The "'La Place' to be" Story

Entrance to Le Village D'Orient "La Place"

It was an ordinary day.  Year was 2001 and Carol and I had made our first solo trip to the island which has become our second home, St. Martin.  We stayed at the Alamanda Resort which is about a hundred yards from world renown Orient Beach.  During the day we would carry our towels and lotion across the sandy road to the beach bar where we got free chairs and parked ourselves for the day.  In the evening we would walk the opposite direction from the Alamanda for about a hundred yards to Orient Village to have supper.  

Inside Le Piment

A few years later, while on our annual trip to St. Martin, we discovered a new restaurant called Le Piment.  We fell in love with the place and it's staff and have made it our first night stop since then.  Over the first few years it changed hands and managers a few times, but about eight years ago Christelle and Sylvain became half-owners and the restaurant began to grow.  Christelle manages the front end of the 70 or so seat restaurant while Sylvain is the head chef.  

Christelle with my wife and me

Christelle meets you at the menu board at the entrance of the restaurant and describes the specials with animation and flowing words.  You know you are just going to have to love what ever you order after hearing her describe the meal.  In the rear you can view the kitchen where the fellow with tight tied-back hair is Sylvain.  

Sylvain with my pizza

Years ago I took his photo and on our recent trip a few weeks ago I asked for the same pose from him.  He grabbed his pizza paddle and gave me the pose, knowing exactly what he did for me in the past.  The Italian style food is very imaginative and presented with flair and creativity.  

The Beef Stew which is not what many think of as beef stew.

One of our favorites is the beef stew which Sylvain marinates in red wine for days before serving.  Another favorite we have, since our very first trip to the restaurant, is the lasagna which is made in the large pizza oven.  I can taste it as I am striking the keys on my computer!  At times we will visit other restaurants in the village, but we love to support the couple who have helped make Le Piment the special place that it has been for us over the years.  Oh yeah, Friday evenings feature music and stands featuring local crafts.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.   PS - check out the YouTube video I found which shows you Christelle in action.