The beating of drums, the dinging sound of winning slot machines, stilt walkers braving the streets and the aroma of gourmet dining fill the air: Maho is back in action! For those that had visited Maho in the heyday’s pre-Irma, the sights and sounds of a busy Friday night is a moment that takes you back. Maho was my stomping ground every Friday for several years, and seeing the businesses in this area filled with people and overflowing into the street was an exciting moment.
Casino Royale is the landmark establishment of Maho. Now fully open, the last two weeks the casino hosted a poker tournament that brought people from around the globe to play. Though there is no longer a nightclub above the casino, there is a new dining hot spot that brings the glitz and glam associated with an evening out at the casino.
Alina Sushi & Sake Bar, formerly located in Simpson Bay, just opened its new location in Maho last weekend. Chef and owner Ken Lin landed in St. Maarten by way of Anguilla, and has made a name for himself on this island amongst sushi enthusiasts.
Chef Ken’s impressive resume includes Japanese cuisine experience in Taipei, Tokyo, London and Moscow; just to name a few. His menu includes dishes that are authentic but not in the traditional sense, giving his own spin to each. The Spicy Edamame, Happy Dragon roll, Spider roll and Spicy Tuna roll are just some of the favorites. And if you want a truly unique experience, ask for Chef’s Choice. Chef Ken will make you flavorful, inspiring and one-of-a-kind dishes that may or may not be on the menu.
The new location above Casino Royale provides Alina with more than double the amount of seating previously available. The space seamlessly flows from inside to out, giving a bird’s eye view of the Maho strip. The entrance is located just inside the entrance of the casino and reservations are highly recommended.
Several days prior to Alina’s opening, a new steakhouse opened across the street: JAX Steakhouse. The restaurant’s menu highlights options from land or sea, with decadent options in each category. Of course, no steakhouse is complete without a well thought-out cocktail and wine list; and JAX possesses an impressive menu of both. Carefully crafted cocktails show the attention to detail that this steakhouse has. Some early favorites are the Truffle Margarita, Blonde Bombshell and Bacon Old Fashioned- because, who doesn’t love bacon? Pair these scrumptious adult beverages with a flawlessly cooked steak and a robust glass of wine for the ideal meal.
After dinner, several bars and lounges have opened, drawing the late-night crowd back to Maho. 3 Amigos is a lively bar with bartenders known for their high-energy and welcoming personalities, while We Lounge is a little more subdued and is more of a sip and be seen scene. Of course, there are new dining spots and watering holes that are open, rounding out the energy of this soon to be thriving area. And on Fridays, there is a special show at 8PM in front of Casino Royale that features drummers, stilt walkers, dancers and more.
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