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Our island of St. Maarten/Saint Martin is blessed with many good Italian restaurants. But let's not forget that Italy has many different culinary cultures and its gastronomy is not all the same in the North and the South.
Cugini, an Italian restaurant located on the Marina Royale in Marigot, specializes in Sicilian cuisine, although it has other Italian classics on the menu.
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Owner Sam comes from Sicily, and his mood is as sunny as his native homeland. Don't be surprised if he sings you "Santa Lucia" while serving your dish. And for sure, you will love the location on the Marina Royale: From your table on the protected terrace, you can enjoy the view of the yachts and the people walking around.
The decor of Cugini is warm and cozy, the lightening perfect and the comfortable chairs will make you want to stay longer than planed. This is easy, if you start with an Italian Proseco for aperitif and finish you great meal with an Italian Grappa. |
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The menu is not overloaded, owner Sam knows that sometimes, less is better. Among the starters, you will find the classic Mozzarella with tomatoes or the melon with Parma ham. The anti pasta is a special delight, with its very generous portion of Parma ham and other fine Italian sausages, as well as the delicately marinated veggies. The Parma ham is chosen with care by Sam, who cuts it with a 60 year old machine!
The typical Sicilian dishes on the menu are wonderful compositions with the classic Mediterranean ingredients: Pure virgin olive oil, garlic, onions,tomatoes and fresh herbs with a touch of wine. |
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The pasta compositions on the menu are especially attractive and so generous that they can be eaten as a main dish. An absolute highlight are the Spaghetti Frutti di Mare, with a special Sicilian style sauce full of seafood. Fish is a star on the menu, just as it is in Sicily.
But meat lovers will find the traditional Osso Bucco and other dishes, often perfumed with wild mushrooms and accompanied by fresh veggies or salads. As for desserts, try the TIramisu, it is like a cloud and tastes like heaven!
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Cugini has a excellent selection of wines, many of them from Sicily. Sam will tell you which one fits perfectly to your order. Everything else, leave it to the great and friendly service.
And don't be surprised if people end up dancing to Italian hits. It has happened before.
As for the healthiness of Sicilian cuisine: Sam's father is 96 years old, and still eating with pleasure at Cugini.
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Visit us at: |
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16 - 17 Marina Royale
Marigot
F-97150 Saint Martin
French West-Indies
Tels: + 590 590 29 4632 + 590 294183
Email: cugini16@yahoo.com
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