Breakfast in Sint Maarten

Why does the six o'clock opening matter here?

Because of what happens on this island before eight. Charters leave the lagoon early. Cruise passengers come ashore at first light. Divers, fishermen, construction crews and anyone flying out of SXM on a morning departure are all up before most kitchens are. A bakery that opens at six is not a lifestyle choice. It is the one that is actually useful.

What should you order for breakfast?

1. The classic, about $5.00A butter croissant and a coffee. This is what most of France has for breakfast and it is what the counter is built around.
2. The proper one, under $10.00Baguette with butter and jam, a croissant, a coffee and a fruit tartlet. This is a French breakfast rather than a pastry and a run.
3. The savoury one, about $9.00A breakfast sandwich at $4.50 or a ham and cheese croissant at $4.25, with coffee and a slice of quiche for later.
4. The one for a boatA bag of viennoiserie, a baguette and coffee to carry. Order it the day before and it will be ready when you arrive.

How early do things sell out?

Almond croissants and pecan croissants are the two that go first, often by mid morning and sooner at weekends and in high season. Plain croissants and pain au chocolat are baked in the largest numbers and last longest. If your breakfast depends on a specific item, reserve it twenty four hours ahead.

Where do you sit?

Behind the Simpson Bay bakery there is a terrace on Simpson Bay Lagoon with around sixty seats. Boats go past, the light at seven in the morning is the best of the day, and iguanas come up onto the deck to sun themselves. Guests write about the iguanas more than they write about the coffee, which we have made peace with. There are no reservations. It is first come, first served.