Virgin
Islands The Best Nightlife
If 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.
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