
Best Lounge/Piano Bar
1st
Soggy Dollar Bar
Le Shore
The Red Piano
Great music and
lounging at The Red
Piano
The Red Piano has cemented its position as the 2015 Best Lounge/Piano
Bar on the island, winning this category in The Daily Herald’s “Best Of” poll
for the 10th time.
The Red Piano is the perfect venue to
lounge and enjoy the sounds of great live
entertainment from pianists playing all
your favourite tunes at the huge red piano
3rd
2nd
Sopranos
Tree Lounge at Loterie Farm
in the bar. For privacy, sit in the cozy leather
seating close to the entrance or inside the
pool room; chill around the intimate seating area with tables that line the establishment; relax at the bar or prop up around the
piano for a more close up experience with
the pianist.
Talented local, regional and international
pianists are usually on hand to entertain
patrons year round. Indulge in your favourite imbibes from the wide selection available. The Red Piano is located at #35 Billy
Folly Road in Pelican Key, Simpson Bay.
For reservations, contact 526-8802/5596738 or [email protected]
the
BESTOF2015
21
22
the
BESTOF2015
Best Local Food
Best Mexican Restaurant
Indulge in fresh local food at Titillate your appetite at
Yvette’s Restaurant
Jimbo’s
When it comes to tasty local cuisine, Yvette’s Kitchen at Quartier
D’Orleans #8 in French St. Martin has
few equals. This homey local eatery
has been satisfying appetites with the
best local dishes on the island for more
than three decades. It was founded by
the “First Lady” of cuisine on the island – the late award-winning cook
2nd
Jimbo’s Rock & Blues Café has retained
the Best Mexican Restaurant title for
the eighth consecutive year, when readers again picked it as the leading place
to get Mexican food in the 2015 “Best
Of” poll. Jimbo’s serves up the best Mexican gourmet delicacies on island.
Their wide selection includes enchiladas,
burritos, chimichanga and fajita plates,
Pineapple Pete
1
st
2nd
Taco Macho
Yvette’s Kitchen
Jimbo’s Rock &
Blues Café
Yvette Hyman – whipping up specialities in the kitchen. Local cook Felix
Hyman now continues with the same
great taste.
3rd
Mark’s Place
1st
Yvette’s Kitchen is located in a quaint
little house and will make you feel
like you’re dining at your grandma’s.
The chef comes with years of experience pleasing appetites and staffers are
friendly and professional. Some 200 of
Yvette’s favourite recipes are contained
in “From Yvette’s Kitchen to Your Table,”
a 13-chapter publication with appetizers, soups, poultry, fish and shellfish,
meat, salads, dumplings, rice, fungi,
breads, desserts and beverages. Yvette’s
is a favourite dining spot amongst locals
and tourists alike. For reservations call
+ 590-590-87-32-03
salads (in crispy edible bowls), sandwiches and freshly-made desserts such as the
must-try “Sizzling Brownie Sundae.” If
you’re dining with the kids, order from
the “Kids Corner” menu with treats such
as house-made chicken nuggets, hamburgers and baby back ribs.
3rd
3 Amigos
Pair your favourite Mexican gourmet delight with your choice of tropical cocktails, island concoctions, beers, an extensive wine and champagne list or the best
margaritas around. Their in-house store
has Jimbo’s wear, house-made hot sauce,
Cuban cigars and other must-haves. Open
seven nights a week from 5:00 to 10:00pm,
Jimbo’s is located at Plaza del Lago behind
Scotiabank at the Simpson Bay Marina.
Call 544-3600.
the
BESTOF2015
Best Adult Entertainment
Best Place to Play Pool
Lap it up at Bada Bing
Pool players playpen at
The Red Piano
St. Maarten is
noted for catering
to pleasure and indulgences. At Bada
Bing Mansion and
Neverland Lounge,
desire, relaxation
and help to blow off
steam after a tough
day are always on
the menu.
Bada Bing offers
adult entertainment
2nd
Platinum Club
in various aspects; be it a fun game of
pools with attentive companions, a quiet
one-on-one for stimulating conversation,
dancing and much needed rejuvenation,
or the spectator sport of good ole pole
dancing.
It’s no coincidence that Bada Bing lounge
is named for Peter Pan’s famed dwelling
place – Neverland. Men and women seeking an escape from the ordinary and mundane can find pleasure and a feast for the
eyes at this Simpson Bay Oasis.
3rd
El Capitan
Not even the lift off departing jetliners
from Princess Juliana International Airport can compare to the thrill of being at
Bada Bing, according to frequent patrons.
Going to Bada Bing is being transported
to a different place and time zone where
nourishment for the body is top priority.
Getting comfortable is as easy as Bada
Bing, Bada Boom!
23
There is no better way
to relax after a hard
day’s work than to
enjoy a game of pool
with good friends,
sincere laughs and
refreshing drinks in
a relaxing air-conditioned environment.
You can have such an
experience at The Red
Piano – our reader’s
2015 pick for Best
Place to Play Pool on
the island.
At The Red Piano, you can enjoy shooting
an eight or nine ball like a pro. The pool
room is private and equipped with comfortable seating so you can relax until it’s
your turn. While you play, enjoy a drink
from the fully stocked bar. The pool table
is well-maintained for a great playing experience.
2nd
Pineapple Pete
The Red Piano’s Pool Room should be
your number one destination for shooting
balls. After playing, head over to the bar
and enjoy live entertainment and dancing.
The Red Piano is located at #35 Billy Folly
3rd
Greenhouse
24
the
BESTOF2015
Best Casino
Best Hair Salon
Play to win at
Tropicana Casino
Tropicana Casino also offers table games, poker,
blackjack and roulette.
Every night is party time at
Tropicana Casino with live
shows nightly, featuring
the Minsk Ballet. For your
craving, Tropicana Casino
grill is open every day from
11:30am to 1:00am. Hit a
jackpot on the games you
have come to know and
love, including some newer
ones too.
Tropicana Casino has a wide
array of slot machines ranging from five cents to five dollars, so you
can win big even if you start off small.
Indulge in the complimentary drinks and
get to understand the true excitement of
winning the daily jackpots. Experience
more when you discover one of the
2nd
Starz City
friendliest casinos on the Cole Bay strip.
You will be able to enjoy the specials and
Caribbean cuisine, such as jerk chicken
and grilled shrimps. Stop by and play to
win! Congratulations to the friendliest casino voted 2015’s best!
3rd
The name Xperts Hair Salon
says it all. Owner Eyup Akyurt has created a brand that
takes the needs and desired
style of clients into full consideration. He and his skilled
staff have built a reputation for delivering stylish, yet
manageable hair for women,
men and children.
The Welfare Road establishment has been serving a long
list of clients for more than a
can transform you by erasing time or undecade now and has been captured the veiling a totally different you.
title of “Best Hair Salon” for almost all of
those years.
Xperts stays on the cusp of hair evolution not only through Akyurt’s constant
Akyurt’s key to success is keeping up-to- drive to keep up-to-date with trends, but
date with hair trends as well as staying through its haircare line: AK7 Eyup Akytrue to the more classic and chic looks urt Advance Hair Care. The line is organic
that transcend the now. Sitting in a chair and earth-friendly.
at Xperts can be magical. A simple haircut
Casino Royale
2nd
Michelle’s Glamour Salon
3rd
Miguel Salon and Spa
the
BESTOF2015
25
26
the
BESTOF2015
Best Barbershop
Best Nail Salon
Professionals perfecting their
craft at Xperts Hair Salon
Georgina’s Nail Salon gets
your nails right
Xperts Hair Salon has been voted the
number one barbershop on the island
for the year 2015. Traditionally when
you think of a barber, you think of a
shop around the corner with the usual loud conversations about how the
world works. But Xperts Hair Salon has
changed the face of the game, elevating
the way hair is done.
There’s nothing like going to
the nail salon and knowing
that your nail technician is
the best at what she does. At
Georgina’s Nail Salon, you
can be sure that’s the case, because the salon is no stranger
to quality.
A benefit to many are the professionals
who work at the location and know what
looks good on you, taking their time to
style you to your liking. Xperts Hair Salon is dedicated to giving world class service, professionalism and maintaining the
health and beauty of your hair.
Customers continue to praise the salon
for its excellent service and commitment.
Having two other locations around the
world also helps customers with trusting
someone new with their most prized pos-
2nd
Top of the Line
Barbershop
Xperts Hair Salon
Owned and run by two generations of classy women with a
flair for making other women
and men shine and sparkle,
Georgina’s Nail Salon is a cosy,
personal nail salon, which pays
individual attention to each
client. The salon prides itself on stay-
session – their hair.
ing completely up-to-date with the latest
trends, treatments and safety in the nail
industry.
Georgina’s Nail Salon creates a unique experience of comfort and elegance as they
prepare your nails to look the best they
ever have. Congratulations to the winner
of the 2015 Best Nail Salon award!
Make an appointment today and see the
experts at Xperts Hair Salon in Simpson
Bay.
3rd
2nd
Vietnam Nails
3rd
Nancy’s Nails
Cuchi’s
Best Spa
Tranquillity meets great service
at Indulgence by the Sea
When you think Indulgence by the Sea,
the name says it all.
Let the excellent
staff of friendly ladies care for you. Put
your stresses in their
competent hands as
you lie and watch the
beautiful view of Divi
Little Bay Beach.
Committed to the tiniest details, the ladies will treat you to champagne or mimosas as they pamper you into an intense
state of calm. Come and experience a
place where pedicures and foot massages
come with cloth robes and a little touch
of tipsy.
mal life. Reluctantly leave Indulgence by
the Sea feeling like a rejuvenated version
of yourself. The experience will be so addictive that you will want to come back
again and again.
The spa offers weekly specials with lower
prices on massages, facials, manicures
and pedicures so that everyone can enjoy
When your session is up, you will not the benefits. Congratulations to the winwant to leave and go back into your nor- ners of the 2015 Best Spa award!
2nd
Good Life Spa
3rd
Angelic Touch
the
Best Gas Station
Great service at
Sol Simpson Bay
Tanking up has never been
more convenient, easy and
fun than at Sol service station in Simpson Bay – our
readers’ pick for Best Gas
Station on the island for
2015. This is the fourth consecutive year that Sol Simpson Bay has won the top honours in this category.
Sol not only offers a convenient and spacious location
for drivers to fill their tanks with diesel
and/or gas, it also offers SOL’s “Go Further” fuel, which takes drivers 10 kilometres further with every full tank, based on
average driving conditions in a 1.8 litre
engine.
tials you will need when on the road. So
check it out after tanking up.
The service station is conveniently located
on the main road at Airport Road #42.
Contact them at 545-2698 or [email protected]
Sol’s team of experienced and friendly
staffers are always ready to serve you, and
their convenience store is stocked with a
variety of snacks, drinks and other essen-
2nd
Sol Cole Bay
3rd
Texaco Cole Bay
BESTOF2015
27
28
the
BESTOF2015
Best Gym
Sculpt your body at Country
Club at Port de Plaisance
Shed those unwanted pounds and the
extra weight you gained during the
Christmas holidays at The Country
2nd
1st
Country Club at Port de Plaisance
Club at Port de Plaisance – voted Best
Gym on the island for 2015. The Country Club is furnished with top-of-the-line
Belair Fitness Center
gym equipment for all your exercise rou- dio service throughout the facility, a café
station for members in the lobby, saunas
tines.
in both restrooms and free towel service
Work the favourite part of your body in for activities.
their separate “leg room” with leg presses,
squat machines, dead-lift machines, thigh There are seven tennis courts on property,
machines and more. The cardio room a lap pool with outdoor lounging, a hair
boasts treadmills, ellipticals and stationary salon, a spa and an outdoor restaurant.
bikes with TV/Satellite monitors. Televi- There really is no other destination for getsions are also positioned throughout the ting in shape. Contact 544-432/553-1805
gym and there are classrooms for private or [email protected]
classes. There is free Wi-Fi and satellite ra-
Best Radio Station
3rd
Axylum/Crossfit
Laser 101 for sounds
and attitude
1st
Laser 101
Chart-topping
music
and
amusing deejays are staples at
radio station Laser 101 – the
attitude-filled child of Philipsburg Broadcasting.
The Laser team is noted for keeping the island moving throughout the day with music to pump
you up and calm you down. The
easy banter and often hilarious
titbits of celebrity gossips, real
news and topics that make you
stop and think have earned the
radio station the title as the best
on the airwaves – a moniker it
had carried for many years and
has managed to regain.
2nd
Island 92
Each hour of programming on
Laser caters to a niche audience,
but can be enjoyed by anyone
with a love for music, fun and the
ability to shake one’s head and
chuckle. More than Laser 101’s X104.7
dedication to music and keeping
things light, it quickly transforms into St. Laser team is often the voice that helps
Maarten’s Storm Watch Team in the At- bring calm amidst the howl of heavy
lantic Hurricane Season when a storm or winds.
hurricane sets its sights on the island. The
the
BESTOF2015
29
Best Pharmacy
Simpson Bay Pharmacy
cares
Heading to the pharmacy often means
getting medicine to fight illness or keep
illness at bay. Nothing can be more agonizing than reaching inside the pharmacy and finding out that what you
need or have been prescribed is not in
stock. At Simpson Bay Pharmacy, such
2nd
Philipsburg Pharmacy
a scenario is rarer than rare.
Simpson Bay Pharmacy is noted for its
stocked shelves and drawers full of overthe-counter remedies and vital prescription items. The display shelves carry a wide
range of top-of-the-line hair- and skincare
3rd
1st
Simpson Bay Pharmacy
St. Peter’s Pharmacy
products, including lines to warn off the ready to ensure that clients feel better,
know their options and the requirements
sun.
of their prescriptions.
Much more than stocks of medicines, salves
and ointments, Simpson Bay Pharmacy has Simpson Bay Pharmacy is committed to
an abundance of one care item that every full service and continues to maintain its
client needs and deserves – a team of car- clientele through sickness and health and
ing and attentive staff. No question is too for restoration and fun in the sun.
complicated. Staff persons are eager and
Best Bank
2nd
Scotiabank
Banking done easy at WIB
WIB has been your “Partner In Progress” for 55 years with seven conveniently located branches and the largest ATM network on the island. With
innovative products and services and a
team of more than 200 dedicated employees, WIB recently launched its new
1st
service “BSure.”
BSure proves that getting good insurance
fast, hassle-free and for a competitive price
is possible. Customers can now calculate
their premium, download relevant documentation and apply for insurance from
the comfort of their own home.
This new service is quickly growing among car policy holders and
is estimated to go head to head
with any other insurance company on the island.
No wonder it has been chosen
as the top bank for 2015 by its
loyal customers. WIB will continue with product and service
enhancements, investing in its
people and being a good corporate citizen. The bank’s management thanks members of the
general community, whom WIB
so proudly serves and who continue to place their trust in WIB.
Gratitude goes out to the staff
and colleagues of their parent
bank – Maduro & Curiel’s.
Windward Islands Bank
Best Telecommunications Provider
1st
RBC
TelEm/TelCell
TelEm/TelCell satisfying
all your telecoms needs
For the best service in mobile, internet and landline telecommunication,
all roads lead to TelEm/TelCell – our
readers’ 2015 pick for Best Telecommunications Provider on the island.
in this category, having built a solid reputation in the telecoms industry over the
years and again selected as a leading choice
amongst residents and visitors.
The company’s services include mobile
TelEm/TelCell is a multiple-time winner voice and data from TelCell; landline servicsister company SMITCOMS, rounding off
a complete package for this governmentowned company. When it comes to the
most modern mobile voice and data, internet and broadband services to clients,
the TelEm/TelCell company continues to
lead the way. Their main office is located
at Pond Island in Philipsburg. Visit them
International communication, leased lines to fulfil all your telecommunication needs.
and broadband services are provided via
es and directory information from TelEm,
which also counts directory listings; fixed
prepaid telephone solutions for clients in
challenging locations; PBX and various
business solutions for large and small businesses amongst a host of other telecommunication services.
2nd
UTS
3rd
Scarlet
30
the
BESTOF2015
the
BESTOF2015
31
Best Insurance Company
Fulfil all your insurance
needs at NAGICO
When you’re looking for a reliable and
trustworthy insurer with a fast and fair
claims settlement; NAGICO Insurances should be your number one choice.
NAGICO is our readers’ pick for Best
Insurance Company on the island for
2nd
2015 – a 10th win for the company.
Offering more than 25 different insurance
products, NAGICO opened in St. Maarten
in 1982 and now has locations in 22 islands.
“We pride ourselves on being part of the
3rd
Ennia
ICWI
1st
NAGICO
fabric of the communities in which we op- which embrace social, cultural and educaerate as we endeavour to make a positive tional objectives.”
contribution to the lives of all our customOne of three Caribbean Insurers with an
ers,” says CEO Dwayne Elgin.
AM Best Rating, NAGICO has a main
“At brand level, our programmes are aligned office in Philipsburg; a Service Center in
to NAGICO’s mission, which strives to en- Cole Bay, an office in St. Martin and a netsure that communities thrive through the work of agents/brokers around the island.
support of our community-based activities
Best Travel Agency
2nd
Let Travel Planners whisk you away
In the point and click world of travel
today, why use a travel agency? The
answer is simple: personalized service
rendered by a real person who can give
you practical options and guidance.
And the team of knowledgeable agents
at Travel Planners can render just such
that the travel agency weathered the turbulent times of dot.com booking boom to reTravel Planners on Cannegieter Street has main number one in a tough environment.
built a reputation for honing in on the needs
of clients and meeting those needs in detail Agents not only take care of the run of the
with ease and efficiency. The attention of mill details like sending you an itinerary,
Zaida Urvina and her team has made sure they are ready to help with planning exotic
vacations to lands faraway and even nearby.
a service.
Let’s Travel
1st
Maduro Travel
Travel Planners
Best Guesthouse
1st
The comfort of knowing the Travel Planners team is on top of things makes the
frenzy of planning a holiday by land, air or
sea, or a simple business trip a complete
breeze.
Pasanggrahan Royal Guesthouse
Get the royal treatment
at Pasanggrahan
Nestled between bustling Front Street
and the Great Bay beach promenade
is a quaint guesthouse with a history
that is wrapped up in the island itself.
Pasanggrahan Royal Guesthouse has
stood the test of time and has seen St.
Maarten grow from a sleep town to a
metropolis playing host to millions of
cruise passengers and stayover visitors.
2nd
The Horny Toad
Pasanggrahan has been voted the 2015 Best
Guesthouse on St. Maarten, thanks to its
attention to details and needs of guests, a
strong commitment to preserve history and
a staff core that’s friendly and professional.
In spite of room expansions over the years,
the guesthouse retains its cosy ambience
and quaintness. Its front courtyard and
3rd
L’Eperance Guesthouse
beach front are canopied with huge trees
that filter the sunlight and provide shady
spots to grab a drink, relax with a book, or
catch up with family and friends.
The guesthouse is also noted for its cuisine. It serves hearty breakfast, lunch and
dinner in its restaurant that opened to
visitors and residents who seek calm and
tranquillity of home.
32
the
BESTOF2015
the
BESTOF2015
33
34
the
BESTOF2015
Best Guesthouse
1st
Pasanggrahan
the
BESTOF2015
35
36
the
BESTOF2015
Best Resort/Hotel
Best Excursion/Activity
Sea, sand, sun and history all
at one one beautiful place
Glide through the canopy at
Loterie Farm Fly Zone
Divi Little Bay Beach
Resort is not only perfectly placed on the
island with its easy
access to the Philipsburg boardwalk and
the Simpson Bay area;
it is also one of the oldest hotels on the island
with direct access to
historic Fort Amsterdam. It has so much to
offer its guests!
Think the skies are
only for feathered and
winged creatures? Loterie Farm’s Fly Zone
will quickly change your
mind. This is more than
a bucket list item. It is a
thrill that will awaken
your adventurous side,
give you new perspective
and allow you to recapture a bit of primitive
life.
Divi is the only beach
on the island with the
prestigious Blue Flag Beach Certification.
To obtain this certification, Divi and its
partners must meet stringent standards
for water quality, safety, and environmental education and information. And, because Divi meets these standards, guests
can feel confident of the water quality
while swimming or snorkelling in beautiful Little Bay.
The Fly Zone is designed
to take “flyers” through the canopy of the
sub-tropical forest that clothes Pic Paradis, the highest mountain on the island.
Flyers – young and old, amateurs and
experts – are challenged by a course that
incorporates portions of zipping through
the air, climbing up trees, crossing log
bridges and so much more for an adrenaline rush and a lasting memory.
2nd
Westin
Not surprisingly, Divi is busy year around,
offering guests myriad activities. More recently, Divi has begun to reach out to local residents with its Sunday Beach Bash
on the first Sunday of every month where
tourists and locals alike can enjoy great
food and the beautiful tunes of Percy
Rankin and the Bonfire Band.
3rd
Ti-Tarzan is the adventure obstacle course
for the little ones. The course is designed
for their ability and their sense of adventure and fun. The Fly Zone takes flyers
soaring some 35 plus feet off the ground.
For the extremist, the Fly Zone Extreme
beckons with its many challenges.
Simpson Bay Resort
(Pelican)
2nd
St. Maarten 12 Metre
Regatta
3rd
Da Party Bus
ank you for vong us # again!
the
BESTOF2015
37
38
the
BESTOF2015
Best Furniture Store
Best Flower Shop
Need furniture? Kwik Ideas!
Lydia’s speaks the language
of flowers
Furniture is an
investment worth
mulling over before diving into a
big or small purchase. Kwik Ideas
in Cole Bay carries a variety of
furniture styles
and colours to
help the selection process move
much faster.
The
furniture
pieces in the huge
store have been
2nd
3rd
Bed n’ Beyond
Super Plaza
Flowers for any reason brighten
the day. A bouquet curated by
Lydia’s Flower Shop adds an extra bit of elegance and charm to
any message – a birthday bunch,
a stalk of blooms for strength or
just because it’s Thursday.
individually picked and, in some cases,
designed by Kwik Ideas with the island
décor in mind. The selections cover every
room of the house from the master bedroom to the kid’s room, home office and
living room.
Kwik Ideas covers all stages of life starting
with wooden cribs, children’s beds and
rocking chairs. Storage is also made easy
with chests of drawers to keep everything
in place for quick access. Bedside tables
come in various sizes and heights to make
sure all your essentials are safe and at
hand’s reach.
Kwik Ideas continues to build on its tradition of stocking what the community
wants with a variety of new styles to spark
the creative mind to transform homes
and offices into sanctuaries of calm, peace
and productivity.
The Dutch side based flower shop
has been delivering floral arrangements across the island for countless years now. With each delivery,
whether a single flower or several
dozen long-stemmed roses, there
is an added bonus – that smile of surprise, perfect message for each occasion.
happiness or comfort.
Wedding bouquets are a specialty of Lydia’s
Flowers have a language all their own and it Flower Shop. Blushing brides can perfectly
is a language Lydia’s florists speak fluently. match their flowers and colour scheme to
If you just want to send flowers, but aren’t ensure their nuptial celebration décor is
sure what to opt for, the professional florists outstanding, fragrant and blooming with
will guide you through the many tropical, promise for years to come.
hothouse and exotic blooms to create the
2nd
Greenfingers
3rd
Au Temp des Fleurs
Best Men’s Boutique
Look sharp with trendy ensembles
from JL/Ralph Lauren/Armani
Step out in your
best look with
trendy and instyle ensembles
from
JL/Ralph
Lauren/Armani
Boutique – our
reader’s pick for
Best Men’s Boutique on the island for 2015.
The
JL/Ralph
Lauren/Armani
Boutique on Front
Street carries a
nice selection of
trendy men’s casual and dressy ensembles, from must-have
pants and fashionable shirts to stylish Polos,
T-shirts and sturdy, dapper footwear, to
suits, bags and many more must-haves for
the man who likes to always look his best.
pick up something nice for the other members of your family. The boutique also has in
stock a nice selection of Ralph Lauren and
Armani ensembles for women and children,
so everyone in the family can look sharp always. JL/Ralph Lauren/Armani is located at
When you’re done shopping for the men, Front Street #41 in Philipsburg.
2nd
Sports Gallery
3rd
Penny’s Department Store
the
BESTOF2015
39
40
the
BESTOF2015
Best Supermarket
Best Real Estate
Elevating the shopping
experience at Super U
IRE’s your bridge to home
Shopping for groceries
comes down to important aspects for shoppers.
Great customer service,
low prices and convenient
parking embody the new
kid on the block – Super U.
The island is in agreement
that Super U is the number
one 2015 supermarket.
Island Real Estate Team
If you load your shopping
cart with the same foods
every time you visit a grocery store, it’s time to shake
things up. Recently, a whole generation of from 9:00am to 7:00pm.
healthy new foods has been popping up
on supermarket shelves.
The management of Super U thanks all
customers for their trust and hopes to
Located at the Howell Centre in Marigot, continue serving the public at large. If
the recently opened Super U comes you have not tried shopping at the numhighly recommended for those wanting ber one supermarket, where parking is no
good French produce. Opening hours are problem, make it your business to visit
Monday through Saturday from 8:00am and witness for yourself what all the hype
to 7:30pm, and Sundays and holidays is about. Happy shopping!
2nd
Le Grand Marche
3rd
Carrefour
agents matching clients’ needs with the available inventory.
2nd
Century 21 Island Realty
Home is where the heart is! And St.
Maarten-born and bred Island Real Estate Team (IRE) is the heart doctor of real
estate. IRE’s talented agents know how to
get the pulse of a client and guide them to
the exact villa, condo or office space that will make the
heart sing.
Headed by St. Maartener Arun
Jagtiani and based in Cole Bay,
IRE has a portfolio of the island’s top listings for rent and
sale. Those listings constantly
change and grow – thanks to
Tough economic times worldwide have had
an impact on the local real estate market, but
the efforts and dedication of professionals
such as those at IRE have aided in keeping
the island’s real estate product well placed
and desirable.
IRE has used out-of-the-box approaches to
keep its angle fresh and to keep St. Maarten
in the spotlight. Those approaches took the
form of multiple appearances on episodes of
HGTV’s House Hunters International and
Caribbean Life.
the
BESTOF2015
41
Best
Ralph Lauren
Best Man’s
SportsBoutique:
Bar
1st
SPN Café/Pineapple Pete
Complete entertainment
at SPN Café in 2015
Pineapple Pete’s SPN Café
soared to the top spot as
Best Sports Bar on the island in The Daily Herald’s
“Best Of” readers’ poll, for
the eighth year in a row.
Although, the café is now
closed for renovations; it
was the top 2015 location for
sports lovers who gathered
in numbers to watch their
favourite game showing on
the 12 huge flat screens and
three giant screens around
the café.
With televisions everywhere, you couldn’t miss a
shot as the café was hooked
up to just about every satellite sports package one
could think of; so whatever
your game choice, it was
shown at SPN Café. Pair this
with the refreshing imbibes
2nd
Equinox
3rd
The Harbor
at the bar, the full-menu
with one of the best pizzas on the island, friendly
staff and great camaraderie – and you had the Best
Sports Bar on the island.
Keep your eyes peeled to
the local media to see when
your favourite café will reopen.
42
the
BESTOF2015
Women’s
Boutique
Best Italian
Restaurant
Stay in fashion for less with Affordable
Blanc du Nil
For fashion that does not
break the bank, but still
makes you feel like more
than a million bucks, head
to Affordable Fashion on
Back Street.
1st
Affordable
Affordable is more than just
a name; it is the apt description of the price for the clothing available in the stocked
store. For as little as US $5, a
shopper can walk out of the
store with quality merchandise spanning from tops and
pants, to shoes and flip flops.
Affordable’s pricing structure encourages shoppers to
browse and not walk away
without a piece of clothing
or footwear that boosts their
spirits and makes them feel
like a fashionista who is up robe staples like the little
with the fashion trends.
black dress, crisp white
shirts, dress pants, and caThe store has in stock ward- sual wear, to take women
from a leisurely lunch to a
lounge chair on the beach.
Affordable also has accessories to complement every
outfit. Women who shop at
Affordable can be confident
they will look chic and fashionable.
Best Gift/Souvenir Shop
It’s a Shipwreck of gifts and treasure
Traveling from island to
island in the Caribbean
to find a unique gift that
captures the essence of
that particular isle is
challenging to say the
least. The St. Maarten
grown chain of Shipwreck Shops has cracked
the code on the best in
gifts and souvenirs with
a distinct St. Maarten
feel.
Found dotted throughout
the Dutch side, the shops
are a treasure trove of
items, from coffee mugs
to limited edition regatta
gear. There is also a selection of Delft Blue items
reminding shoppers of St.
Maarten’s Dutch ties.
1st
2nd
3rd
Shipwreck Shops
Gift World
Shipwreck has a keen
sense of what shoppers
want to acquire as a vacation memento and to
give to family and friends
to share in their vacation
memories and to encourage them to, perhaps,
visit the destination.
Shipwreck also stocks an
often hard to find item
– books. The shelves in
the gift shops are stocked
with New York Times
Bestsellers List spanning
beach reads, non-fiction
and biographies. Chefs
and budding cooks can
snag cookbooks from
international and local
chefs.
the
BESTOF2015
43
44
the
BESTOF2015
Best Children’s Store
Best Place to Purchase Jewellery
Shopping with ease at
Bébé n’ Kids
Good Quality and great
prices at DK Gems
Whatever your little one needs
for an outing or play, you can
find it at Bébé n’ Kids – our
readers’ 2015 pick for Best
Children’s Store on the island.
A multiple winner in this category, Bébé n’ Kids has just
about everything you need,
from entire outfits, including
shoes, for children of all ages,
to matching accessories and a
wide variety of toys.
You can also choose from between the wide stock of educational and Moms in waiting can also pick up essentials
mind stimulating games and games to just for themselves and their new born, from
keep them busy and positively entertained. baby bedroom furniture (cribs, mattresses,
sheets, playpens and more) to baby bottles,
bags, blankets, walkers, strollers, car seats
2nd Intertoys
and many more items.
Check them out for your next baby shower.
Bébé n’ Kids has two convenient locations
with plenty of parking: LB Scott Road #2 in
Cul de Sac, Dutch St. Maarten, and Zac de
Bellevue in French St. Martin.
3rd
Getting
jewellery
anytime soon? Family business DK Gems
should be your choice!
Most shoppers agree
that DK Gems should
be the place where you
get that special gift
for that special person. Celebrating its
15th anniversary this
year, DK Gems offers
diamonds, tanzanites,
Australian opal, emeralds, rubies, sapphires
and so much more.
The motto of DK Gems is bringing customers the finest quality, the most intriguing design, the best personal service,
and the most reasonable pricing in the
Caribbean.
gists, can help you select the perfect piece
from their exquisite collection. Designers
can also create high-quality, original pieces just for you.
The DK Gems family would like to thank
long-time clients for the continued supThe friendly and professional staff, in- port of their products. Management of
cluding three GIA graduate gemmolo- DK Gems extends a heartfelt invitation
to prospective clients and looks forward
to meeting new customers and exceeding
2nd AMA Jewellers
their expectations.
3rd
Caribbean Gems
the
BESTOF2015
45
46
the
BESTOF2015
Best Perfume Store
1st
Penha’s your fragrance
destination
The fragrance you use leaves a lasting
impression everywhere you go. Choosing that signature scent to complement
your natural essences and personality
is the specialty of St. Maarten’s pre-
2nd
3rd
Vanity First
Lipstick
mier perfumery: Penha, located on Front
Street.
Each scent with its blend of essential oils
calls out to its would-be wearer. It takes the
best noses in the fragrance business to clear
the clouds of perfumes and
guide you to THE one! This
is the sixth sense of Penha
perfume associates. They can
present the perfect fit or narrowed down option from just
a few questions and some
spritz of fragrance.
The extensive brands – spanning well-known to leastknown fragrances, but much
sought after by those in the
know – are keys to Penha’s
continued success. The
brands coupled with the best
noses in the business make
shopping there a treat.
Penha also spells exclusivity.
It is the only shop to carry
the very high end of the luxury brand Creed, a line originally crafted for blue blooded
royals. Today, Creed is on the
shelves of Penha.
Penha
Best Auto Dealer
The joys of buying a new
ride from Motorworld
1st
Motorworld
When it comes to buying a sturdy and
reliable new ride at a competitive
price and great after sales service,
Motorworld has few equals. Motorworld
is our readers pick for Best Auto Dealer
on the island for 2015 – a third-time
2nd
Caribbean Auto/Audi
F.W. Vlaun and Son
win for the company.
Motorworld stocks the latest models in
many car brands for your driving pleasure.
Choose from Hyundai, Honda, Jeep,
Dodge, Chrysler and Ram. Motorworld
also has a fully-stocked Parts
Department with all the
original parts and accessories
you need to spruce up your
ride.
You can also have all
your services and repairs
done at Motorworld’s onpremises garage. Their auto
technicians and service staff
are fully-trained and certified
by
the
manufacturers.
Plus, they have a new
fully-computerized
wheel
alignment machine and one
of the finest body repair and
paint shops on the island,
performing factory-quality
work.
The company is finalising the
construction of a modern
showroom to make your car
shopping experience secondto-none. Motorworld is
located in Cole Bay.
the
BESTOF2015
47
48
the
BESTOF2015
the
BESTOF2015
49
50
the
BESTOF2015
Best Department Store
1st
Penny’s
More for your buck at Penny’s
Penny’s on Back Street is a St.
Maarten staple. It’s a onestop-shop for all your household and clothing needs.
Floors are well stocked with
a wide variety of merchandise to outfit from kitchen
cabinets to lingerie draw-
2nd
ers. Penny’s has everything a
household needs!
What made Penny’s a household name and the holder of
2015’s Best Department Store?
Quality and service are the
first two reasons that come to
3rd
Ace
mind. Following close behind
are options and ease of shopping.
If you are preparing for backto-school, the department
store has everything, from
uniforms to books. New baby
Boolchand’s
on the way? All the essentials are
there. Looking for that comfortable, yet stylish dress for a special
occasion? Penny’s has racks and
racks to choose from. The men’s
section covers business and leisure attire.
Health Restaurant
Store
Best Italian
1st
Get healthy! Let the amazing
staff at Nature’s Discount
help you!
For whatever reason you find
yourself at Nature’s Discount,
you will find friendly and
knowledgeable staff there to
help you on your way. You
know you’ll be greeted with a
smile and will get one-on-one
support as you navigate either
of the two stores on island.
Top Carrot
Nature’s Discount is known as
the place to go to for all kinds
of vitamins, supplements, and
herbs. Nature’s Discount also
offers plenty of healthy food
Nature’s Discount
Fountain of Health
options – from coconut oil and
bulk food bins to lactose-free ice
creams and apple cider vinegar.
Nature’s Discount focuses on educating its staff so that they can best
serve their clients. Experienced
employees train new employees,
and all staff members have access
to Nature’s Discount’s library, located in their break room. They
Best Hardware Store
1st
All your hardware needs at
ACE Mega Center
Whether you’re building,
remodelling or embarking
on a specific home or office
improvement project, ACE
Mega Center in Cole Bay
has all the hardware supplies you will need under
2
nd
Kooyman
New mats for the home, pots
and pans, dishes and utensils
are all waiting at Penny’s. The
department store is named the
best on the island, not only for
its merchandise, but also because its friendly staff is a major
part of its success.
one roof. ACE Mega Center
has hammered and drilled
its way into the top spot as
Best Hardware Store for
2015, in The Daily Herald’s
“Best Of” survey.
3
The store has an enviable
selection of items for home
improvement and building
projects, including just about
everything, from plumbing
supplies, painting supplies,
building supplies, electrical
rd
ACE Home Center
supplies, lawn and garden
supplies, to hand tools, power tools, keys, locks, hinges,
chains, cleaning products,
housewares and those “do it
yourself” projects..
The team of professional
staff at ACE Mega Center
will make you feel like family; and their comfortable and
spacious
air-conditioned
shopping space is always
welcoming. There is plenty
of parking available, so feel
free to take your entire home
improvement team on your
next shopping trip to ACE
Mega Center.
are also expected to do their own
research and reading to understand health food, supplements,
fitness and juicing.
Nature’s Discount in Simpson Bay
has even expanded to offer fresh
juices and smoothies, with the option of including protein powder
for example.
ACE Mega Center
the
BESTOF2015
Best Party DJ
Best Electronics Store
DJ Outkast keeps the
party going
Boolchand’s has it all
DJ Outkast
You know the name The Cut Creator DJ
Outkast, whether you are part of the
party scene or not. It’s believed that the
world will soon come to know the name
too. He mixes for everything, from the
radio and house parties, to clubs in
places like Dubai and Tokyo.
It’s no surprise The Cut Creator is the recipient of the 2015 award for Best Party
DJ, as he takes his talents to international
levels and promotes St. Maarten everywhere he goes. He continues to add more
titles to his growing resume as he does a
great job branding himself without losing
the essence of his sound.
Last year, he was credited as the producer Pineapple for Best DJ and his accolades
for the Soca/crossover smash hit “Jump.” keep racking up. He is one of the hardestHe recently received the 2015 Crystal working men in the entertainment industry today; the public knows it and showed
their appreciation for this Sensation’s hot
2nd
mixes.
3rd
Deej Blaze
Party Dude Jason
51
From
smartphones
to smart televisions,
Boolchand’s keeps the
tech savvy in gear and
on point. Its friendly
and
knowledgeable
staffers help make the
choice easier when
choosing from among
the latest models of everything tech.
Professional
cameras
also have a home at
Boolchand’s.
Think
music, and the melody
fits perfectly with Boolchand’s on Front
Street. The store carries a number of
speaker and headphone brands, including
Bose and Beats by Dr. Dre. Get Samsung
smartphone and iPhones and all for the
brands that are sought after.
tronics; the store also carries top brands
in computers and it even has jewellery!
Accessories for the computer, camera,
smartphone and home entertainment
centres are all stocked at Boolchand’s.
However, it is not only a place for elec-
Boolchand’s customer service is legendary as is its after-sales service. The store
provides warranties for the products it
sells, giving shoppers a feeling of comfort.
The family-owned store has a long history
with St. Maarten, which has seen it grow
as it continues to cater to the community’s
changing electronic needs.
2nd
3rd
Klass Electronics
Music Man
52
the
BESTOF2015
Best Computer Store
It all computes at Blue Point
1st Blue Point
A computer is a workhorse in today’s
driven world. Getting the right computer to suit your needs is the desire of everyone who uses the device. From desktops to laptops and tablets, Blue Point
caters to all computer needs.
Blue Point is not only the place for computers; it also stocks a wide range of
computer-related items to outfit both the
home and office. Comparing brands and
getting advice on what best suits your
needs are quickly rendered by Blue Point’s
knowledgeable staff. Their familiarity
with computers helps to navigate the notso-tech-savvy through the maelstrom of
memory size, fastness of a modem and
other complex matters with ease.
Blue Point’s two locations on W.J.A. Nisbeth Road and Welfare Road ensure all
computer needs are covered on both
sides of the hill. Accessibility to the location, staff knowledge, range of computers
and related products have propelled Blue
Point as the island’s Best Computer Store
for 2015 – a title earned through the votes
of its clients in St. Maarten and the surrounding islands.
2nd
Klass Electronics
Best Local Band
Great hits from Church on Monday
When it comes to great
entertainment and talent, local band Church on
Monday is hard to beat.
It’s played its way into
the top spot as the island’s
Best Local Band of 2015.
Band members include
Ronnie Santana of “Pineapple Pete’s” fame; Nikita
and Cornelius from House
Appliance Band, guitarist Amin, and the beautiful
Kelly Betancourt as lead vocalist.
heat up the dance floor at The Red Piano
every Monday night, making this the
Church on Monday will have you on your most popular night at the establishment.
feet dancing and singing along to its talented sounds. Church on Monday is the Many people rush to the location for the
house band at The Red Piano in Pelican. live music and talented sounds of Church
Like their name suggests, band members on Monday. The band usually plays hits
from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and today.
Head over there this Monday to see for
nd
yourself why it’s so popular! Live music is
2
at 8:00pm-midnight.
3rd
3rd
Boolchand’s
Orange Grove
Control Band
the
BESTOF2015
Best Bartender
Best Artist
Paul knows how to stir
things up
Hats off to Patty Meotti
The name Paul Peterson is synonymous
with excellent bartending, and his
home base Temptation Restaurant in
Cupecoy is the place to sample his delicious offerings.
With just a few flicks of his wrists, a dash
of this and a splash of that, Paul presents
cocktails to delight the senses and make
the taste buds dance. But don’t take our
word for it; Paul has captured almost
every local and Caribbean mixologist or
bartender accolade.
He has a gold medal from Taste of the
Caribbean under his belt and he most recently captured the title for the Caribbean
leg of the Angostura Cocktail Challenge.
2nd
Marie-Pierre
Guay of Red
Piano
3rd
Paul Peterson of Temptation
He will compete against bartenders from
around the world in the
Global Challenge slated
for Trinidad and Tobago
in February.
Jonsey at
Pineapple Pete
“Best Of ” voters love
Paul and have voted for
him consecutively for
over a decade – an honour he is very proud to
receive. Paul’s always
smiling face and his
pleasant, jovial personality are additional flavours
that make his cocktails
yummy, refreshing and
very memorable.
53
Patty Meotti burst
onto the St. Maarten
art scene over a half
decade ago with her
scenic portraits of
people with hats. Her
paintings
combine
style and whimsiness,
capturing the bustle
of the scenes yet giving the viewer enough
space to stand back,
observe and not disturb.
the energy of the people – be it resident
or vacationer – and sees that energy as
matching her own. That energy is found
in her paintings of landscapes and in the
faces of the people and animals she paints.
She prefers to be referred to as the “happy
artist” rather than painter. Her canvases
are happiness in paint for herself and her
viewers. Her gallery in Pelican opens by
Meotti is enthralled by the island’s light, appointment only.
Meotti, a Valentine’s Day baby, was born
in Italy. Her love of colours and expression started when she was very young.
That passion was honed and perfected in
sunny Italy and moved with her to sunnier
St. Maarten. Starting in the creative field
as an illustrator, she later branched off to
painting.
2nd
Ruby Bute
3rd
Roland Richardson
54
the
BESTOF2015
Best Radio Personality
Best Home Supplies
Dr. Soc has the remedy
Making the right choice is
always easy at ACE
Trading New York’s financial district and freezing
winters for the ease of island life has been superb
for Jeffrey “Dr. Soc” Sochrin. He gets to wake up
in the morning, stretch, go
sit on the beach and sip on
something cool as the day
journeys across the sky.
1st
Jeffrey “Dr. Soc”
Sochrin of Island 92
Wait, no! That is not what
he does! It may be what
Dr. Soc – the famed on-air
radio personality of Island
92 – dreamed would have
happened when he made
St. Maarten his home base;
2nd
Suppa Kid of
Laser 101
3rd
Outkast of
Laser 101
Ace Mega Center
continues to be the
number one store
where you can
get the best home
supplies on the island. “The helpful
place” is the motto
of the giant mega
store in Cole Bay
which has a staff
that will work towards your needs.
but no such thing has
happened. He has the
torturous job of getting
up every day to hit the
airwaves with good ole
blues and rock n’ roll;
and he gets to talk with
people from models to
volunteers.
Ace Mega Center
has a retail area
that spans over
100,000 square feet
and contains a stock of
more than 40,000 items in
different categories, ranging from houseware, home
decors, toys, paint and
power tools, to plumbing
and electrical items and
Dr. Soc makes good
use of what he loves to
think is his notoriety
for good causes. He is
a very active Rotarian
and has a heart for animals, helping a number of dogs via Team
Golden Dog to find
forever homes.
2nd
much more.
The building has two levels
of retail. The ground floor
contains the hardware and
building material sections;
while at the upper level,
you find mostly house-
Penny’s
Department Store
3rd
ware, home decor and
gifts. The management at
Ace thanks customers for
trusting them with their
home supply needs and
encourages them to continue having faith in the
company.
Kooyman
the
BESTOF2015
55
56
the
BESTOF2015

Best of 2015 - The Daily Herald

Transcription

Similar documents

Maggiano`s Little Italy.indd

Fort George Island…Did You Know? Flyer

fechaduras de madeira do corvo - centro regional de apoio ao

Design Anthology. Issue 9. June 2016.Santorini`s Cave

Nosy Iranja - Nosy Be Original

3_Adventure Playground.indd

Map of Kirjurinluoto

traveling to isle of palms•wild dunes•sullivan`s island

flyer