Walter Hinds, the award-winning executive chef who made Stone Terrace the talk of the island, has opened his own place in the former Tage space, along the street across from the Sprauve School. Lousy location. All the traffic noise and thumping audio shrieking out of passing SUVs you could want, and more.
The menu, courtesy of On-StJohn.com, looks very artsy and skillful. And expensive. Appetizers average $15; entrees (including Ahi Tuna, Maine Scallops, and Lobster Polenta) are near $40. Start with a beer, share a bottle of wine with dinner, and you’ve got a bill for $170, plus tip.
The self-titled Hinds Restaurant is sure to come in for heat about those prices - especially since the place is also “temporarily” cash only.
But no one, and no business, is immune form the rising cost of living on St. John. Food costs, at the supermarket and in the restaurants, are soaring thanks to rising utility and transportation costs from sea to shining sea.
Hinds’ restaurant is opening in the slow time on St. John, a good idea - so long as he has a lot of operating capital to carry him to December. No reviews on the place yet - you’ll know when we know.
(Since this was posted, several satisfied diners have posted reviews. Click here to see them and add your two cents.)
Hinds photo, courtesy of Virgin Voice, which also wrote an item about him when he was at the Stone Terrace.