The Best NightlifeIf
you're a serious party animal, you'll want to avoid St. John and
most places on the British Virgin Islands and concentrate on St.
Thomas and St. Croix. Below are the latest hot spots.
Turtle Rock Bar at the Wyndham Sugar
Bay Beach Club (St. Thomas, U.S.
Virgin Islands; tel. 340/777-7100): This place near Red
Hook is known for its burgers and bar scene. There's always
something going on, whether it's karaoke or live shows by
steel-pan bands or other local talent. Happy hour, from 4 to
6pm, means half-price cocktails.
Blue Moon
(St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands; tel.
340/772-2222): On Thursday and Friday nights, this little
dive/bistro is the hottest spot in Christiansted. The crowd here
is predominantly local, along with a few savvy visitors.
The Buccaneer
(St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands; tel. 800/255-3881 or
340/773-2100): This deluxe hotel has the best nightlife on the
island, often in its bar, The Terrace Lounge. Call to see what's
going on during your visit; it could be anything from limbo
shows to live reggae.
Bomba's Surfside Shack at Cappoon's
Bay (Tortola, British Virgin
Islands; tel. 284/495-4148): This is one of the most
famous bars in the West Indies and the most interesting hangout
in the British Virgin Islands. Bomba's decor consists of junk
and neon graffiti. The rum punches are always flowing, and the
hippest people in town show up here, especially for the
notorious all-night Full Moon Parties.
The Best Restaurants
Virgilio's (St. Thomas, U.S.
Virgin Islands; tel. 340/776-4920): This cheerful yet
elegant spot boasts the best Italian food on the island.
Virgilio's lovingly prepares all your favorite Italian classics
(try the osso buco or chicken parmigiana), in addition to more
than 20 different homemade pasta dishes, and a few surprises
too, like cioppino, a kettle of savory seafood stew. Savvy
diners always save room for one of the flambé desserts.
Eunice's Terrace
(St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; tel. 340/775-3975): No
one's ever heard of haute cuisine at this airy, bilevel
restaurant, but you won't quickly forget the food here. After
sampling a lethal rum punch called Queen Mary, dig into broiled
fresh fish, conch fritters, herb-stuffed lobster, or savory
callaloo, a spicy West Indian soup. No one leaves without a
slice of Eunice's sweet potato pie, not even President Clinton,
who dined here while on vacation with his family in 1997.
Hervé Restaurant and Wine Bar
(St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; tel.
340/777-9703): This newly launched establishment next to
the landmark Hotel 1829 has captured much attention, most
recently from Gourmet magazine. The panoramic view is
great, but it's the cuisine that counts, a truly sublime
American/Caribbean/Continental repertoire. Nothing beats the
black sesame-crusted tuna with a ginger and raspberry sauce.
Asolare
(St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands; tel.
809/779-4747): The most beautiful and elegant restaurant on
St. John also has some of the best food. Chef Robert Smith
produces a fusion of French and Asian cuisine that relies on the
island's freshest seafood and produce. Try the prawn and coconut
milk soup or the spicy tuna tartare wrapped in somen noodles.
The staff is the hippest and most attractive on the island.
Le Château de Bordeaux
(St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands; tel. 340/776-6611): Both
the view here and the exquisite combination of continental and
Caribbean cuisine are winners. Wild game and rack of lamb
perfumed with rosemary and a honey-Dijon nut crust appear often
on the ever-changing menu. The West Indian seafood chowder is a
perfect blend of fish and spices.
Indies
(St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands; tel. 340/692-9440): San
Francisco-born Catherine Plav-Driggers applies everything she
ever learned in California to the rich bounty of the Caribbean.
The result is taste and texture unequaled on the island--spicy
Caribbean chicken, spring rolls, and grouper brought to life
with coconut milk, shrimp, tomato, ginger, and scallions. The
sheltered 19th-century courtyard where meals are served adds to
the unforgettable experience.
Kendricks
(St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands; tel. 340/773-9199):
David and Jane Kendrick bring a light continental touch to
richly flavored dishes. You might begin with baked brie
smothered in perfectly seasoned wild mushrooms, then move on to
coconut shrimp in a chive-studded, peppery aIuml;oli. Some of
this culinary couple's recipes have been featured in Bon
Appetit magazine.
Skyworld
(Tortola, British Virgin Islands; tel. 284/494-3567):
With a 3600 view of Tortola and its sister isles, sunsets that
turn the whole sky a fiery red, and one or two Pascha Coladas
(passion fruit juice, rum, and cream of coconut), who cares
about dinner? This restaurant does. Its eclectic cuisine is
heavy on fresh fish. Don't miss the refreshing key lime pie, the
best on the island
