Loving Life in the Caribbean: St John’s Beaches and People!
Part 3 of 3 - ST. JOHN, US VIRGIN ISLANDS
It is nearly impossible for me to visit the USVI and not make it to St. John. This tiny island is mostly national forest and home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. While beaches like Trunk, Maho, Turtle and Cinnamon are all “to die for beaches” there is one beach that is tucked away and is one of my favorites. However, this beach is a 1 ½ mile walk out of Cruz bay, around a wooded point. It is totally worth the walk. The only complaint I have this year is that my secret beach was crowded. Last year there were 3 of us enjoying this special place on earth, this year there were 7. The place I never miss when I visit St John is Solomon Beach.
Great Food & People not to be missed on St John:
Deli Grotto: After the third local told us about this great deli for prepared picnics, paninis and salad we had to go. Tucked away in the Mongoose Junction area of downtown, this is a great spot to stock up before or after spending time at the beach. This was my wife’s and my first meal on St. John during this visit and it was great to see two familiar friends when we walked in the door (Evolution & Pinot Noir). Before you create you picnic to end all picnics at the Grotto Deli, remember this is a cash only establishment.
Stone Terrace: Tell David that Scott from Sokol Blosser sent you in! It is always special for us to have people come and visit Sokol Blosser and then go and visit them where they live and work. David Browdowsky, his fiancée Michelle and I have done just that. David has been managing the Stone Terrace for at least 3 years and this was the second time I have enjoyed a very memorable evening dining on this stone terrace over-looking the bay. This is some of the best food I have had on the island with a staff that I remember from my last visit. Stone Terrace Tip: Make your reservations and plan to show up early. Then, go to the bar and have a drink with Allen. Undoubtedly, you will have one of the best conversations and cocktails of your trip. My only other advice is to make reservations with friends that like to share and try as much as you can. Special thanks to Allen, Dana, the Chef and especially David and Michelle from making the evening at the Stone Terrace so special for my wife and me. See you next year! David & Michelle, Susan and I will be thinking of you in December. Congratulations!
ZoZo’s: “Jas” at Sunset: This is another example of a winery visit gone full circle. James “Jas” Woodhouse visited Sokol Blosser this summer. So, I decided to pay him a little visit while we were on St John. This Italian inspired restaurant is a short walk from downtown to Gallows Point. Having spent most of my life growing up in the “South Phila”/South Jersey areas, I have been exposed to wonderful Italian. It was nice to see Italian on this little rock in the Caribbean and have it remind me why Italian can be so good. From the Prosecco to the perfectly grilled veal chop to the vegetable risotto, Prego! Here is what you need to know about ZoZo’s: 1) John Ferrigno, the owner, works the restaurant, and I think there is a Jersey connection here. The picture of the complete cast of the Soprano’s dinning at ZoZo’s may have given it away. Look for it as you come into the restaurant. 2) Reservations, ZoZo’s is a small and popular place. Plan ahead. 3) Eat at the bar. Now, I am not a big component of eating at the bar in most restaurants, but at ZoZo’s I think the bar seats are some of the best seats! For one, this is where Jas (pronounced Jazz) works. The other is the view, ZoZo’s bar is upstairs and overlooks St Thomas. Sunset is around 5:30 PM and the sun sets behind St Thomas. 4) Jas did not get his nickname because of his amazing talents as a musician. Thanks to John, Molly and Jas hope to see you all again soon.
Caneel Bay: I do not even know where to begin. Caneel Bay is a luxury resort on the North shores of St John. It’s a short cab ride from Cruz Bay, but wants you arrive on Caneel’s 170 acre plantation with 5 private beaches; it is truly hard to leave. After spending 14 years working in the luxury hotel market, it was a true pleasure to be on the receiving end of quality, personalized service. From the time we checked-in to the time we checked out, we touched or wanted for nothing. Private bungalows, private beaches, top notch service it made me think that if I was a celebrity this would be how I would be treated. Now, all this attention and beauty comes at a price. It is not inexpensive to stay at Caneel Bay, but now, having experienced it, I will find a way to stay there again. Caneel Bay is truly a special place on Earth! Thanks to Matt, Eric and Albert for making our stay indescribably wonderful, and for allowing Sokol Blosser Evolution and Pinot Noir to be a part of the fabulous place that is Caneel Bay. Scott’s Tip’s for Caneel: Get your Mask and Snorkel before you go to your beach of choice. Even if you have never snorkeled in your life, you will soon find that it is easy to learn and in no time you will be chasing fish, rays and turtles all over the bay. When the beach attendant comes on the beach to take your order, make sure you try not only the “Rum Punch” but also the “Plantation Punch” - you will not be disappointed. As for which is my favorite, I think more research is needed to make an educated decision. 4:00 PM: High Tea in the open air pavilion over looking Turtle Bay. One would think that spending the afternoon on a beautiful beach with someone you care about could not get any more relaxing until you follow it up with high tea. Choices of iced and hot tea with mini pastries, sweet breads and chocolates enjoyed with the soothing sounds of classical music. Do not miss this if you are a guest. Ask for Albert, the Sommelier or Eric the Restaurant Manager at dinner and pair our Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir with the chef’s wonderful tuna, duck, filet or lamb dish of the evening. Rumor has it, if you can not stay at Caneel Bay, you can purchase a day pass to use the resorts amenities. This would be something that would be worth looking into. Caneel Bay, I hope to see you again soon!
