The latest fabulous
incarnation of Paradiso restaurant at Mongoose
Junction is in its last days.
Just three months ago, Tom Theleman had
just taken over the space with big hopes, and a desire to
return the restaurant to the fame and high standards it had five years
ago that made it one of the best in the Virgin Islands.
Theleman's no
stranger to the restarant business. He helped run Paradisopreviously,
worked with Asolare's owner Winston
Burnett, and clinked toques with chef Ted Robinson of Tage fame.
Then, the Paradiso space was his ... and this was his time. His strategy, he explained in an interview, was to cater to locals and tourists with moderate prices, half-price appetizers at the bar all the time, and high-quality food.
But things haven't worked out. Blame it on a lousy economy or the high price of running a business on the island, well, there are probably lots of reasons.
What is clear though is that come July 1, Theleman's restaurant will be gone. He's planning to go out with good taste.
He hopes good food at good prices will result in lots of people having a good time. All that will result in good business for the restaurant and the staff will walk away with some cash in their pockets, the suppliers will be happy, and Theleman will be able to look back at a good job, well done.