My husband and I are coming down again for the 15th time the week after Thanksgiving and I am looking for some new recommendations for Dining and Activities

Our favorite restaurants have been:

Banana Tree Grille (keeper)
Craig and Sally's (Service and Quality have been declining)
Indigo (Not the same since management changed)
Mahogany Run Golf Course
Havana Blue (getting better)
Oceana
Mafolie
Old Stone Farmhouse (not the same since the brine duck was removed from menu)
Agave Terrace

Anyone have any new suggestions? We LOVED Indigo and would like to know where the owners have opened up a new place. Also, we have heard from Capn Joe (Scubadu) that the Italian place by Coki Point is awesome. Any reviews?

As far as activities, we have done JUST about everything (Ferry to St. John, Baths, Jost, Tortola, etc). We are interested in suggestions as well as any recommendations on the following:

1.) Renting a Dingy
2.) Kayaking
3.) Water Island

Thanks in Advance..

The restaurant "13" on the Northside in Dorothea on rt 33 - Crown Mt Rd - is where the Indigo owners moved to.
I haven't experienced a decline at Craig and Sallys - actually it seems a more interesting menu then ever.
Romanos is the 'Italian place' you asked about - very upscale - no bargain
Old Stone may reopen with new owners soon?
Grille Room at Mahogany is getting good reviews.
Hook,Line and Sinker and Pie Whole in Frenchtown are both great casual places. Enkai for top notch sushi is new at the sandfill in Crown Bay.
You might want to check XO Bistro in Red Hook. Ever tried Randys??
I saw some rental dinghies off the waterfront in STT - also they are in STJ.
Some great daysail boats working in Red Hook for a wonderful day.
Kayak the Lagoon - very peaceful.
The ferry for Water Island is at Tickles in Crown Bay.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/03/2009 07:05PM by exit zero.

Northside Bistro, by Hull Bay (the old Bryan's Bar) New owners, newly renovated, new wine room and most importantly new menu/chef.
I had the grouper last week, and it was cooked/prepared to perfection. 13 is way overpriced/small portions to boot

Ditto Randy's, En Kai. Also the Cellar in Red Hook for little plates, great fish, Beef Wellington, extensive wine list and lovely bar. Cariga's is Randy's Indepedent Boatyard restaurant (open for breakfast, lunch and dinner) very casual and local, yummy soft fish tacos. Robert's at the Elysian. Wikked at Yacht Haven Grande, also I believe Grande Cru has reopened. Wonderful dockside/cruise ship views. Heidi's at Honeymoon Beach on Water Island.

If you've never been to Toad and Tart you've missed a real treat. It's where the locals eat. Good home cooking, good prices with a warm atmosphere.

exit zero - where did you see the dinghy rentals in the CA waterfront, do you know the company's name?

Marcy - you can do a few different kayak trips with VI Ecotours. They have a couple in the mangrove lagoon area which is neat and they have one out to Hassel Island. Their website is: [www.viecotours.com]. You can also rent kayaks at some of the resorts if you wanted to do some paddling around the bay on your own.

Water Island - you can head over and spend the day - walk around the island a bit and then hang out at Honeymoon Beach.

If you haven't done a night snorkel before that might be something neat and new to try: [www.nightsnorkel.com].

If you happen to be coming in on Saturday or Sunday after Thanksgiving this event might be of interest: Arts Alive Holiday Arts and Crafts Festival at Tillett Gardens. It is a 3 day event, Friday Nov. 27th through Sunday 29th. Great opportunity to shop for locally made arts and crafts and there is usually live entertainment too.

--Islander