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St Croix, USVI
Eating out in St Croix, USVI
Driving around the island, you'll see brightly colored fruit, strange-looking root vegetables, fresh herbs, and even foot-long spiny lobsters, all for sale at roadside markets. These are just a few of the local ingredients in Caribbean cuisine - a melting pot stirred and flavored by many cultures throughout the ages. Quality meals can be had at any price, from cheap local dishes like the spicy stew called "goat water" to imported delights like raspberries in crème fraîche. Professional chefs, especially those with a flair for fresh fish and local fruit dishes, have been attracted to the US Virgin Islands for the bounty that nature provides to their kitchens.
Gourmet
Indies has an island-inspired menu that changes as frequently as the colors in a sunset. Its historic courtyard is dotted with tables covered in handmade floral cloth, and in addition to delicacies like crab cakes and spicy Caribbean spring rolls, you are treated to live jazz on Saturday evenings. 55 Company Street, Christiansted.
Highly Recommended
Top Hat, owned by a charming Danish couple, is a dining experience reminiscent of the island's colonial past. Fried Camembert with lingonberries and the frikadeller (meat balls in a tangy sauce) are favorites. The dessert sensation is a rum ice cream-filled chocolate windmill with blades that actually turn! 52 Company Street, Christiansted.
Local Flair
Villa Morales brings islanders in droves with its family-owned, friendly atmosphere and home-cooked island specialties like goat stew and baked chicken heaped with rice and vegetables, followed by roof-raising dancing in the back room! Plot 82C, Estate Whim, Frederiksted.
Romantic
Tivoli Gardens - open to the fresh island breezes and draped with hanging plants - does seem more like a hidden tropical garden than a restaurant. The beautiful setting is complemented by a fine Continental menu specializing in lobster and steakàand more lobster! They take pride in their succulently prepared crustaceans, which the chef serves extracted from the shell and drizzles with butter. 39 Strand Street, Christiansted.
Going party in St Croix, USVI
St Croix's nightlife is dynamic, with performance art ranging from The Nutcracker at Christmas time, to impromptu street shows by local entertainers. Some welcome "new" nighttime diversions are the folk-art traditions, such as the island's quadrille dancers, that are making a comeback. To find out what's happening, pick up the local newspapers, VI Daily News and St Croix Avis.
Blue Moon
This waterfront restaurant is popular for its live jazz on Friday nights.
Pier 69
This atmospheric nightspot has blues, jazz, and reggae every Friday and Saturday night.
Island Center for the Performing Arts
This is a respected venue hosting St Croix's major concerts, plays, and performances by visiting entertainers.
Divi Carina Bay Casino
As the sun sets, a night of elegance and excitement begins at the USVI's first and only casino featuring preferred games, high stakes, and premium jackpots. Enjoy Blackjack, Craps, and Roulette as well as exciting slot and video machines. Indulge in VIP benefits in the Beachcombers members' club.
2 Plus 2 Disco
DJs spin a great mix of calypso, soul, disco, and reggae, with live music on weekends.
Indies
Easy jazz flows from the courtyard bar on Saturday evenings.
Cormorant
On Thursday nights during the winter season, the Cormorant dishes up a finger-licking-good West Indian buffet with a musical accompaniment.
Frederiksted Clubs
Although it is a less hopping locale than Christiansted, Frederiksted has a couple of restaurants and clubs with a variety of weekend entertainment. Check with your concierge each night for a daily list of events.
Common events in St Croix, USVI
USVI Open Atlantic Blue Marlin Tournament
This is a high-profile charity event in St Thomas for the benefit of the Boy Scouts of America. This eco-friendly tournament awards trophies for the highest number of blue marlin that are caught and released. August.
Harbour Nights
Festivities include steel pan players, local delicacies, arts, and crafts. A different show each year promotes appreciation of the local culture. October - April.
Crucian Christmas Festival
This major, island-wide event is a 12-day celebration that starts on Christmas Day and ends January 6 with the Feast of the Three Kings and a parade of flamboyantly-attired merrymakers. December-January.