New to the Forum

[sundownlow]

First, I would like to introduce myself. I am completely new to this forum/site that I found by accident while researching my trip to the USVI. I am soooo glad that I found it! I have read so many wonderful trip reports, ideas from packing lists, weather, places to go, restaurants, etc., and most important to me, the photos (I'm an amateur photographer) for ideas of places to photograph. The best part of it all, is that I found this "off-topic" forum since I'm also an extreme foodie and have been for years.

I love the recipes and photos people have submitted and will probably start submitting some myself. I do live in Northern CA so it will be a combination of food and wine since I truly believe that wine is food!

Thanks to all of you for having this forum. Absolutely Love it!

I leave on Sunday for my first trip to the USVI. Unfortunately, I'm not staying on St John but St Thomas (I didn't know...) and will take boat excursions to the BVI and St John including days of ferrying over so I can explore the islands both by land and sea. This is a much needed trip and I'm going alone. I'm hoping for great photography and good food.

Oh and any inputs on absolutely essential items I have to have from St John Spice would be appreciated. My "travel mementos" are always "consumable"... and include cookbooks.

PS - how do you submit photos??????

[sundownlow]

I "think" that I'm pretty computer savvy... I thought I was posting in the food porn forum.... How do I get there????

[Nic in KC]

Welcome! You are posting in the right place! For the food porn thread, just click on that threat and reply to that post.

Doing an intro as a separate post is perfect though! Enjoy your upcoming trip! I'm sure it will be wonderful. We have Northern California on our list of must see places. I'd love to do a wine tour someday!

[Xislandgirl]

You are in the right place!

My list of must haves from STJ Spice include:

A human sized tub of Cruz Bay Grill Rub
Voodoo spice
Kiss of the jumbie coffee
Jerome's hot sauce
Blind Betty- Blind in the rind got sauce
Carnival Jam Tea

[PA Girl]

I love the recipes and photos people have submitted and will probably start submitting some myself. I do live in Northern CA so it will be a combination of food and wine since I truly believe that wine is food!

I like you already!

[California Girl]

Welcome to the forum! You're going to fit in just fiiiiine around here if you post recipes & photos featuring wine! I'm from down south of you in Orange County.

Posting a picture isn't difficult. If you don't already have your photos hosted somewere like photobucket, etc. then use tinypic.com. It's free and super easy! When you upload your picture, tinypic gives you the code to paste into your post and VOILA! you have a picture! The code for your picture is enclosed in "image tags" which look like . If you have any trouble, just ask, everyone here is willing to help you!

[XOXO]

Welcome. I am glad that you posted a separate post. I really don't open the food porn thread--just not a foodie.

I hope you have a great trip! I like your idea of using the ferry to go to St. John. I think you would enjoy taking a ferry to the BVI's too.

Have you planned any boat trips? Does anyone know if Lion in 'Da Sun picks up in St. Thomas? If so, you might go with them to see Jost or the baths.

There are a lot of fun things to do on St. Thomas that aren't offered on St. John. So, I will be very interested in your trip report when you get back to see how it worked out for you.

xoxo

[Gromit]

Welcome and congrats on your upcoming trip!!

Once you're hooked, you're hooked.

So prepare to be hooked!

[Agent99]

Welcome!! I second the Cruz Bay Grill Rub! There is a great marinade recipe on the bag that calls for soy sauce, fresh lime juice and the rub. I tried it the other night on chicken breasts with a sweet balsamic instead of the soy and it was delish!

[b-as-u-r]

Welcome. We have some on the forum that frequent STT, so maybe they can give you some pointers on what to do, where to eat, etc. when you're not off to STJ or the BVI's. Whatever you miss on STJ, will give you a good reason to return. Have a great trip! Ali~

[sundownlow]

Wow, what a welcome! I went out to finish yard work and did not expect this. Thank you so much! I am even more excited about this trip and especially this forum then ever before.

Thanks for the info on what to buy at St John Spice - I'm printing the list now. Any recommendations on rum????? I may have to re-think how many bottles of wine I want to bring. I don't want to have to bring it back or leave it there. I may need the space for all the spices, coffee, etc. I pick up at St John Spice!

I really don't have many things planned on STT except possibly one day of traveling around the island because I am staying there and of course to take sunset photos. The condo that I'm staying at is next to Red Hook and the ferry, boats, and the supposed best food market is near by. The restaurant on the grounds has great reviews (Blue Moon Cafe) which would be a welcome if I don't want to cook after being gone all day and don't want to go back out. The menu does look very nice... although I don't remember seeing any "local" food listed. I like to eat the local food wherever I'm at in the world! Any recommendations on either STT or St John?? what about the BVI??? what can I expect as far as food there????

After spending a crazy amount of time reading through the posts on this forum I have so many jaunts/plans that I won't be able to do it all. I'm going to try though....

I promise to post a trip report especially since it's my first time there. After reading some of your comments and especially the enthusiasm, I see many more trips in my future! I will also try and post photos, etc. on the Food Porn thread while there.

All of you "Rock"! thanks so much! you'll be reading more from me! I will be on my way on Sunday.....and I've already started packing!

[SOonthebeach]

Congrats and welcome! Definitely get some roti while you're on island- some folks here will be able to recommend some good really local food stands on STJ- I can't think of any now but the roti is fantastic! We've had it on Jost several times.

And a giant second and third for the CB Grill Rub! We also love to get a bottle of Valley Doll Hot Sauce from Nancy over at Shipwreck Landing on the east end of STJ. Good stuff!

Rum is really inexpensive down there- wine not so much- so bring the wine you want and replace it with some rum going back! My personal favorite is Pussers since I am a Painkiller fan (if you're not familiar it's a fruity pineapple/OJ/coconut cream/Pussers concoction with grated nutmeg on top). But they are often made with Cruzan dark, too.

LOVE the CA wine country- and wine IS food- you are among friends here

Have a fantastic trip, take tons of pics (I am an amateur photog as well and easily take 1,000-2,000 in a week there!!), and send us a report!!