International Dining Society - Chaine de Rotisseurs

After you taste the food on St. Maarten/St. Martin you’ll realize that this island is a slice of gastronomic heaven. But if you still have doubts, consider this: Last year St. Maarten/St. Martin joined the Chaine de Rotisseurs, one of the world’s premier dining organizations.

Island restaurants that belong to the prestigious order include Beach Plaza Hotel, Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, Kangaroo Court Café, L’Escargot, La Samanna, Le Perroquet, Ma Ti Beach, Mini Club, Old Captains, Rainbow, Captain’s Cove at Pelican Reef, Sebastiano’s
and Spartaco.

Chaine de Rotisseurs is charged with upholding gastronomical standards throughout the world. The society meets six times a year at member restaurants for phenomenal six-course meals with wine. Afterward, members appraise the chef’s performance.

The organization began in medieval Europe. In 1248 a guild established methods of insurrection and standards of quality befitting meals served at royal tables. The order, which functioned for centuries with apprentices, masters and elder, set the guidelines for cooks’ salaries and industry working hours, and it bestowed culinary honors including decorations and pensions.

The Chaine disbanded in 1791, but several amateur French gourmets revived the order after World War II. Their goal was to bring together talen-ted professionals and lovers of fine food to protect the “culture of the table.”

Today restaurant members must meet certain criteria. They must have a permanent grill or revolving spit, for example, and grilled meat must be served, just as it was in medieval days.

You'll just have to ditch the diet and enjoy more than three meals a day while in St. Maarten/St. Martin. Check out our Dining Guide to plan ahead and get the full details and contact information for reservations for the islands great restaurants!