The "Le Piment" Story

It was an ordinary day. We had just arrived today and made a quick visit to the beach. We are on our favorite island of St. Martin. Back to get a shower and off for our first meal. Our first
meal will be at one of our favorite little restaurants on the island , Le Piment. We discovered this restaurant in 2004 when we made our first lengthy visit to the island. Le Piment is located in the village called Orient. Orient Village is about 100 yards back from Orient Beach, which is on the French side of St. Martin. Not really a French restaurant since they sell pizza, lasagna, calzone and other Italian menu items. But, they speak French at the restaurant and charge you in Euros. Lucky for us that our favorite waitress can speak English. She is a real sweetheart! Makes you feel like you are the only one in the restaurant. We have made it a tradition to eat at Le Piment on our first night and our last night. Sometimes in between, also. Our favorite pizza is the "Hawaiian" which has a very thin crust. One can feed both of us. Our favorite meal is their fantastic lasagna which is made in the brick oven and served steamin' hot. Also, big enough for two. We also like to share a gigantic green salad made with prosciutto, kalamata olives, red onions and a great house dressing. With all the wines they have available, our favorite drink is the peach tea that comes in a can. But what makes this restaurant so special is that it opens onto a courtyard where children play and ride their tricycles and the adult men play boccie ball every evening. A festival atmosphere. Five other restaurants, a realtor and a few stores surroundthe courtyard. Some nights they have craft stands set up and some night music. Our salad and lasagna are gone and we need to decide if we want dessert. Carol says, "I'm stuffed." So am I. Just then our waitress arrives at our table. "All done? Do you wish dessert?" After telling her our verdict, she leaves. Shortly she arrives with the Ma Doudou. And what is that, you say. It is the flavored rum that is made on the island. Tonight they have Guavaberry, Ti Punch and Banana as choices. The banana is our favorite. At least mine. They pour two hearty glasses full with the rum. I down my in two tries. Carol is still sitting with her glass in front of her. She points out something in the courtyard, and I turn to look. When I turn back she says, "You better finish your rum." She has poured over half of her glassful into my glass. We pay our check and thank them for the rum. They tell us they save it for their favorite customers. How nice! "We'll be back," we both tell them. On our way out of the restaurant, I notice quite a few tables drinking the rum!! It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.