It was one of the coolest January evenings as I combed the city in search of another great eatery.

I didn't quite feel in the mood to write but felt the urge to keep going in my relentless quest to provide information to my visitors.

From the main street, I was inclined to slip through the most suspicious walk way which was preceded by a menu and a sign that said Harbour view Restaurant. That immediately drew my attention.

On my way through the tunnel my imagination got the better part of me as I anticipated what would reveal itself on the other end.

Of course, I was greeted by the friendliest young lady with the biggest smile that I'd ever seen. She confidently yelled, "welcome to Harbour View restaurant Sir"

It was no surprise to me that I had landed on the promenade of great bay. The ambiance was magical and spelled "local".

As the name suggests the harbour view in Philipsburg was topped off by the sound of the rolling waves on the shore line and a western sunset.

I grabbed a seat in the back away from the patrons and took my paper and pencil out and as usual acted as though I was catching up on my office work for obvious reasons.

I'd been sat there from early evening and at around six o'clock like the strike of a school bell, the patrons started filtering into the restaurant for dinner in a manner like I've never seen before.

An even mix of visitors and locals can be seen there as they eagerly waited to be seated be the staff.

By this time there was quite a bit of chatter and laughter throughout the main seating area that accommodated about 60 guests.

I was pleasantly surprised to see the diverse selection on the menu.

This almost 20 year old establishment serves everything and specializes in...

Ribs, Creole Red Snapper, Mahi Mahi, Stewed Conchs, Creole Shrimp and Curried Goat.

The regular dishes are also available. Another treat that can be found there is stewed baby back ribs.

Harbour view restaurant cascaded down from the main deck into the sand that leads to the board walk.

My general sense of Harbor view is that clients return week after week and year in year out for the special touch and local approach administered to their dishes.

I had a chat with the owner Eric and he says that his philosophy is to center on familiar foods cooked in a Caribbean style. He stresses that the walk through the passage is well worth the bother. I agree with him.

Harbor view restaurant is located on Front Street just opposite the Methodist Church.