News of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

New owner for Cafe Roma

After years of being for sale, Cafe Roma, a new owner for the Italian restaurant is on the way.  John Hiebert is the guy, according to a posting on Virgin Islands On-Line by a friend of ours, Xislandgirl, who passed along what she got from a friend of hers. 

Hiebert is originally from Trinidad, is married and has two children. "He is a chef, a great manager, and (a) very nice man," Xisland girl wrote.  Her source also said Cafe Roma will not change its menu for a while, until the fall when he'll add some of his own recipes.

Jake’s warms up Chilly Billy’s

Chilly Billy’s is gone from the Lumberyard in Cruz Bay but it has been replaced by a breakfast spot called Jake’s.  The St. John Sun Times says “Jake’s is Jake.” 

In a review, written after three visits, the newspaper’s staff applauded quick in-and-out service (less than an hour), generous portions, and “above-average marks for the food.”  The menu is simple, unlike so many newly-opened restaurants on island.  Eliminating complexity is a good thing. 

“Eggs come out looking like eggs, omelets don’t have truffle oil, and the coffee is decent but not awesome (but then again, it doesn’t cost $4 either),” the review explained.  Among the best items on the breakfast menu, served 7am to 1 pm, is an over sized flour tortilla with eggs, tomato, onion and cheese, accompanied by home fries and “an outrageously fresh and lively salsa.”  At $10, the newspaper calls it a steal.

In other restaurant news, there’s a report that one of the best chefs on the island, Walter Hinds, has taken an option on the old Tage restaurant space, across from the Winston Wells Ballfield.  (Hinds, an award winner, formerly worked at the Stone Terrace.) The location is simply awful, lots of traffic and noise, but former owner/chef Ted Robinson showed that negative can be overcome with skill and talent.

Speaking of Tage, Ted is ramping up his efforts at Starfish Market.  In a posting at the St. John Sun Times Web site, Lvnlife said, “Ted's Robinson’s dinner food is AWESOME and reasonably priced - finally - affordable food on St. John! I had got a HUGE piece of roasted veggie focaccia for $5, and added some very tasty asparagus and mushrooms as side dishes, and had a meal fit for a queen."

Deal pending for Cafe Roma

Cafe Roma is apparently getting a new owner.

The restaurant above Joe’s Diner in Cruz Bay has been in business since 1981. It was bought by the current owner, Joshlynn Crosley, in 1988.  Since then, the Italian spot has been been a favorite for pizza and its trattoria-style menu.

She’s had it for sale, informally, for several years; even paired up with the Mixology Warehouse owner two years ago to ‘sell’ the place to whomever wrote the best essay about wanting to own a business on island.  That contest didn’t pan out - the number of entries was too low.

Late last year, Crosby offered Cafe Roma for sale with Re/Max island Paradise Realty.  Asking price: $175,000.  The listing now has a “Contract Pending” notation.

'Beanafit' brings out the best

An afternoon of face painting, a pig roast, food and and games at Skinny Legs in Coral Bay helped raise about $15,000 to help the bar’s manager pay the expenses of fighting his second bout of cancer. 

Doug Bean is undergoing chemotherapy in California. The “Beanafit” brought out that island spirit which is so often seen when someone needs help.

One highlight of the day was Skinny’s owner, Moe Chabuz, getting a Mohawk haircut, courtesy of Bean’s wife, Jaime Elliott.

If you couldn’t be there, there’s a link to many photos from the event on the Skinny Legs Web site at http://www.skinnylegs.com/Beanafit.htm. 

Subway Closed

A domino tile falls. It knocks over another, and that’s apparently why the St. John Subway is closed.

The International House of Pancakes at Tutu Mall on St. Thomas, is closing. 

Allie-Allison Petrus, a former V.I. Senator, is the owner of the 15-month-old franchise operation. He also owns several Subway restaurants, including the unit on St. John.

About the IHOP closing, the St. Thomas Source quoted Petrus saying,  “We have seen our WAPA bill (electricity) hover around $11,000 and our cooking gas now around $3,000 monthly, not to mention a leasing rental expense around $13,500.”

As we said, Petrus also owns several Subway sandwich shops, one of which is - er, was - in Cruz Bay.  It is now closed, according to locals. The business is still listed for sale:  http://www.islandiarealestate.com/Details.cfm?id=28&type=commercial.

Here's the Source's report: http://www.onepaper.com/stthomasvi/?v=d&i=&s=News:Local&p=1206160157

St. John dining guide blog

A comprehensive collection of comments posted online about the island’s restaurants has become a hobby/part-time job/labor of love(?) for Robin Chalkley of Kernersville, North Carolina. 

Just before his first trip to the island, about two years ago, he cruised Internet forums including Virgin-Islands-On-Line, Trip Advisor , Virgin Islands Now, looking for previous posts about restaurants. 

“As a result of the research all our meals were very good, and we loved the island. So I decided to keep it updated and share it with others.“ Chalkley freshens the dining blog around the first of each month. He’s just finished the May update.

His collection of comments includes almost 40 restaurants, from older spots like China Shack to the newest kid on the block, Waterfront Bistro. 

The lone comment made about the China Shack, the island’s only Chinese restaurant, may have foretold its fate.  The place has been for sale for months, and has now reportedly closed its doors at the Marketplace. That also explains why the restaurant's Web site has disappeared.

The dining blog's Web site: http://diningstjohn.blogspot.com/

Stone Terrace, Fish Trap have closed

With the winter tourist season ending, the Stone Terrace and Fish Trap restaurants have closed. While the Trap will reopen in June with a new owner and new menu, the Terrace space will be empty unless the business is sold. 

News of plans for the Stone Terrace to halt operations sent AppState3 into a panic,.  She explained on the Virgin Islands-On-Line forum. “My fiance and I were supposed to have our dinner reception at Stone Terrace after our wedding on May 4th, but we were just informed that they are closing,” she wrote.  “We need to find an upscale restaurant that can host 15 people for Dinner in Cruz Bay on a Sunday nigh.”

What’s the girl supposed to do now?  Here’s a roundup of suggestions offered to solve the problem.

St. John Ruth: “You could also try The Balcony. 340-774-8470. Ask for Nathan.”

St. John Julie: “My two best recommendations are La Tapa and Waterfront Bistro. Waterfront Bistro is right on the beach, so that makes it a lovely setting. La Tapa is in Cruz Bay, next to Woody's, and they have been a long time favorite of mine.” She added, “I'm not sure why Stone Terrace is closing, but I can tell you that a lot of businesses here are struggling this year. Season has been very off.... there are still plenty of people visiting, they just aren't spending much money.”

Jigzmlom: “Another place to try is Ocean Grill in Mongoose Junction.

Pia: “Personally I would choose Waterfront Bistro as the setting is (imho) much nicer for a wedding reception - right on beach :) La Tapa's food is excellent (as is Waterfront Bistro's) but some of the tables are in the street right next to Woody's which is THE party bar on STJ and it can get a little rowdy (in a fun way).”

JoJoBigCanoe: “LaTapa is one of the best restaurants on the island....we hosted my son's rehearsal dinner there last summer. Alex (the owner) went out of her way to prepare a special menu for the event and all was delish!”

And the ‘winner’: APPState3 reported, “In the end, we have decided to go with La Tapa. As stated, Alex has been great to work with! We can't wait to eat there!"

Fish Trap to close

One of the island’s landmark restaurants, the Fish Trap, will close in two weeks. 

Last fall, in an effort to stay competitive in what’s become a more upscale market for eateries on island, the Fish Trap built a new kitchen and and hired a new chef to give its menu a more Asian/fusion taste. Now, Lonnie and Albert Willis, who own it have decided to close April 13. 

They also own the Raintree Court where the Fish Trap is located.  They have other business interests on island, including the Stone Terrace.  They listed that fine dining restaurant's lease and kitchen equipment for sale earlier this year at $575,000.  The price has been cut to $350,000. "It's a terrific opportunity for someone who wants a great restaurant for a lot less than it would take to build one," said Lonnie Willis.

As philosophers say, when one door close, another opens.

The Willis’ son, Aaron, is an accomplished chef and was the brains and energy behind the Stone Terrace when it opened in 1998.  A few years ago, he left St. John to become a key executive and chef at the multi-million dollar Yacht Haven Grande marina (http://www.yachthavengrande.com/index.php). He has been overseeing its three restaurants. 

Aaron is, now, coming back to St. John.  “He has given his notice to Yacht Haven Grande  and will be reopening the (Fish Trap space) restaurant sometime in June,” said Lonnie Willis.  And if Aaron’s background and experience is a guide, it would seem likely St. John is going to get another fine dining restaurant in time for next season.

Island Blues on the market

This ad appeared this week in the Tradewinds and the Virgin Islands Daily News.

"Island Blues restaurant for sale.  Owners looking for quick sale. Leased until 4/30/2012.  Best offer.  Call Sarah at 774-2547." 

Here's the Island Blues Web site: http://syrinx.meccahosting.com/~a0002e33/

In other real estate news, the Multiple Listing Service is showing there is a sales contract pending on the Subway, listed for $150,000.

New restaurant? What new restaurant?

Ever hear of 180?  The new place where Tage used to be? Hmmm, neither has anybody else - despite a nice four-color announcement for the place in St. John magazine. 

The vertical ad, right next to the publisher's introductory essay, promises "a modern french(sic) inspired restaurant ... with a twist" featuring "flavors from around the globe."  Dinner to be served nightly and there will be a Sunday Brunch, too.  "Zeste private chef service" was also offered. 

Well, ain't happened.  Ain't open. The phone number in the ad reaches a message that says,"The number you have dialed is not a working number," and the Web site, 180stjohn.com, is dead too. The old Tage restaurant space is locked and lonely.

(Click on the image to see a larger version of the ad.)

La Tapa is tops

We went back this year for a return visit to La Tapa, where chef/owner Alex Ewald continues to focus on a finite number of superb appetizers and an ever-changing daily menu of always-special entrees. 

We started off with a plate of fresh herbs and spices and olive oil, dunking our bread and smiling as we slurped. Once again, Mrs. Inquiring Iguana and I grazed the appetizer list ... artichoke, grilled shrimp, Caesar salad and the restaurant's signature dish of mussels in a light cream sauce. 

This year, we got a table on the street.  Which, if you kn ow the place, means we almost sat in the street.  Yes, the noise  can be quite distracting .... but knowing good food is coming, you an get over it.  Frankly, it's pretty noisy inside, too.

Looks like la Tapa is doing lots of business due to repeaters like us, a kitchen that is producing consistently tasty bouquets of offerings, and a nice profile of the restaurant in St. John magazine's inaugural issue.

Asolare gets thumbs up from people who know

If you've never had dinner out with a couple of restaurant pros, you have something to look forward to.  Grace and Bob Rood, owners of five restaurants in the Washington, DC area over the past 25 years, joined us at Blue Tang last week - and we did a lot of comparison eating on St. John.

Overlooking Cruz Bay at Sunset, there is no more atmospheric and romantic spot on the island than Asolare.  But some years that's all the place offered.  Chefs came and went, and the food ranged from great to so-so.  It's Great again.

With many years of cooking and plating and preparing menus, the Roods know what makes a restaurant a success.  Asolare won points from them at the start, with the menu.  Offering about a dozen entrees, and about half a dozen of appetizers and salads, the kitchen's not trying to do everything for everybody.

And the food!  Five stars.  Rack of lamb, locally caught Mahi Mahi, and some kind of Asian chicken dish that Bob had all were rated high.  (The Shrimp Tempura appetizer on a bed of local greens with a balsamic dress were fantastic, too.)  Ever the restaurateurs, Bob and Grace rated the food presentation as top flight, too.

From the standpoint of service, another knockout.  Our waitress recognized Mrs. Inquiring Iguana (Donna) from our one visit last year, and Donna remembered our waitress had been expecting a child.  That led to "How's the baby?", which led to baby picture. A welcoming beginning.

Yes, I know the place is expensive.  $60-$70/person with a couple of beers  (Watch out for the La Crema Chardonnay at $15/glass.  We pay $12.99/bottle at Costco.)  But you have to have one splurge night on St. John, and Asolare is a best bet choice.

Ask the restaurant experts!  Bob's summary: "Grace, this place could make it in Washington."

Asolare Web site: http://www.stjohnrestaurants.com/asolare.htm

New restaurant in business at Wharfside

The Waterfront Bistro, at the Wharfside shopping center, is hoping to have its official grand opening within 24 hours. 

The classy-looking restaurant has been doing a "soft open" for the past four nights, or so, and was about 60% full when we stopped in for a look Saturday night. 

We talked with Joe, the owner-manager, who said it's been months of work to get the place open.  Everything is new include both (!) kitchens' equipment - there's one in back, called the 'prep' and then there's the plating/serving bar, kind of the "show' place. 

A waterfront bar has been added, and the entire space where Panini Beach was has now been covered with a roof that's about 8 or 9 feet high.  No more of that scrambling to get people inside when the Caribbean skies begin to rain. During our visit, everyone was warm, upbeat, and pleasant - happy to show of the result of all that work.

Here's a sampling of the menu's appetizers Vichyssoise ($8), Oysters on the Half Shell ($18), Carmelized Onion and Chefre Tartlett ($12).  Salads, etc.: Mixed Greens ($10), Arugula and Roasted Beets ($13).  EntreesP: Plaintnand Crusted Wild Salmno ($31), Vegetable Risotto ($28), and  Poached Caribbean Lobster Tail ($39).  The phone # is 340-777-7755.

New listing: Cruz Bay deli

It's been about 3 1/2 years since Dan Sheffey opened the Grotto Deli at Mongoose Junction. 

It quickly became  a hit thanks to his personal attention, huge sandwiches, salads, nice wine selection, and Internet access.  The Virgin Islands Daily News readers' voted the Grotto "The Best Deli in the VIs."

It's time to move on. 

The 2,000-square foot business formally went on the market in the last week, listed by American Paradise Real Estate with an asking price of $475,000.  There was a report it was for sale as long ago as last October.

The business's description the America Paradise site: "Catering to tourist & residents alike, Deli Grotto offers baked goods, smoothies, cold beer, extensive breakfast & lunch menu w/sandwiches, salads, pastries & ice cream available to eat in the a/c, on the outside terrace or take out."

Watching the Super Bowl on St. John

Skinny Legs in Coral Bay is known for several things: Great bartenders, good hamburgers in paradise, and rabid New England Patriot fans.  If you've never watched a Pats' regular season game at Skinny's, you haven't seen extreme sports bar fervor. 

Now that New England is in the Super Bowl - watch out.  If you're on island and want to watch it there Sunday, I'd suggest you grab a table for lunch - and don't move. 

Keep calling for Greenies and by kickoff, you'll be in the middle of a noisy mob.

Other places to catch the game on island ...well, there's the sports bar on the second floor of Wharfside Shoppinh Center. The Banana Deck has a couple of TVs. The Quiet Mon bar will be anything but quiet by game time. Pastory Gardens also has a big screen TV. Heck, the game will be everywhere - even Cap's Place.

Mmmmm, good eatin'

Ted Robinson's odyssey continues. 

The founder and genius of the now-closed Tage restaurant has signed on for what sounds like a full-time job with Starfish Market. 

"Chef Ted Robinson last  week accepted the position of Director of Deli Operations/Executive Chef," according to a news release form the company. He will oversee  an expansion of prepared foods at the supermarket, located in the Marketplace.

"Popular hot deli meals and Chef Ted's new Creations To Go, make Starfish the best  place to go for fast, fresh packaged meals on the go," said a spokesperson for Starfish.  The Chef will also continue his own catering business Ted's Supper Club, which prepares gourmet meals in private villas and for parties.

Subway restaurant for sale

St. John's franchise fast-food business is on the market, listed for sale for $225,000. 

The Multiple Listing Service describes it as a "Wonderful franchise restaurant in the heart of Cruz Bay. Already successful with room to expand." The building which looks like a trailer, is across the street from Woody's. 

The Subway company's Web site (www.subway.com) says there are is one of 28,678 Subway restaurants in 86 countries.  The "Store Locator" feature says there are four Subways on St. Croix, five on St. Thomas, and one on "St. Johns" (sic).

Jazz Islanders to play in Coral Bay

Steve Simon and the Jazz Islanders have been making great Sunday afternoon music for years at the Beach Bar.  Now the group is adding a weekly appearance at Shipwreck Landing in Coral Bay.  The Islanders will play Wednesday nights from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. beginning January 2.  Call 340-693-5640 for reservations. 

The core group of musicians includes Andrew Cameron on drums, Cliff Finch on bass, Joe Ramsey on sax, Sally Smith on keyboards, and Simon on clarinet. Often, musicians who may are vacationing on island, contact Simon (340-693-8120) to join in. The Islanders play Sundays at the Beach Bar in Cruz Bay form 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Starfish Gourmet and Wine: caviar and a $4 "quaff"

The new Starfish Gourmet and Wine store is trying to have something for everyone.  Paul Tsakares, manager of the store which is on the first floor of the Marketplace, said offerings include a "very quaffable" $4 wine from Argentina as well as Moreer cheese, Chinese health drinks, baguettes (baked fresh three times a day), and porcini mushrooms.

Tskares said business has been booming since the opening earlier this month.  Locals and visitors have been excited about the store, but none so much as the island's professional chefs and caterers who are now able to prepare more sophisticated and tasty meals for clients.

In a conversation you can listen to by pressing the "Play" button below, Tsakares talked about the new business is growing, some of the challenges of stocking such upscale shelves in the middle of an ocean, and his plans to offer holiday gift baskets. (Photos courtesy of Eliza Magro Photography.

You can listen to the interview with Paul Tsakares
Press the "Play" arrow.

You can also download or hear the conversation by clicking here.

DaLivio restaurant delivers

It's not tough to make Risotto, wrote the St. John Sun Times restaurant reviewer, "but making it sublime is difficult."  The island's new Italian restaurant, DaLivio, does it, according to Eloise Anderson.

This was the newspaper's second visit to the eatery which is located, roughly, across the street from the Lime Inn and next to Fred's.  The first, soon after Livio Leoni opened for business was good, but then the summer came and the place closed for vacation.  Leoni and his Italian-speaking chef, Marco Bandini, are back - and in great form, the Sun Times said. 

Best bets: an orange salad with olives, anything Risotto, and pasta with bottarga (pasta, caviar, and olive oil).  Entrees average $25.  Best seats in the house are on the front porch (see and be seen) and ... you must visit the bathroom, Anderson said:  "Most stylist and beautiful on St. John."

Thanksgiving on the Banana Deck

St. Johnians and visitors celebrated Thanksgiving in traditional as well as local ways last week. 

Amy Farris, visiting from Springfield, Va. had what she called the "traditional meal at the Banana Deck which, for others in her party, also served more casual and even West Indian dishes.  Many island eateries had holiday specials, including Island Blues in Coral Bay.  As for cook-at-homes, there were plenty of choices at the island's markets.  Among the luckiest who wanted to celebrate in the old holiday way were staffers at villa rental agency Catered To.  They received turkeys as gifts from the Boss, Eileen.

Farris (aka "FlipFlop" on a Virgin Islands On Line forum) was also on island the previous week, when she and her husband ponied for $100 tickets to attend Rotary Club's tasty fund raiser, Flavors.  Zozo's was her favorite among the almost two-dozen restaurants and caterers which offered a smörgåsbord of samples.  She gave a second place nod to a dish from Ted Robinson, now running his in-villa dinner business, Ted's Supper Club.  Rotary raised a reported $20,000 for its scholarship fund and other island projects.

You can listen to the interview with Smith.
Press the "Play" arrow.

You can also download or hear the conversation by clicking here.

A starter spot for West Indian food

A new restaurant in an unlikely location has recently opened.  It's called the Windy Level Bar Restaurant. 

It is the pride and joy - and full-time job - of Carryn Powell.  Located About 1 1/2 mile up Centerline Road from Cruz Bay, the place opened about two months ago and has been doing a good "steady" lunch and dinner business, according to Crystal Bray and Lora Verkouille who wrote about it in the latest issue of the St. John Sun-Times.

St. John Julie, who posts about the island at TripAdvisor.com, also likes the spot. "Some of her offerings in the past have been, stewed chicken, conch, stewed fish, baked chicken, pork chops, to name a few. If you are curious to try West Indian fare, this would be a great place to start. The plates are loaded up with lots of local favorites." (Read the full post here.)  Julie said she and three friends had dinner, two drinks, desert and the bill was $78. "That is a crazy cheap price for here!," she said.

Carryn cooks what's fresh and what inspires her, the Sun Times story said.  So the menu is ever changing.  The phone is 340-715-2000 (for reservations or take out).  No credit cards.

This sounds like a winner!  In all my years, I've been wary of the Cruz Bay park food wagons and Sogo's, but a sit down place like Windy Level sounds very attractive.  If you go, send me an e-mail ... we can talk about it for a podcast.

Tage's Ted is cooking

Chef Ted Robinson is back at work in the kitchen.  But this time it's not in his own restaurant.  It's at St. John's largest grocery store. 

He's at Starfish Market, cooking up his own creations for folks on the go who are looking for gourmet takeout, or people who want to spice up (pun intended) dinner at the villa. The accomplished Chef is turning his attention to prepared meals like Pulled Chicken and Tarragon Salad and a maple Glazed Slow Roasted Sirloin Wrap. 

"Made fresh daily, Ted's creations make getting a luxurious lunch or dinner easier than ever before," a news release from Starfish said.

He's also doing sandwiches, priced from $7.95 to $8.95. They sandwiches are packaged and showcased just to the left of  Starfish's hot deli case. "Selections may change depending how the cooking spirit moves him," said the news release.

St. John restaurants available

A reader wrote, "In the piece about Tage being closed, you mentioned 5 restaurants for sale. What eateries are for sale?"

Here they are:

Pastory Gardens, $6 million
    This is really a real estate land development offering
Stone Terrace, $650,000
Baked in the Sun, $450,000.
Chilly Billy's, $275,000
(Formerly) Duffy's, $200,000
Cafe Roma, $175,000

Source: Multiple Listing Service

Tage is toast

The high-end restaurant across from the Winston Wells ball field is closed. 

Some folks expected, yay hoped, that Tage was just taking a summer vacation.  But folks at Virgin-Islands-On-Line have read the layoff is permanent.  Details are here: http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4840

The owner, Karrl Foster, who took the place over from chef Ted Robinson, wanted to have it both ways.  He kept the founder in the kitchen while, out front, Foster tried to add some sophistication.  It's always bad news when an owner decides to stay out of the kitchen. Just ask Gordan Ramsay or Rocco DeSpirito.

Meanwhile, costs were rising, with the rising price of oil meaning utility bills took an even bigger bite ... like $5,000 a month. That's what happens when you air condition a dining room which has one side open to the street. 

Chef Robinson is now in to business for himself with KatiLady Catering. 

It's uncertain what's to become of the former Tage location.

Make no mistake, the cost of doing business on St. John is rising.  There are five restaurants for sale, and those are just the ones that are listed with real estate brokers.  Help is hard to find, of course (Hey, anyone know of an advertising sales person looking for work for a newspaper on St. John?  A friend needs some help.  E-mail me, frank@newsofstjohn.com.)

St. John golf course for sale

The island's miniature golf course can be yours.  It's part of Pastory Gardens and the Compass Rose restaurant. (at left).  But the businesses are not all the real value.  It's the land: several acres on St. John high up and offering wonderful sunset views of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Originally developed as a restaurant and a butterfly exhibit (that never was completed), the owners failed to get permits and approvals to add condominiums to the site. The current real estate offering indicates bulldozers may still get to go to work. Zoning "allows a multitude of uses such as shopping center, hotel, condos, apts.," according to the listing. Asking price: $6 million.  Pastory Gardens' Web site: http://www.pastorygardens.com/4436.html

Under Contract:  Cruz Bay Realty says a sale is pending for Gym in Paradise is under contract. It went on the market more than two years ago for $140,000. Located on the third floor of the Marketplace, the workout facility was last priced for sale at $75,000. 

Hooters does the Virgin islands

So, it looks like that visit by the Hooters yacht to the Westin Resort in March this year really may have been for business.  Read our coverage.

The company has now reportedly leased 5,000 square feet for a restaurant on St. Thomas at Buccaneer Mall.  This means it will be conveniently located near where large cruise ships dock.

(Cruise the Caribbean ... discover a Hooters.  What a country!)

The Virgin Islands Daily News reported the new Hooters is expected to open in December.  Hours will be 9 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week.  Read the Daily News article.

Looking for Return of Tage?.  Click here.

The return of Tage

Formerly one of the island's best restaurants - but then unexpectedly closed for business - Tage may be coming back. 

Eric, posting on Anthony Finta's Virgin-Islands-On-Line forum, says he read in the Tradewinds that Tage will re-open in November.  The Web site is still online, at least.

Gourmet and wine store opening set

Starfish Market's expansion into an upscale food and wine specialty store is set to kick off early next month. (Picture at left is in the original Starfish store.)

A grand opening is being planned Nov. 5 for the new Starfish Gourmet and Wines store.  The venture is located on the first floor of the Marketplace shopping center, across the corridor from Starfish Market.  The shelves will be stock with wines, imported cheeses, coffees, meats, pizzas, pastas and other items.

By shifting wines and gourmet foods to a new retail space, the owners of Starfish give themselves the opportunity to expand offerings in the grocery store, too. More dairy products or produce may be considered.

Starfish Gourmet is likely to be a boon to in-villa catering services.  The availability of a wider variety of items will also give cooks a bigger palette for culinary efforts.  Several chefs at the island's restaurants have said they feel restricted in preparing menus because food distributors on St. Thomas aren't able to offer much variety.  If Starfish can establish its own sources and supply lines, St. John could become a much more tasty island.

Former Bostonians sign on to Caneel Bay

Caneel Bay has added a couple of one-time New Englanders to its staff. 

Edward Gannon, Caneel's new Resort Manager, and Anthony Dawodu, Executive Chef have extensive experience with high-end resorts including time together in the kitchen at the Four Seasons in Boston.

Gannon made the move from the kitchen to management while working at Winnetu Oceanside Resort in Martha's Vineyard. 

Dawodu, who grew up in Nigeria and relocated to London in the early '90s, spent the last 11 years in Boston at the Four Seasons as well as handling executive chef duties for two notable restaurants.  He will be responsible for all culinary operations at Caneel, including menu preparation at its restaurants as well as in-room dining and special events.

Miss Lucy has passed away

Miss Lucy Smith-Prince died last week at the age of 91.

Known for the Coral Bay restaurant on Friis Bay which bears her name, this kind woman was also the island's first female taxi driver. 

For more than 20 years, she offered visitors and locals transportation as well as island tours that were fun, memorable, and full of stories about her long life on island - and, of course, her love of cooking.. 

You always knew when she was on the road.  The hood of her maroon SUV hood was adorned with Hibiscus flowers.

Restaurant closing guide

A lot of island restaurants close during late summer and early fall.  St. John Ruth tries to keep up with who's open and who's closed and she posts it on her web site.  I've taken a look at the schedule and here's my best estimate of which restaurants that may have taken a break are now open this week. If you have better information, post it here. Best advice: call ahead

Open after going on hiatus:

•     Aqua Bistro
•     High Tide
•     Joe's Rum Hut
•     Ronnie's Pizza 'n' Mo
•     Skinny Legs
•     Zozo''s
•     Morgan's Mango and Rhumblines (Ruth reported Sunday)

Expect to be closed

•     Banana Deck
•     Cafe Roma
•     China Shack
•     Donkey Diner
•     Island Blues
•     Lime Inn
•     Miss Lucy's
•     Ocean Grill
•     Shipwreck Landing
•     Stone Terrace
•     Sweet Plantains 

   

Bordeaux, Lucy's are top Coral Bay picks

Chateau Bordeaux has been voted the top restaurant in Coral Bay by readers of News of St. John.  Perched high over Coral Bay with an astounding view of East End and the BVIs, its dinner offerings include Mahi Mahi, escargot, lobster tail.  Here's the menu.  There are no prices on this online version of the menu, so beware - it's not cheap.  The phone is 340-776-6611.

Second place goes to Miss Lucy's, whose original owner was also a cab driver, whose island tours were the best! The restaurant is located way outta town along the south shore and is best known for its Sunday brunches with live jazz, Lucy's is a long-time favorite.  There are a handful of tables on the beach - arrive early (very!) to get one. The phone is 340-693-5244.

Bar Wars: The Video

You couldn't be there?  "Alza317" was and posted this video, "Maho Bay Boys Dominate Bar Wars."

Beware, there is much screaming and one young female who really can screech.  Teams of waiters and bartenders have to deliver the goods through obstacle courses set up on the beach and in the water there at the Beach Bar at Wharfside. The late July event was all in good fun and the proceeds go to a worthy cause, the Animnal Care Center.

Lime Inn tops for moderate budget dining in Cruz Bay

The Lime Inn is the best bet for a reasonable night out for dinner with your sweetie and/or the kids, according to results of our week-long poll on Cruz Bay restaurants.Specializing in seafood, Caribbean lobster, and known for its Wednesday night Shrimp Feast, the Lime Inn has been an island favorite for almost 20 years.

Other old reliables finishing near the top of the voting included Morgan's Mango, featuring South American spicy specialties; Rhumb Lines, known for 'Asian fusion'; the Fish Trap, specializing in, what else?, fish and some imaginative Asian-inspired treatments of old favorites; Banana Deck and its solid bar food, and Cafe Roma, serving up pasta and pizza.

Here are the results of our poll:

• Lime Inn  24%
• Morgan's Mango 13%
• Rhumb Lines 13%
• Fish Trap 13%
• Banana Deck 11%
• Café Roma 10%
• Sun Dog Café 4%
• Inn at Tamarind Court 4%
• Happy Fish 3%
• Compass Rose (Pastory) 2%
• Satyamuna 1%
• China Shack 1%

Vote for favorite Coral Bay restaurant

While Coral Bay is rapidly developing ... 'cause that's where the available land is ... it's still kind of laid back and relaxed.  Which explains why its choices for a meal are all over the map. From a fantastic budget breakfast at the Donkey Diner to a moonlit, waterside dinner at Miss Lucy's, the variety is broad.

Frankly, Coral Bay is often a state of mind.  Its restaurants range from tacky to white tablecloth.  Enjoying Coral Bay is easy to do.  Sometimes you're in a rock-and-roll state of mind, other times you're looking for smooth and relaxing. So, in choosing a Coral Bay restaurant or bar, vote for the one where you have the most fun and the best memories.

Kenny Chesney alert!

If history is any guide. Kenny Chesney may be on island soon.

His Flip Flop Summer Tour wraps up this weekend in Atlanta.  TicketsNow.com has seats in the 3rd row, center offered at $950.00.

But when Chesney does his last encore, watch out. Traditionally, that's the time when he charters a plane and takes the band to St. John to kick back. So, you might expect Kenny sightings at Woody's or even in the alley in back, where Anderson Cooper interviewed him for 60 Minutes. (See the video.)

At the same time, a new Chesney CD will be released on Tuesday, Sept. 11.  It's his first new music in two years. And Amazon is offering a deal on it.  Own it for $9.99.  You can order it through the Gift Shop. The online store has two other Chesney CDs at that price, too.Compose Post

Stone Terrace #1 for $plurging

The Stone Terrace finished solidly at the top of a poll of visitors' favorite high-end restaurants in Cruz Bay over the past week.  Zozo's at Gallows Point came in second. While Tage comes in for much praise on various travel forums praise, it finished in third place, far back of the leaders. 

Almost 750 votes were cast. Here are the results:

• Stone Terrace 41%
  La Tapa 9%
  Zozo's  25%
  Paradiso 4%
  Tage  10%
  Equator at Caneel 2%
  Asolare 9% 
  Balcony at Wharfside 1%

New restaurant poll: For a nice night out

In Cruz Bay,  there are almost a dozen restaurants offering a pleasant lunch or dinner at a relatively modest price.  Among these, which is your favorite for an evening out? (We'll get to Coral Bay, next week)

Restaurant Poll - Upscale favorites

I figure there maybe close to 100 restaurants/bars/snack shops/food huts and wagons on St. John.  But which is best?  Depends. Just as there are different strokes for different folks, there are times when you want to splurge, and sometimes you just want to eat and run.  Rather than asking 'What's your favorite,' I thought it would be a good idea to develop a list of folks' favorites, depending upon the time, the mood, your location and, yes, the dollars.  Here's the first poll.  More to come.

Cheers: Win a liquor store.

Gary Moses is trying again to give away the Mixology Warehouse, his wholesale/retail liquor store located at the Lumberyard in Cruz Bay.  The business will go to the person who writes the best 100 to 200 word essay on why they are "ready to break out of a rut and start a new life in paradise," according to rules of the contest on its Web site. Moses plans to cap the entries at 8,000 which, with an entry fee of $100, would generate $800,000. He said the approximate value of the business is $500,000.

The winner gets the fully stocked store, serving more island restaurants and bars plus private parties, weddings and deliveries to villas.  Three months' rent will also paid, and Moses will stay for a week of on-the-job training for the new owner.

Summertime restaurant closings

St. Johnians need a vacation, too.  Living on a rock in the ocean has its own challenges. The simple fact is that everyone needs a break.

Many restaurant owners find mid-August and September to be good times to cut back hours, if only to try and lessen the odds of having their businesses affected by severe weather like tropical storms or worse.

Ruth Ernst, the owner of St. John Spice maintains a Web page which keeps track of who's open and who's closed, and when.  If you're headed to the island, it's a good idea to print this page out and them, as a last check, call before you go - just to make sure there hasn't been a change in plans.

St. John restaurant closings schedule: www.stjohnspice.com/stjohnrestaurants.htm

Restaurants, pro and con

Some visitors have a love and hate reaction to island restaurants.

"Sometimes. I just refuse to cook on vacation," said ACB in a posting on a TripAdvisor forum.  Agreeing with another commenter, Bluewater that food and service is inconsistent (at island eateries), ACB said, "I'm willing to eat mediocre food in a beautiful location and, after a few drinks, it tastes sublime."

Bluewater does have some favorites.  "We love Uncle Joe's BBQ and Skinny Legs and the Deli in Mongoose Junction.  Our last experience at Lime Inn was not very good.  The Fish Trap is good but pricey for what you get."

Stanflyfisher was generally negative, save for his likes (Joe's and the Deli).  He really didn’t like the Lime Inn or Morgan's Mango, but liked the Tamarind Inn enough to go twice.

RGC1600 defended the restaurants, saying he has his own database of 28 restaurants. "My experience, and that of many others, is that there are lots of fine dining experiences at most budget levels on St. John," he wrote. "Morgan's Mango and Lime Inn are consistently praised -- if you had a bad experience, I'm sorry, but they are by no means 'horrible.' They serve excellent food and have many devoted fans."

ACB says he, too, has had a few bad meals on island and makes his decisions about where to eat based on price and value.  "This is why I am boycotting higher end white table restaurants.  They have not consistently delivered a product worthy of the price."

Celobeach wrote that she had a great time at LaTapa. "The waitress knew the menu and wine list. She answered our questions and gave recommendations for each course. Her manner was informed, not snotty. We feasted that evening and it was worth every penny."

(Chefs on island know they have challenges maintaining consistent quality.  Listen to Paradiso's Paul Trujillo talk about how hard he works to develop a menu despite changing and unreliable food supplies and availability.)

Panini Beach: Countdown to closing

It's 10 years and out for Janet Kleiner and Joe Guarise.  They'll be closing their Cruz Bay beach-side trattoria at Wharfside on August 17th. Their moderately-priced restaurant's menu included inventive Bellinis to start, excellent pasta and hot Italian sausages (my favorite),  linguine and clams for an entree, and a Cioccolato Panino for Dolci.

They are not leaving happily.  They arrived in late 1997 from Chicago, full of energy and optimism.  But developments like Sirenusa, Grande Bay, multi-million dollar villas, rising rents, a demanding landlord and other changes have been troubling. "It's still beautiful, but I'd rather leave and remember it as it was," Kleiner explained.

She talked about her experience in a forthright, even controversial, interview.  To listen, click the "Play" button below.

You can also download or hear the conversation by clicking here.

Restaurant business declining?

The Inquiring Iguana spends too much time surfing various forums where island visitors are eager to get the inside story on what's happening on island. Here's some of what he's heard recently.

21st Century island visitors are not eating in the island’s restaurants as much as tourists use to.  Comments on TripAdvisor.com suggest there's some truth to this.  There are lots of questions and answers about bringing your own food.

Tequila tasting a new highlight of Katilady

Vodka and wine tasting are now part of Kate Steinborn's Katilady Catering.  The 10-year-old firm has staged events like these in island villas. A beer tasting is planned, too.

"We're trying to appeal to the local market," said Edika Franco one of Katilady's chefs.  "There's not much to do here for locals, so we just want to have some fun" with things like cooking demonstrations and wine pairings.

In the second part of an interview with Steinborn, she also explains how a Virgin Islands business owner like herself has to be flexible and always adapting.  "If you want to do one thing, and only one thing, this is not the place for you," she explained.

To listen, click the "Play" button below.

You can also download or hear the conversation by clicking here.

How Katilady puts the 'Welcome' in baskets

Everybody's gotta eat, even if they are on vacation. 

That simple fact, and the fact that many of St. John's visitors have money or want to splurge, may be behind the fact that there are at least four catering businesses on island.  Each will provision your villa before you arrive, have a private chef prepare a great meal for you in the villa, or maybe even prepare a beach picnic for you.

Perhaps the oldest catering business is Katilady, owned by Katherine Steinborn.  She started 10 years ago, by herself in a 12-foot-by-12-foot efficiency apartment, putting together "Welcome Baskets" of snacks and drinks and delivering them to rental homes.  Now, Katilady has 18 full- and part-time employees.

More cheap stuff on island, courtesy of the St. John Sun Times

Grill Your Own at Maho  Monday and Tuesday Nights.  Steak, sausage, Yellow fin tuna, and shrimp are among the choices for you to prepare with some tips, and island spices, from chef Mon Phon.  $6-$12.  Estate Concordia, phone 340-693-5855.

Wednesday is Shrimp Night at the Lime Inn.  A favorite of locals for years and years.  340-776-6425.