HKP

Safe or not, St. Thomas is where our son has decided to take us for our 45th anniversary. The island has some significance for me in that my father took us all there in 1958 when he learned he had a fatal disease and wanted a memorable trip for the whole family (6 kids and his in-laws!). And we've been in moving-grandmal-seizure mode since July, first our move from NC to Mass, and now our son and DIL's move to Silicon Valley in 2 weeks.

But that's another whole story for the Lounge.

Right now, I'd love some suggestions for a memorable dinner -- though not necessarily white-table-cloth-and-bowing-waiters sort of thing -- for the 4 of us next Sunday. Good food, sure; nice view and/or ambiance a plus, I'd say. Our son tried Frenchman's Reef place a year ago and was less than thrilled, although I'm not sure why other than "overpriced," by his lights.

We already plan a day on St. John and some time on Water Isle (where we stayed in '58), and have a total of 4 full days there, so any other suggestions welcome re: don't-miss stuff, favorite stuff, etc.

We leave Wed. noon, but have had no time to do my usual exhaustive research.

Jimmie

Where are you staying? You probably don't want to drive one from one end of the island to the other.

eastenderusvi

You are asking about October 5th? Right now several restaurants are closed for low season. Banana Tree Grill at Bluebeard's reopens the 3rd- beautiful views over the harbor and great food. I don't know if Oceana will be open then- it is a beautiful setting on the water operated by one of the best chefs on island. Old Stone Farmhouse has lots of fans. It is a beautiful setting, but not on the water. You can also check on Mim's and Thirteen. I agree with your son about Havana Blue.

Not sure about your "safe or not" comment. If you are concerned about driving at night, just take a taxi. St Thomas has changed a lot since 1958, but so have most places in the world. ;-)

suze

I'm also wondering about the "safe" comment first off. St. Thomas is a fine destination. I wish I could be of some help but my USVI trip was many moons ago and on such a low budget we weren't eating in fancy restaurants.

All best wishes to you though. Happy anniversary!!!

HKP

I started by searching through everything on the forum having to do with St. Thomas -- and there was a long, somewhat contentious discussion about whether St. Thomas is safe, or safe enough for the 'average' traveler. That's all.

The dinner is the 4th, and I appreciate your comments. Thank you for responding.

I had pretty much guessed that it might have changed jest a tetch since 1958. I know I have.

sharona

I would take eastenderusvi's advice although we thought Havana Blue was very good. We stayed at Frenchman's Reef this past March and we ate there 3 times. Sure, partly because of the convenience but also because we really liked it.

Happy anniversary!

eastenderusvi

Just wondering where you went? And happy anniversary!

HKP

Update: We went to Banana Tree after learning that Oceana and Old Stone Farmhouse were both closed still. It was a glorious meal, with spectacular dusk-into-dark view of the city. No cruise ships for another few days, so C. A. was very quiet. A very small wedding party -- bride, groom, 2 sets of parents and another couple of people -- was dining/celebrating at the next table over. Bride and groom danced on the balcony, floodlit for pix by the maître d' who was very much in the spirit of things. We told them they would now have the same anniversary as ours and that we hoped they'd have a 45th in the same spot. Sweet.

Trip report to come.

eastenderusvi

I'm glad it worked out!