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

What's the perfect Virgin Islands souvenir?

This is a picture of a bottle stopper, sold as a souvenir at a smoothie stand on St. John. 

A couple of Midwesterners happened to post that they regretted not getting one while they were on island, and a thoughtful person, known as LMG, read about their regret on the Virgin Islands On-Line Forum, and bought them one.

Well, this started me thinking about souvenirs.  What's a good memento of a good time on St. John? 

For me, it's a silver band which features a petroglyph design, which we bought at R & I Patton years ago.  In fact, I lost it, by which time the Pattons were no longer making them in silver, only gold.  But Irene did me a favor, and hand crafted a second one.  I wear it now as a wedding ring.  It's a constant reminder of the island.

I wonder what souvenirs other people bring back.  Seems to me the more locally-made or -related, the better, rather than something that might have been Made in China.

Care to share?  Post your suggestions here.

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.

New: Friends of the Park Store

The Friends of Virgin Islands National Park celebrated the opening of its new retail venture with a grand opening party late in November.    The store is located at Mongoose Junction, in the former space of the Canvas Factory. 

Items for sale include home decor, educational gifts, local crafts, t-shirts, and souvenir items. The store also offers information about Friends and Park events.  You can also join the Friends group (which gets you a discount on seminars and activities).

Travel radio show loves St. John

St. John got two more hours of fame this past weekend as the focus of a radio talk show, "Traveling Feet" with Stephanie Abrams.  She broadcast the from a restaurant at the Westin Resort.

"Palm trees are barely swaying, but just enough to kind of caress you as you sit outdoors,", Abrams said at the start of the first hour of her Saturday show.  Then, she asked her engineer back on the mainland, "Can you hear the steel drums in the background?  These lovely gentlemen in their pretty tropical shirts ..."

Abrams talked enthusiastically about St. John and interviewed about half a dozen people.  They includedthe general manager of the Westin, Kim Chappel, as well as Rafe Boulon of the USVI National Park, Patty Johnston, manager of Cruz Bay Watersports, and James Penn, owner of Penn's Taxi.

The shows are archived online.  Right-click on the links below to save the programs to your computer and then listen to them with iTunes or Windows Media Player.

• The first hour is here: http://archives.warpradio.com/btr/TravelWithStephanie/011319.MP3
• The second is here http://archives.warpradio.com/btr/TravelWithStephanie/011320.MP3.

Cost U Less has a new owner

A Virgin Islands version of the states' Costco chain is under new management.  Lots of locals, as well as visitors on their way to the island, use Cost U Less as a one-stop to stock up on all sorts of items, from DVD players to lettuce, to wine and even outdoor furniture - at very competitive prices.  The store is about a 15 minute drive from the Red Hook ferry dock.

The North West Co. said its purchased Cost-U-Less Inc. for $52.2 million.  The Manitoba-based company operates 220 retail stores in Canada, Alaska, the South Pacific and the Caribbean.   North West traces its history back 338 years and is publicly traded.  Its stock (North West Fund, NWTUF.PK ) has gained 50% this year.

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.

Remember Deborah Designs?

A long, long time ago, Deborah Willard was a clothing designer and artist living on St, John.  She had a shop in the courtyard of the Lime Inn. She sold hand-painted clothing: t-shirts, dresses, hats, tank tops, shawls, etc. featuring tropical designs, whimsical iguanas and lizards, or customers' requests.After 15 years, she left the island, in 2004.   

RickG - a frequent contributor to the Virgin islands On-Line forum, noticed a post signed Deborahdesigns and one thing led to another.

Ms. Willard posted a a few weeks ago on the forum indicating she's relocated to a studio in the downtown arts district of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, her home town. She now describes herself as "Painter/Doodler/Scribbler/Illustrator/Graphic Designer/Surface Designer/Hand Painter/Calligrapher/Signwriter/Editor/Proofreader/Computer Person/All-Purpose Creative Genius in nearly everything except food.

Here's her Web site: http://www.deborahwillarddesign.com/.

Holiday gift ideas

Two of the island's best known artists are now shipping their 2008 calendars.  Priority Mail will get them to you in plenty of time.

Steve Simonsen's calendar features a dozen photos of the island, as well as a color map and a history of St. John.  The 17-inch wide calendar costs $17.00, plus shipping.  Orders can be placed online at this Web site or by e-mail to simonsen@viaccess.net. Steve's beautiful coffee table book of island photographs, Living Art, is also available.

Elaine Estern's calendar also features 12 views of St. John, prints of her original watercolor paintings. Its price is $24, plus shipping.

See them here: http://www.coconutcoaststudios.com/Site/2008%20calendar.html. Elaine also sells lots of gift items featuring her work.  Among my favorites are the tiles and luggage tags. Call 1-800-887-3798 to order.

Wait, there's more.

Holiday tree ornaments from Pink Papaya, $24, here: http://pinkpapaya.com/chor.html

30 years for Mongoose

Mongoose Junction is about to celebrate its 30th tourist season.  In an article about the shopping area, "This Week", the VI tourist magazine you can get at the airport and on some flight, calls the project "a beautiful example of 18th century Danish building technique with a modern twist." 

The architect on the project, and still an island resident, was Glen Speer. Originally, the center offered venues to local artists and artisans. As tourism has increased, and real estate has appreciated, rents in the center have moved up and many of the original tenants have moved on, some to be replaced by branches of larger companies.

The first phase of Mongoose began in 1978.  The upscale Ocean Grill has replaced the original open air bar/restaurant.  It was the place for business people to have lunch, for real estate salespeople to swap stories around an oval bar, while tourists sat at tables and treated bananaquits to sugar water.  The second section, heavy on big retailers, was started in 1988.

You can read This Week's story about Mongoose by clicking here.  The St. John section is on pages 64-75.

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.

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.

Results of food store war survey

It was not much of a contest. Starfish Market and the Pine Peace Grocery were the clear favorites of almost 350 voters in last week's survey.  Frankly, this looks like a victory for Pine Peace, given Starfish's greater visibility and its similarity to markets on the mainland. 

Pine Peace is more crowded and its inventory more limited, but for the day to day stuff like cereal, snacks, beverages and staples, it's fine and certainly beats Starfish on prices.

A surprise to me is the poor showing by Dolphin Market - could be the location, parking can be tough - and will only get more difficult with the roundabout construction. The owners' decision to open a location on the South Shore road, at the new shopping strip across from the Westin, is a very good move.

Flea market this weekend

The Animal Care Center is hoping home owners will do a little late summer cleaning this week and sell their old household "stuff" at the ACC's first "No Fleas, Please, Flea Market".

The sale begins at 10 a.,m. on Saturday at the Winston Wells Ball Field at the Sprauve School. All children and dogs on leashes are welcome to join in the fun, according to an ACC member.   :)

Local shops and businesses are contributing items to the sale.  Both the Westin and Caneel have also contributed items.  Donations of other goods are being accepted this week. The ACC is also making space available to individuals who want to set up their own shops.  Proceeds from the space rental and the sale of donated items will go to help fund the Animal Care Center's activities on island.

Canvas Factory closed

Another of tenant at Mongoose Junction has left the building. 

The Canvas Factory went out of business August 18th.  The small shop, offered hand-sewn cotton and canvas baseball caps, briefcases small luggage  pieces and gift items like change purses (or iPod cases?).  It's very sad to see them not only leave Mongoose but go out of business, period.

I'd heard the 27-year-old business was sold a few years ago, and stopped in to talk with the new owner.  She told me she was too busy to talk because she was getting ready to attend a writer's conference in the states.

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.

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.

Verace gets national notice

A St. John store has been named one of the Top 50 Designer jewelery retailers in the country.  Verace is located a few doors from the Cruz Bay ferry dock in Wharfside Village. 

Verace is owned by Luigi Costello. His business was selected for the list by a group of editors, designers and other retailers as part of the JCK Show in Las Vegas, a convention for jewelry designers and sellers.  At the show, it was recognized as the Best Designer Retailer of 2007.

Besides the award, the 10-year-old store is also getting publicity.  A feature by the St. John Source described Verace's upscale business.  "It's not just backpackers and Cinnamon Bay anymore" as customers, Costello said.  Now visitors to the island also want designers' offerings.  Costello said the recent winter season, business-wise, was good, but "not phenomenal."

St. John for less $

The St. John Sun Times has begun a new feature, "St. John on a Budget."  Given that the cost of living, and vacationing, is high, these tips are worth remembering.  The feature is certainly a reason to pick up a copy of the paper, too.   It published every other Wednesday.

Recent tips:

• Shrimp Night at the Lime Inn:  Wednesdays, $21.95 all the peel-and-eat shrimp you want.  Get there early.
• Appetizer happy hour at Paradiso:  Chef Paul Trujillo's tasty starters are half price, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Movie Night at the Tap Room:  This has just started, and let's see how long the MPAA lets it go on.  The show goes on Wednesday nights at 7 p.m.
• Free golf:  The island's miniature golf course, Compass Rose, offers freebies for kids Monday nights and  for groups of lady duffers Wednesday.  Locals also play free before 7 p.m. on Saturday.
• Senorita Pizza: MiIller Draft and Lights, $1 all day.

How to own an island liquor store

Gary Moses is trying a second time to give somebody else a second chance.

Later this month, he will launch an essay contest in which the prize is his five-year-old Mixology Warehouse. The entrance fee is $100, and each 100-word essay will be reviewed by a three judges.

"They'll get an operating business, fully stocked, money in the cash drawer, and four months' rent paid in advance," Moses explained.

"This is a good opportunity for somebody who wants to start fresh," Moses said. "Somebody who feels they can’t go any further in the job where they are now." His motivation is also that of a person who wants to do good, who feels that after 19 years on the island it's time to enjoy life while giving somebody else a chance. He suggests entrants be familiar with the films "Pay it Forward" and "Spitfire Grill" to appreciate what he's trying to achieve.

The Mixology Warehouse is in downtown Cruz Bay, near the Lumberyard shopping center. It does a retail business in beer, liquor and wine, wholesales to island restaurants and makes deliveries to villas for parties, weddings and other events.

If all goes well, the Warehouse could have a new owner by October. Moses will accept essays, only from mainland residents, for 90 days.  He hopes to attract 10,000 entrants. The minimum is 9,000. The judges will take 30 days to make their decision.

Moses ran a similar essay contest for the business last year, but it didn't draw enough interest. He blames himself for not marketing it well and says he'll do better this time. "This is Gary's retirement plan, too," he explained.

After 19 years on island, and having started three businesses (including Noah's Little Arks and the Banana Deck," Moses said it's time to go sailing. But he already has plans for another venture which he describes as an "eco camp" on another island. "On 10 acres, with nine little huts. We'll run it six months a year, and then Gary can go play for six months."

In this week's St. John Podcast, Moses explains how you can win a business on St. John.

To listen on your computer, click the play button below.

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

Subscribe to News of St. John's weekly podcast at the Apple iTunes Store and search for "news of st. john," or copy "http://fbarnako.libsyn.com/rss" and paste it into the "Subscribe" field under the iTunes software’s "Advanced" tab.  You can also use that link to subscribe with other podcatching software.  If you’re having a problem, e-mail: frank@newsofstjohn.com.

Support the animals - order a shirt

Wagapalooza T-shirts are now available for mail ordering.  Proceeds benefit the St. John Animal Care Center and its island wide dog show which "barks off" Saturday evening.

Ben the Bouvier is pictured here wearing the white shirt. (Click the picture to see a bigger version of the photo of the big dog.)

They also come in sky blue. 

E-mail nj2travel@yahoo.com or call 340-642-2338 to place an order with Nancy.

The islands' best on St. John

Dozens of St. John businesses took top honors in the annual Virgin Islands Daily News reader poll to pick the best the Virgin Islands has to offer.  More than 300,000 ballots were distributed by the newspaper. There were 365 categories, with winners on each island and a grand winner for the Territory. Three community organizations, including the Love City Pan Dragons of St. John, counted the votes over a number of weeks. 

Coral Bay's Rose Apollon Adams at Sweet Plantains won the blue ribbon as the "Top Chef" on the three islands.  Asolare won the grand prize for "Romantic Dining," the Balcony at Wharfside for "Ambiance," Chilly Billy’s for "Family Restaurant," and Cafe Roma for "Italian Food."

The Beach Bar was a blue ribbon winner in two categories, "Beach Bar" and "Bar," while Woody’s won for "Bartending Staff."  Baked in the Sun at the Marketplace won honors for being the best bakery and having the best veggie burgers, while the Deli Grotto was voted the best deli in the VI's.

The full list is at the Virgin Islands Daily News Web site.

Sloop Jones: colorful talent

Sloop Jones is a man of many colors, two names, and lots of talent.  Born Terry McKoy, he picked up the "Sloop" nickname in college and went into business with his partner, Jones, in South America several decades ago.  So when he came to St. John more than 20 years ago, he named his company Sloop Jones.

Working in Guatemala, Jones said he was struck by the vivid colors of the Mayan Indians, and their contrast with his grey suit, white shirt, and black shoes. He said, "Theirs' was a life full of color. The color in my life was limited to a sliver of silk (a tie)."  That was a push that eventually brought him to St. John, in a studio far out on East End, where he and his other partner, Barbara Alperen built a business designing and hand-painting shirts, dresses, skirts, hats, rugs, pillows and more. His artistry and execution are first class; his palatte rich in vibrant yet relaxing colors.

While you can find some of his clothing for sale in Cruz Bay, driving out to East End for a visit to the studio/store is not to be missed. Jones took time one afternoon to show me around, and we began talking about he got from El Salvador to East End.  His Web site: SloopJones.com.

Listen to part one of a conversation with Sloop Jones. Part two, coming soon.

Click the play button below.

You can download or hear the file by clicking here.

You can also subscribe to News of St. John's weekly podcast by going to the Apple iTunes Music Store and searching for "news of st. john," or you can copy the words feeds.feedburner.com.stjohn and paste them into the subscribe field under the iTunes software’s "Advanced" tab.  You can also use that Feedburner link to subscribe in other podcatching software.  If you’re having a problem, e-mail: frank@newsofstjohn.com.

Elaine Estern adds music to art

Island art and music are now a double feature at Coconut Coast Studio's weekly gallery reception.

Elaine Estern opens her home-and-gallery Wednesday afternoons, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. A few dozen visitors and locals generally show up to enjoy the art, the beauty of the sunset on Frank Bay, and Rich Greengold's classical playing. 

Also in this week's St. John podcast, Estern talked about the receptions as well as how she manages to be productive despite the lure of island time. One of her secrets - she has three easels around her home so, whatever the time of day or light conditions, she's ready to be inspired.  She also explains the inspiration for a new series of 50 paintings of her year-old Chocolate Labrador, Truffle.

Listen to a conversation with Elaine Estern by clicking the play button below.

You can download or hear the file by clicking here.

You can also subscribe to News of St. John's weekly podcast by going to the Apple iTunes Music Store and searching for "news of st. john," or you can copy the words feeds.feedburner.com.stjohn and paste them into the subscribe field under the iTunes software’s "Advanced" tab.  You can also use that Feedburner link to subscribe in other podcatching software.  If you’re having a problem, e-mail: frank@newsofstjohn.com.

The Inquiring Iguana hears ...

• There’s a possibility Paul Trujillo, owner/chef at Ten Tables (at the Lumberyard) is moving the operation to a new location.  Stay tuned!
• The 8 Tuff Miles roads race is set for Feb. 24.  Lots of training is going on, including what are being called "Geiger Tuff Tune Ups," training runs in memory of David Geiger, a long time resident and good guy.  http://www.8tuffmiles.com
• Cinnamon Bay Campground's T'ree Lizards restaurant is pitching for more business.  Half a page, four-color ad in the St. John Sun-Times lists the restaurants breakfast, lunch and dinner menus.  The "Virgin Gorda Blackened Tuna" sounds good.  Open air, roomy - it's a nice place.
• Marty Beech's CD, "Summer Wind," is on sale at St. John Spice, Sun Dog Cafe, and Infusions Lounge.  He recorded it last summer, in Atlanta. (Listen to a sample.) The St. John Sun-Times says the Islander real estate broker "channels ol' blue eyes" with his renditions of Cole Porter tunes.

Save money on St. John with coupons

There's a Web site which can save you money on drinks at Morgan's Mango, a beach bag at the Pink Papaya, and Cruz Bay Grill Rub at St. John Spice.  It was created by Gail Siart of Outside the Box Solutions and Keryn Bryan of Graphic Island Design.

Go to Couponstjohn.com and you can choose from merchants discount offers including restaurants, water sports and activities, shopping, and more. Click through the individual categories or download and print out all the current offers.  Siart said new coupons are added weekly.  "We have actually had three businesses change their coupon because the site was working too well," she said.

Marine show at Marketplace

The first annual Marine Show on St. John is scheduled for Saturday, May 6th at the Marketplace from 9am to 2pm.  The free show will include boats, educational presentations and demonstrations.  "Boats and engines of various shapes and sizes will be on display and for sale, sponsored by Bradford Aircraft & Marine Accessories, Gary's Marine Service, Maritime Yacht Sales, and Offshore Marine, a spokeswoman for the show said.  Bob Wilkensen of B&C Boat Building will also demonstrate techniques he uses to construct water craft.

Colombian Emeralds at the ferry dock

The island's newest jewelery store is ready on the first floor of the new Dockside building in downtown Cruz Bay. 

Mary Davis is the manager. She previously left the company to open her own business, the Colorful Corner, on Bordeaux Mountain.  "No one but (the owner of Colombian Emeralds) could have gotten me away from my store," Davis told the St. John Sun-Times. "But I have always had a soft spot in my heart for the company." The Nassau-based retailers has 55 stores.  She is impressed with new lines of jewelery from Gregg Ruth and Vianna that the store is carrying. "But most of all, our sales staff is extremely excited," Davis said.

Richard's to be replaced?

A new restaurant is coming to the Marketplace, according to a news release from the shopping center that also said merchants plan a sales promotion for next Monday, Jan. 17, from 3 to 6 p.m.    No details about the planned eatery were offered.  The Richard's Grill space on the second floor has been advertised for lease for several months.

A magician and balloon artist will be on hand for the Festival activities which will also feature games, entertainment and discounts.  The Artists Association of St. John will offer watercolor painting instruction.  And there will be free popcorn for all! 

New businesses showing and selling include Bite, the men's clothing store, Nest & Co., offering gifts for the home and body; St. John Cabinets and Interiors and St. John Executive Suites, temporary and virtual office services.  And, the Marketplace says, there is a new restaurant "coming soon."