To continue with our tour of the best St John restaurants...Grande Bay Resort recommends La Plancha Del Mar.
Located on the second floor at the entrance of Mongoose Junction, La Plancha Del Mar offers thoughtful European-fusion cuisine. Their menu is inspired by the South of France and Spain and highlights fresh, local ingredients wherever possible. The space is airy and impressive, boasting very high ceilings and a handsome wrap-around balcony for dining al fresco.
On a particularly rainy day last week, I took two guests to La Plancha for happy hour. St John is replete with happy hour destinations and as entertaining as some other more racous venues may be, La Plancha offers a welcome reprieve. Kevin, our delightful mixologist, makes every visit a pleasant one. He greeted us with La Placha's generous happy hour menu which includes a Passionfruit Sangria that should not be missed. While straining some fresh cucumber puree for one of his refreshing creations, Kevin recommended we try one of their bar bites, as we were in need of sustenance after a long day at the beach. Each item on the happy hour menu is priced at just five dollars, and for such quality fare, La Plancha is my new go-to. Each item is wonderful, however, I highly recommend the Grilled Sirloin Sliders with Cheddar and Horseradish Creme Fraiche and crisp Fried Calamari with Lime Cilantro Aioli. The dinner menu offers an eclectic mix of options, from Paella a la Plancha to the oh-so-delicious Argentinean Churrasco Steak. La Plancha offers virtually every type of protein, including roasted chicken, seafood linguini, tuna steaks and ribeye. Their Eggplant and Red Pepper Risotto is a fine choice for vegetarian diners.
Do not neglect the drink menu during your visit to La Plancha Del Mar. With two spectacular mixologists on staff, La Plancha's libations are a refreshing reprieve from the typical coladas and rum drinks one may abuse while on a tropical getaway. La Plancha is one of the few places on-island where I don't fear asking for something traditionally served in a martini glass, or any glass for that matter. (Try ordering a Sauvingon Blanc at Woody's and you'll understand my point.) Kevin must have noticed my beach-induced fatigue and suggested I try a Vietnamese Iced Coffee. Coming from Metro-Boston, I know not to order anything resembling an espresso martini on St John. It being laughable one of the chief reasons, but secondly, because I have become accustomed to the icy fresh brewed espresso treats I had indulged in more than once in the North End. Kevin assured me that it would be a perfect replacement for my stateside signature drink, but more suitable for the island lifestyle. Of course he was right and my eyes lit up as he shaved dark chocolate over the frothy concoction.
Point being: Do go to La Plancha with your fellow vacationers for a break from mahi burgers and drinks in plastic cups. Do visit happy hour from 5 to 6 pm. Do ask the bartenders to surprise you.
Stay tuned for more verbose accounts of island fare from yours truly,
Catherine
