suzdogg

My husband and I are considering St John for our 10 year anniversary. I've seen several postings about bringing your own food in coolers. Is this a common practice for most people renting villas? We don't want to go broke eating out every day, but I can't imagine cooking on vacation. Could you give me some advice on what you do?

christiegr

suz,
Hi! When we went in June..we took staples with us (cereal,crackers,coffee etc.)and we also took a small cooler with some chicken in it.

You can find some reasonable prices at places like Senorita Pizza (Wharfside Village)for $3 a slice,The Beach Bar was also reasonable,JJ Texas (in the park across from where the ferries come in),Uncle Joe's BBQ (across from Post Office..it's a little stand)

We would eat breakfast at the villa and take some sandwiches in a cooler to the beach for lunch.For dinner we went out to eat.

You will be able to find some good dining in all price ranges.We liked Sogo's (near Conrad Sutton car rental)and it was not terribly expensive.Also Pastory Gardens at the Mini Golf place (its up from the Dolphin Market)has a great Thai Chicken Salad and the sunset view from here is great!

Good luck!! I think that you will find that for just you and your husband that there should be somewhere to eat in your price range..so you do not have to cook.Who wants to cook while on vacation anyways.

suzdogg

Thanks! I'm just trying to figure out how I would even get a cooler to the island. Did you just carry it on the plane? A small cooler like you said would be a good idea. You had some good tips!

christiegr

Yes..we carried it on the plane.The little playmate coolers.

I have also heard of people checking a larger one with their bags..just tape it shut.

Good luck and have fun!!

A_Traveller

If you do decide to pack a cooler use the "blue ice" pacs instead of Dry Ice to cool the contents. Most airlines nowadays either prohibit the use of dry ice or restrict the amount you can bring on the plane. If you are planning on checking your a cooler DO NOT tape it shut as it will have to be opened and inspected by the US Dept of Agriculture after it is x-rayed by the TSA (but do make sure it has a good latch as you don't want it opening accidently.

Personally, for a week's vacation for two people it is not really worth the effort to bring in your own food. You won't be saving that much money to make it worth your while.

suzdogg

Thanks for the advice. I guess I just need to weigh the options.

laurieb128

You might consider shopping for whatever food you will need in St. Thomas, before you take to ferry to St. John. Things are a bit cheaper there. Have fun!

tess53

we've been traveling to st. john for yrs and have never brought food with us. we never have stayed longer than 10 days and for us it's just not worth it to pack a cooler for that amouny of time..then i might have to cook a dinner in the villa !!we buy breakfast foods/ lunch supplies / snacks at the starfish mkt.if you want to cook dinner you can shop for that night. remember you're on vacation.. there are enough inexpensive places to dine w/o breaking the bank.the important thing is to do what you will be comfortable with and just enjoy the island !!!

tpatricco

Not everyone agrees on this topic, but as a couple with no kids we do bring some food along and do enjoy cooking when we haven't been at work all day and worn out.

I find the meat quality is not as good as it is at home in NJ. We bring a small cooler with frozen meat & poultry. We also bring small baggies of our favorite cooking spices, olive oil, rice, etc. Things that travel easily and would be expensive or you'd have to buy too large a quantity in STJ than you could use in the time you're there. We've even shrink wrapped & brought wine in our suitcases.

There are basically three small supermarkets on STJ. Starfish Market, Dolphin Market (both in Cruz Bay) and Love City Grocery in Coral Bay. They'll have most of what you'd need if you choose not to bring anything along.

Don't bother bringing booze. You can buy some duty free at the airport on your way in.

Tuxedocat

Unlike many people, I love cooking "at home" on St. John. I always bring a lot of frozen meat items (vacuum packed) which are difficult to find on the islands at a reasonable price, that I just throw in with the towels in the check-in luggage. The whole trip takes us about 7-8 hours door to door,and I often find my stuff is still half-frozen when I unpack (which is immediately of course). I got a lot of laughs when there was a whole frozen tenderloin last time. Wait till they get a load of the lamb leg on the x-ray.

ruthie1

We have been carrying food to St. John for many years. This is because we don't really like to eat out every night and there aren't that many great restaurants on St. John. Also, we can pack a good lunch for the beach.

We have a soft, folding cooler and use the plastic ice containers. You can check your cooler or carry it on, of course, depending on the size.
We carry prepared-at-home frozen meals such as tomato sauce and meatballs, boneless ham, bacon, mac & cheese, steaks, hamburgers, etc.) We also pack in our suitcase more expensive items that don't need to be refrigerated like coffee. After checking out the supplies in the villa (sometimes there are staples in the cupboards or refrigerator), we make a list and head for Starfish Market just outside of town on the south road (going towards the Westin). You can get about anything you need there, but it's pricey. Always buy bottled water.