Location: Umbrella, South Pier Mall, Kaya C.E.B. Hellmund 6 C1, Kralendijk, Caribbean Netherlands
Date Tasted: 2/16/2023 (Thursday) (lunch)
Price: $14
Beverage: Bombay Sapphire Gin & Tonic
I set my expectations low for this dish because the restaurant is essentially at the end of the cruise ship dock. Living in St. Thomas, in my experience you’re not going to achieve many mind-blowing culinary experiences in such locations. You’re there for the view; the water, the salt breeze, and some people watching.
However, we’re in the Caribbean Netherlands, and as we know in the Netherlands carpaccio is like ketchup on french fries, it’s just how you do things. Just don’t, you know, ask for ketchup for your fries here.
The presentation was awesome! No capers or onions or lemon, but those omissions are forgiven. There should have been a fresh turn of pepper.
Interestingly the arugula was replaced with microgreens. I didn’t think I would like them but they actually created an amazing flavor – well done.
There was a slight balsamic drizzle on the bottom of the meat which is exactly where I think it should go as long as it’s not over-done. Pesto/EVOO drizzle on the top was perfectly appropriate.
Perfect cheese – this is textbook perfect in size, shape, flavor and amount.
Temp perfect, slightly cool and the meat fell apart just lifting it, which is the perfect 10 measurement. Not stringy at all.
It’s worth noting that the menu says the dish comes with pine nuts. Searched I did, there was nary a nut, pine or otherwise. Perhaps they meant, “imagine if the dish had pine nuts!”. The world will never know.
Outstanding flavor overall and beautiful presentation in a world-class Caribbean setting.
Overall Score: 9/10 – Go there, get one. Maybe two. Ask for capers and lemon!
