Provisioning Question

[MSGARMYGIRL]

I can't find where on here I seen someones post about a place where I can place a food order to have some stuff put in our villa for when we arrive. Can anyone help?

[Gromit]

I find these services to be VERY pricey on STJ IMHO. There's a flat fee , plus cost of supplies plus 20%. Plus delivery charge in some cases.

That being said, there are some folks who don't mind paying those extra fees.

On St John profiled Christy's and I know folks have used them in the past and been pleased.
http://www.on-stjohn.com/2007/03/31/the ... a-vittles/

From their provisioning order form:

#1. ____ Small Provisioning - Package Price $50 + Cost of Supplies + 20% of Cost.
A few items for the first night and the next morning. Items may be from the Villa Grocery List
or you can simply write your own list.


#2. ____ Full Service Provisioning - Package Price $100+ Cost of Supplies+ 20% of Cost.As many items as you need! Items may be from the Villa Grocery List or you can simply write your own list. With an option for further shopping during your stay.


I just personally don't like paying THAT much more for the "convenience" and prefer to just hit Pine Peace market or Lilly's when I get there and save myself a $100 plus 20%. But that's me.

Keep in mind some villa co's leave a welcome basket of goodies and snacks for you, but check to be sure.

[Kentuckygirl]

There are several to choose from. We have used Katilady (katilady.com) and were happy with them. I have also heard good things about Christy's catering (christysofstjohn.com). I googled St. John provisoning and catering, and also came up with passionfruitchefs.com, eastwestcatering.com, and stjohncatering.com.
It's nice to have some things in your villa when you arrive, so you don't have to immediately go to the grocery!

[Gromit]

I just want to add that I don't begrudge them charging these prices-- having a biz on STJ is expensive, I get it.

I'd just rather spend that extra money on something else and I like the control of picking my own food.

[lprof]

There have been some posts here this year with favorable reviews of
http://villafood.com

http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... a+food+ali


http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... ht=#182356

[Kentuckygirl]

I just want to add that I don't begrudge them charging these prices-- having a biz on STJ is expensive, I get it.

I'd just rather spend that extra money on something else and I like the control of picking my own food.

I agree 100%! We have just had them stock some basics to supplement what we bring down, then we have a day or two before we have to go the store. I don't think I would get a huge delivery.

[bruco72]

I have worked with Ali at villa food for my upcoming May trip. She has no flat fee or cost of supplies. Just 20% of the total (minimum of $50, which is quite easy given island food prices) and does have a delivery charge for some locations. Trip isn't for two weeks but she has been great to work with so far.

The thought of not having to spend 60-90 minutes in a grocery store and then carrying in it all in and putting it away after a 12 hour travel day makes the cost well worth it to me.

[PA Girl]

We have used Katilady for several years and it is fine for just getting basics in the house. We always add water and booze.

I nearly ordered from VillaFood in February but ended up sticking with Katilady. I have heard very good things about Ali.

I agree with Gromit, Christy's costs were just way too high for us. I have no problem with spending money to save myself time on vacation, her cost structure was too high for us.

[Paul]

Definitely go with Ali at Villa Food. We used her last year when we arrived late on island. It was nice to go straight to the villa and have food and cold beer waiting for us. Her fee is reasonable and she is great to work with.

[SOonthebeach]

Ali at Villa Food is awesome.

[lazylane]

www.villafoodvi.com

We have been doing this for years and found Ali last year - great selection, fresh and so convenient and stress free. We were able to substitiute a couple items, too. Heck, you're on vacation go for it! Last year we got the Breakfast#1 package and Lunch Time. There were 4 of us and we had plenty on hand for a while - it's there when you arrive and you can get to limin' right away !!

[pegoode]

Another vote for Ali. We used her last year for provisioning and were very happy with her service. I liked being able to give her a grocery list rather than ordering a package. She was very accommodating. When we ordered chicken kabobs and she wasn't able to find them pre-made, she got us the skewers and all the fixings so we could make our own. I would definitely use Villa Food again. After a long day of travel, we were grateful to have booze, dinner and breakfast items ready for us when we got there. Gave us a chance to settle in and enjoy. We're going to St. Croix this year and I hope to find someone as good as Ali to provision our villa there. If anyone has any experience with a provisioner there, please send recommendations my way.