Chez Carole

Chez Carole is a Caribbean delight and MUST on a visit to Martinique. We had one short day in Martinique and our rental car fell through. Next, the driver fell through. Finnally, the taxis wouldn't drive just two of us. We had already planned to visit the market, and worked up quite the appetite in search of a vehicle over four hours. With little time left, we hit another important stop - the market. As an herbalist, farmer and small business myself, Markets are my favorite way to visit countries. At the back of the market on floor one, we were energetically drawn to Chez Caroles bright colors and beautiful soul. Little did we know, her restaurant of magick was a hot commodity on Martinique (and Trip Advisor). Even though we missed out on driving around the island, I believe we were meant to eat with Chef Carole and that the Universe brought us together. Chefs warm smile and kindness greeted us with gratitude. We speak little French and the phrases we know work more in France than in the Caribbean. So, this is a great spot for anyone needing to order in English. However, I still recommend ordering from French speaking restaurants! As for the food, we ordered coconut chicken with daal. It was life changing and made with fresh coconut. If I was allowed to bring food back onto our ship, we would have ordered meals to go, as the food is divine. Overall, the atmosphere is peaceful and vibrant. The market is loaded with an herbalists favorite ingredients, and you'll be able to live a local - the only way to travel in my opinion. We look forward to visiting the island for a few weeks and frequenting Chef Caroles lovely restaurant. As Chef would say, don't worry be happy.

Carole was extremely friendly and welcoming before we even sat down, encouraging us to sit wherever we wanted. She offered us accras before the meal and a stiffly poures planteur. The food itself was incredibly tasty, she said she cooks for her clients just as she does at home. 100% eat here if you’re in the area!

We ordered chicken cooked in a lovely coconut sauce and it came with lentils and rice. Don't know what was in the lentils, but they were marvelous! We shared it, as we had a big breakfast on the ship, but wanted to try the local cuisine. It's not a long walk from the cruise ship dock to the farmer's market—the blocks are small. The lady that cooked and served (Carole, I guess?) was charming and gracious. For all the people there, she was a blur of activity and served us pretty fast. She speaks enough English to get the job done, and she takes credit cards. Be sure to tip generously, as she is a very hard worker and doing her best to be an artist with her cooking. She is proud of her little cafe and rightfully so.