Easy does it
~ Canadian Comfort Food at its best ~
In need of some good down-home cooking? Look no further than Connie’s Cookhouse and Casual Lounge located between The Friendly Island Pharmacy and Byblos in the Isle de Sol Yacht Club. This is where Valentino’s was for years, but now the vibe is bright and casual, almost diner-like, and it brings back memories of some great country style eateries from the heart of North America.
In addition to the great food, easy going atmosphere and laid back clientele, stopping by Connie’s gives you a chance to chat with Ron and Connie, the welcoming owners and hardest workers you are likely to encounter. Relocated from the great white north a few years ago, they have brought Canadian cuisine to the Caribbean. Running a restaurant is never easy, but when you want everything fresh and prepared with perfection as your ideal, well, it can keep you busy as a... what’s the word... a small Canadian mammal that builds dams – anyway, you get the idea.
So, seeking comfort, we ventured in last weekend with a group of friends. We started out with drinks and were pleasantly surprised to find the cabernet delivered in a large goblet that felt very special to hold and swirl. The wine itself was also a pleasant surprise,
We had heard tell of a particular Canadian dish called poutine, crispy French fries covered in gravy and cheese. Don’t judge; it’s no worse that mayo on fries – and plenty of you islanders enjoy that indulgence. The round of orders went something like this: Bacon Cheeseburger with a side of poutine, chicken quesadillas, Greek salad, and a chicken wrap with a side salad. We all marvelled at the quality of the food, as well as the size of the portions.
Then after all that deliciousness, we had to try some desserts. We opted for homemade apple pie with a side of ice cream and coffees all around. Here was another happy surprise: great coffee! Rich and flavourful, this was the perfect accompaniment to a sweet finish of a comforting meal with friends.
We highly recommend this down-home eatery, redefining fresh and friendly, and very budget friendly, too.
Info:
Connie’s Cookhouse and Casual Lounge
68 Welfare Road
Isle de Sol Yacht Club
Simpson Bay
St. Maarten
Dutch Caribbean
Phone: 1 (721) 522-7314
Open: 11:00am-11:00pm
Ratings:
Staff friendliness: *****
Service speed: ****
Restaurant cleanliness: *****
Food quality: *****
Value for money: *****
Ambience: ****
