One of the catering features at the newly-opened LE BAR restaurant at picturesque Road Bay, Sandy Ground, Anguilla, is its special invitation and welcome accommodation to Anguillian patrons.
And it is an invitation being quickly taken up by individuals and groups across the island, joining the many visitors at LE BAR. The latest Anguillian group dined there at a special birthday party on Friday night, May 22. They were warmly welcomed by the owners, Didier Van, his wife, Veronique, and members of staff.
“I am very surprised about one thing, and I am very happy about that,” says Didier. “Everybody is saying we are now in the slow season. It is true, but I have many Anguillians that come here…Tonight is Friday and we have a table of 25 people and these are all local people, many of whom know me. I have been here for 35 years and have set up ten restaurants. Everything I do, I do it the right way. I am a tough guy, but I am a fair guy.”
“How come you are attracting so many people?” Didier was asked.
“Because I put an ad in The Anguillian, and Anguilla is a very small island. They know what is happening and everybody is coming to try out LE BAR,” he replied. “They are coming all the time, and thanks to the newspaper and to all my Anguillian friends who promote my place.”
Asked about his opening hours, he explained: “I open everyday for lunch on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Dinner is on Friday and Saturday nights for now.”
Didier tells about some of LE BAR’s special dishes: “Friday night is our mussels (the seafood) party,” he states. “We serve mussel and home-made French fries and our dinner guests can eat as much as they want. If they don’t like mussels, they can have A’LA CARTE or we can give them the fish of the day or even the burger. It is the best burger of the Caribbean – everybody says so; and I have tasted it myself and it is good.”
Speaking about other dishes, he revealed that there is a special soup dish (called bouillabaisse) available at lunchtime on Sundays. “Everybody will love it,” he promised. “Tell them come down.”
Didier and his wife spend long hours at LE BAR, making sure that all goes well. He explains one of the reasons for the success of his or any other business. “It is a small business and you have to be there all the time,” he advised. “I need to be here or my wife.”
Notwithstanding that personal commitment and responsibility, the French couple know they have an excellent and hardworking staff and are grateful to them for their work and dedication.
“There is a big welcome awaiting you from all of us anytime,” Didier added.
