Saint John, one of the most pristine of the U.S. Virgin Islands, has a lot to recommend it as a tourist destination. Unlike its overdeveloped neighbor, Saint Thomas, its gorgeous beaches are overlooked by a nearly untouched jungle landscape, and its rental houses and hotels are some of the most luxurious in the Caribbean. This abundance of both natural and man-made beauty attracts a great variety of tourists every year, from young honeymooners to the wealthy and famous- but no matter what the income level of the vacationer there’s one thing everyone can enjoy, and that’s a meal out on the town.
Cruz Bay, the islands main port (and point of entry for most tourists) is host to many of the islands best restaurants, from the exceptional Morgan’s Mango to one of country-singer Kenny Chesney’s favorite haunt, The Quiet Mon. But those looking for a more colorful dining experience would do well to spend an evening at The Lime Inn, dining within a bustling open-air court near the center of town. You can hardly go wrong with any of their locally caught seafood entrees- their freshly caught lobster in particular is a delight- and the menu often features some of the best poultry dishes on the island, from a mouth-wateringly tender Cornish game hen to the chef’s special: a supremely well prepared chicken Wellington . . . and be sure to save room for a slice of their homemade Key Lime Pie! Make certain to make reservations, however, as wait times tend to be long, especially on Wednesdays when the restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat, peel-and-eat shrimp feast.
For a more upscale meal, you may want to try Le Chateau de Bordeaux. Perched near the tip of Bordeaux Mountain, the island’s highest point, this restaurant blends classic Continental fare with the Caribbean, and features eclectic Victorian décor (each table is topped with an antique crocheted table cloth) and a breath-taking patio view of the eastern half of the island. Their appetizers include home-smoked chicken spring rolls and a exquisitely smooth carrot soup that excellently compliments one of the restaurants best dishes: a Dijon mustard and pecan-crusted roast rack of lamb served with shallot port reduction. All of this excellence does come at a high price, and the availability of wine, cheese, and bread tends to be limited during off-season. Also somewhat disappointing is the rather slow service at their patio lunch bar . . . but consider stopping by post-lunch for one of the restaurant’s passion fruit daiquiris.
Not all of Saint John’s best dining experiences are expensive, however. Consider Skinny Legs, a laid-back bar and grill nestled in sleepy Coral Bay, and a favorite hangout spot for many locals. Their menu is limited, but their juicy burgers are without a doubt the tastiest on the island, and the grilled mahi-mahi sandwiches will delight seafood lovers. Better than the food, however, is the casual atmosphere, which often features live music, movie nights, and a range of outdoor activities (I’ve seen everything from Bocce ball to Wii bowling) that will delight young and old alike. The bar of course features all manner of familiar tropical drinks, but do yourself a favor and treat yourself to a Painkiller, a rum, pineapple, and coconut based concoction served with finely grated nutmeg shavings. Besides being the signature drink of Saint John, it’s also delicious!
