Packing food in your suitcase for STJ.

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Tue Nov 04, 2008 11:46 am

I'm not one to bring frozen food etc. But I do pack non perishable snack type items that are light and don't take up too much space.

These days you have to be mroe conscientious about weight. IOW that granola bar can end up costing you $50 if you're not careful.

But I do try to chosse items that might cost me more on island.

SO if you're within the weight limits and have some space I like to pack the following extras:

- Tea (cold brew)
- Equal or Splenda packets
- Drink Mix (i.e. Gatorade and Crystal Light individual packets)
- Cereal/Breakfast Bars etc.
- Power bars
- Snack items (Pringles, cookies etc.)
- Peanut Butter & Jelly
- Microwave popcorn
- Lg Plastic Nalgene Bottles
- 5 trash bags
- Whetstone (knife sharpener)
- Zip lock bags of various sizes.

And I pack most of the stuff in Ziplock bags and the nalgene bottles to save space.

jqg1956 · Post by **jqg1956** » Wed Nov 05, 2008 1:47 pm

New to this site, but wanted to throw in my 2 cents - leaving for STJ on Saturday - this is our 2nd trip - last year there were 6 of us and I packed a soft side cooler on wheels with 6 each of steaks, salmon, hot dogs, hamburgers, shrimp, deli meats and cheese, butter, and a rack of lamb. Everything stayed frozen using techni-ice(?). (Trip started out from Pennsylvania.) The others packed snacks and cooking essentials (s&p, oil & vinegar, coffee, etc.)
This year it is only 2 couples so the amount won't be as much but we're still bringing steaks, etc. for grilling. Its one of the pleasures to overlook Cruz Bay with cocktail in hand, grilling a nice NY strip. Since STJ is so laid back, we don't need much in the line of clothes (and the place has w/d) - husband and I are sharing a suitcase to check, along with the cooler.
Looking forward to a delightful week!

mahojim · Post by **mahojim** » Wed Nov 05, 2008 3:32 pm

JGQ-
Right down my alley! We've been doing the same thing for our past 3 trips, and you're right; grilling on the grill after a long wonderful day on the beach is wonderful. It's a "feels right at home" kind of feeling, to me.
Enjoy the sunsets, and have a safe trip!
Smiles-
MJ

steve · Post by **steve** » Wed Nov 05, 2008 8:00 pm

We have rented many times on STJ and we always bring a ton of food. We have a large family and like to eat at the Villa, we usually stay at La Jolla Caribe which has a big kitchen with all we need to cook and an incredible out door dining area over the N Shore...we can't find a better view in a restuarant.

We have had 8 or more people at a time. We made it fun so all adults had to bring dinner for a night or two. We later modified that so that all meals had to be pre-prepared and frozen... moms got tired of nieces and nephews basting the kitchen trying to out do each other with gourmet meals from scratch. We are usually tired from a day exploring and this is a great way to have incredible meals with minimal effort and not have to get cleaned up to go out. It also saves a lot of money.
It is more about the convenience than the cost. It is expensive to buy food at the market (Pine Peace is usually cheapest) but then who wants to prepare it??? We have collapsable coolers on wheels that work great.
We are going in Feb, 4 adult couples and this again is our plan. We will let you know if it is cost prohibitive given the charge per bag...

have fun,

Steve

lisak428 · Post by **lisak428** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 7:46 am

Hi Steve-
I'm just curious as to what meals you bring that are pre-prepared and frozen? I'm heading down in a couple of weeks and looking to do the same, but I'm struggling to come up with some good ideas. I like the idea of not spending a lot of prep time in the kitchen, but at the same time having a delicious meal!! Anyone else with ideas, please chime in!
Thanks,
Lisa

liamsaunt · Post by **liamsaunt** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 9:03 am

One thing I did last trip was prepare the marinades and sauces I wanted to use at home, then I froze them in foodsaver bags, sealed them, and brought them down with the proteins frozen and sealed seperately. Then, when I wanted to make something, all I had to do was thaw, combine, and grill. This saved a lot of time and effort.

steve · Post by **steve** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 6:31 pm

Frozen Meat loaf is always a favorite. Frozen steaks, lasagna, enchiladas, meatballs (the spaghetti and sauce is easy), hamburger pattis, some Creole dishes, some chinese food that can be prepared and stir fried there. Costco has some pretty good premade and frozen dinners. bag sallads are nice ( the fresh vegies are costly down there). Stew is an easy one to freeze then heat up. usually each couple brings there specialty,... when cooking at home for the month before the trip if something sounds good the wife just doubles it , shrink wraps and freezes it!

Steve

lisak428 · Post by **lisak428** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 6:37 pm

Thanks liamsaunt and Steve. You have given me some good ideas. I don't have a vacuum sealer. Will my frozen foods (sauces and marinades) be OK in a freezer zip lock bag? Maybe I should double bag?
Thanks,
Lisa

liamsaunt · Post by **liamsaunt** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 9:47 am

I would definitely double bag if you are using ziplocs. If anything thaws before you want it to, it is likely to leak if you only use one bag.

Kentuckygirl · Post by **Kentuckygirl** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 10:13 am

steve wrote:We have rented many times on STJ and we always bring a ton of food. We have a large family and like to eat at the Villa, we usually stay at La Jolla Caribe which has a big kitchen with all we need to cook and an incredible out door dining area over the N Shore...we can't find a better view in a restuarant.

Steve

So true Steve! We stayed there in June and loved the view and the outdoor dining area! I brought steaks and marinated chicken to grill, but really wish I had brought more. Next time I will!

Lisa,
I took the steaks and chicken in a small soft sided cooler that I fit in my carryon. (We didn't check any bags.) I double bagged everything (freezer ziplocs) and it was all frozen solid when we arrived at the villa. We just added some salads and sides that we picked up from Big Belly Deli to go along with the meats. We took some cereal bars, spices, and ziploc bags too, but that's about it. I plan to take more and eat in more next time.
Have a great trip!

Kentuckygirl · Post by **Kentuckygirl** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 10:16 am

I just realized that the original poster was muyfamily. You all have a great trip too! 2 weeks on St. John sounds wonderful!

Lulu76 · Post by **Lulu76** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 11:10 am

Just a reminder that if you take anything in a carry-on cooler that is frozen but will be liquid if it defrosts, they will make you throw it out. That kind of stuff can only go in a checked cooler!

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