First timer questions

jgf711 · Post by **jgf711** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 10:10 pm

Well we've booked La Bella Villa in Coral Bay and a jeep from Dependable. My wife and I will be on St. John from April 3rd to April 10th and our 33rd anniversary. We're looking for a very nice restaurant for our anniversary. Do we need reservations? What other restaurants should we make sure we get to while there?

Also, where do we go to get groceries and liquor on St. John??

Thanks!! Can't wait!!!!

Ondine · Post by **Ondine** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 10:44 pm

I'm just back from my first trip there, and absolutely loved it. I didn't do anything fine dining wise, but everytime I drove by, and have since read about, Asolare, it looked incredibly special for location/view. Reviews are strong for food, too.
I spent most of my time in Coral Bay, so I'm limited mostly to that area...
For Coral Bay: have a quick burger at Skinny's, an appetizer/drink/maybe dinner, too if the mood strikes, at Aqua Bistro, a nice dinner on the bay at Island Blues w/ great music on some nites, a conch fritter at Vies snackshack and breakfast at Donkey Diner, is a must. You'll drive by DD and think it's a barn, but you must go in and have the yummy food and enjoy the creative decor!
I haven't tried Shipwreck or Sweet Plantains, but reviews are very strong for those, too. SP could be good anniv. dinner. Oh! and Miss Lucy's for sunday brunch! Phew. Enjoy!

Food and liquor: Starfish and Mixology seem good.

Roberto · Post by **Roberto** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 7:37 am

We were able to supplement what we bought at Starfish with groceries and wine from Lily's Market in Coral Bay.

waterguy · Post by **waterguy** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 7:39 am

There will be a forum get together at the beach bar on the 6th it would be great to see you there.
Tom

Carolyn · Post by **Carolyn** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 7:40 am

I agree about Asolare. We ate there twice on our recent trip and enjoyed both nights. It would be a longish drive back to Coral Bay after dinner (drinking?) but certainly well worth it if you don't mind that. One piece of advice is to make those reservations as soon as possible and request a table at the railing for the best sunset view.

If you want to stay closer to Coral Bay Chateau Bordeaux would be another good choice.

Grocery stores in Cruz Bay are:

Starfish for one stop shopping
Dolphin Market (not my personal favorite but OK)
Pine Peace /Peace Pine? (lots of folks here can inform you on this one)

Coral Bay:
Love City Mini Mkt

I think you can buy beer wine and RUM at the grocery stores...also new gourmet store at Starfish carries more alcohol and specialty items, cheese, etc.

Personally I would also recommend Miss Lucy's for sunday brunch
Shipwreck Landing for casual lunch/dinner
Sweet Plantains for west indian ( well reviewed) dinner only
Skinny Legs for lunch (burgers/sandwiches)

lazylane · Post by **lazylane** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 10:20 am

Coral Bay is our favorite area.

Donkey Diner - best breakfast and they have pizza too!
Island Blues - great atmosphere and wonderful food
Skinny Legs - great sandwiches and drinks - try the grilled Mahi-Mahi
Shipwreck Landing - good seafood, nightly special-great drinks
Miss Lucy's - Sunday brunch a must - right on the water
Aqua Bistro - great lunch spot/bar (didn't have dinner there)
Vie's Snack Shack (its a real shack!!) but GREAT conch fritters
Sweet Plantains - we haven't gone here yet, but sounds great

Groceries in Coral Bay
Lily's Market at Cocoloba Plaza - good selection
Love City Mini-Mart

Bob & Anita · Post by **Bob & Anita** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 11:05 am

jgf711 wrote:We're looking for a very nice restaurant for our anniversary. Do we need reservations?

We recommend Chateau Bordeaux for your anniversary dinner. Reservations are recommended. Request a table with a view when making your reservations and get there so you can enjoy the view in daylight and the sunset during your meal. We had our anniversary dinner here once: excellent food, nice wine list, wonderful appertizers, great service and very romantic.

jgf711 wrote:Also, where do we go to get groceries and liquor on St. John??

Since you are renting your car from Dependable, like we do, we recommend getting a lot of your groceries on STT. We have a Word Document with directions and a maps to several groceries stores on STT that you can hit on your way to Red Hook. PM or email us if you are interested in this document.

jgf711 · Post by **jgf711** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 11:11 pm

Thank you all very much!! I will be asking more questions and I will write a trip report when we get home.

Thanks again,

Joe

Teresa_Rae · Post by **Teresa_Rae** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 12:18 am

ZoZo's is also great for a nice dinner

See: http://www.zozos.net/

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