Bonito Restaurant, St. Barthelemy

TREATS AT BONITO Currently one of the most popular dining spots in Gustavia, Bonito is a high-end restaurant with a large audience. One of its best aspects is the gorgeous setting, near our villa in Colony Club, and with a spectacular view of the harbor. The basic architectural design of the main dining room is circular, with a square bar in its center, the walls and beams made of painted white wood. The menu is extensive and we enjoyed some key signature dishes. Jim started with a ceviche tuna, spinkled with edamame beans and plenty of garlic, nicely contrasted to the sweet sauce his tender fish was served in. Dan enjoyed a rocket salad accompanied by a tomato and avocado emulsion. For the main course Jim dined on scallops with a pureed potato topped by caviar and capers, while Dan scooped up an extremely rich risotto and lobster combination that was swimming in a cream and full-bodied cheese sauce. Desserts were a warm tarte au chocolat and a Baba au rhum that was rocket-propelled by the famed local vanilla-flavored rum. --Dan