Old to New – September 25, 2013

Our big plan for Wednesday, was to spend the day on property and then go to our favorite restaurant that we found in 2008 called the Beach House.  Our first reaction when we walked into the area was “awe” when we saw the white linen draped posts,  multiple burning torches to provide the soft lighting, and heard the soothing flow of the surf on the beach.  Here’s the picture we took then.

You can imagine our disappointment when we heard the Beach House was no more.  Then we called and realized they had changed location and name but was still in business.  The Pavillion was our destination for dinner tonight.  Like The Beach House, The Pavillion is located on the Caribbean side of the island in an area that is not overdeveloped.  It was almost dark as we pulled up to the restaurant so it was hard to see much of the property.  What we did see, was very tropical.  Then we were greeted at the door and welcomed to the restaurant like we were famous or important.  As we entered the dining area, our eyes were immediately drawn to the magnificent stone columns with soft lighting forming lines down the center and elegant surroundings.

We were led to our table which gave us a view of the Sea as darkness fell and a luxurious looking swimming pool lite only in the water and reflecting stately palm trees around it.  There was a gentlemen play wonderful music on the steel drums and we felt confident the evening was going to be as magical as it would have been at The Beach House.

For my foodie friends, we had a special appetizer of small scallops in sweet and sour chicken sauce, Lobster pho soup with rice noodles, and steak with lobster croquet and garlic mashed potatoes and vegetables.  The steak was one of the most tender I have ever eaten and everything was wonderful.  Even the china was unique and elegant.  I took a picture of the coffee cup that was delivered with a small piece of carrot cake to show you its style.

After we got back in the car, our driver told us this is just a facility used for million dollar homes in the area during the day (a private club) and they open in the evening to the public.  The other location is now used for private parties only.  On the way back our driver also pointed out the mansion and lands Robert Redford owns and is developing for his friends and wealthy buyers.  It’s called Sundance Ridge  (how appropriate)!