Betty from Shieka's is offering an amazing evening to Philipsburg residents and anyone else who wants to attend. Comparable to Grand Case where one can enjoy local food and listen to good music, Sheika's is offering "Creole Evening" on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6:30pm.
Shieka's is renowned for its authentic island food served at lunch time, so not surprisingly, the premiere evening was an outstanding success with more patrons arriving than had reservations. Not wanting to turn anyone away, workers had more tables set up, but in the future, booking reservations in advance is definitely required.
Sheika's is at #50 Back Street, at the cultural centre's entrance. A new, huge and beautifully built roof covers the courtyard and a large fully equipped wooden bar occupies centre stage along one side of the courtyard. At the top end of the courtyard is a stage ready and waiting for musicians. Tables are prettily set with Creole plaid table clothes, vases of flowers and candles. Potted palms break up the space, giving the tables a feeling of intimacy. The ambiance is of a seductive, upmarket, Caribbean home. The food on the menu is some of the best Caribbean food found anywhere on St. Maarten.
The menu does not always offer the same dishes every evening, as Betty cooks according to the seasonal availability of local produce. However, the menu still offers stuffed and sublime Crab Back; Jerk Chicken – a delicious blend of spice in the sauce; whole snapper; moist and tasty Johnny cake and incredibly tender and tasty stuffed christophine. Lentils and toasted crumbs make for a divine filling, as well as curry goat, Blue Draws, coconut rice 'n' peas, and the desserts are many morsels of coconut ice, fudges, sweet potato pudding, cassava pone and ice cream.
Every evening there is some form of entertainment from Tanny and the Boys to steel pan and a wonderful saxophonist with a golden voice playing an eclectic mix of music from jazz to bachata, Latin and merengue, filling the air with romantic sounds and getting the beat up so that people can dance if they like. You can't go wrong after dark enjoying a meal at Sheika's.
Sheika's is located at #50 Back Street, Philipsburg. Open for lunch Monday to Friday. Open for dinner Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 6:30 – 10:30 pm. Call 523-3202 for reservations.
