Caribbean Villas

Reggae. Always. @ Fungi's on the Beach, St. Thomas

McLaughlin Anderson ladies were in the house this week at Fungi's on the Beach on St. Thomas.  Located at Point Pleasant, the restaurant's red, gold and green motif set the proper mood for Reggae, Always (the establishment's motto). 

With classic and popular Reggae tunes weaving through conversations, the atmosphere had its own pleasant "hum" - a nice backdrop for our raucous readings of Fungi's hilarious menu for "de Local Food".  We enjoyed a variety of dishes, including roast pork, a Fungi's sampler, and chicken roti. 

All dishes come with plenty of local sides, like peas and rice, plantains and johnny cake, but all bites are subject to availability, or until "de food done"... so make sure you get in early to tuck into the best selections.  Our Concierge Angela St. Hilaire declared that the food tasted just like the best from the kitchen of your Tantie or Grand-mum, and we agreed, through mouthfuls of hot, delicious goodness.

Frozen drinks, signature cocktails, all in a funky, beachfront style that is nervy and confident.  Take a walk on the wild side and admire the sting rays and phosphorescent fishes frolicking in the surf off the restaurant's deck.  As a happy sailor waded out to his dinghy with a jolly "so long!" to the staff, we knew that we'd lucked into a place like home.

When on St. Thomas, we highly recommend that you visit.  If you can't be here, enjoy the Fungi's on the Beach menu for good Caribbean-style eatin', drinkin', and limin'....!

Get your 15 minutes of fame at Iggie's!

If you've got a performer inside that's just bursting to be recognized, set your sights on Iggie's Beach Bar and Restaurant on St. Thomas... and do not miss the Karaoke Night. 

Nancy's son and our colleague Justin enjoyed not just a tummy full of the King Crab legs, but the accolades of his adoring fans as he belted out "Abracadabra" by the Steve Miller Band as Nancy looked on in wonder.

Not one to stand alone for very long, Justin was quickly joined by two women with the right moves to make for a very entertaining turn on stage.  Iggie's is known to visitors and local residents as the ideal spot for great food in a casual atmosphere that's just right for the entire family.  Their all-you-can-eat Snow and King Crab legs bring hungry folks from far and wide.  As Nancy says, "...ah, fame... can fortune be so far behind?!"

Classic Sliders, Fish and Chips, and all manner of steaks and seafood will satisfy appetites, while an entertainment array from Caribbean to Folk to Blues (plenty of variety) makes this a great year 'round stop for everyone.

Visit Iggie's web site and spice up that itinerary!  www.iggiesbeachbar.com

Click on any thumbnail to view the full image.

1, 2, & 3:  Justin enjoys his "15 minutes" with Michelle and Kim bringing up the melodious rear!

          

  

Off the Hook "spot on" for locals and guests

Guest Concierge Angela St. Hilaire sounds off on a St. Thomas island favorite, Off the Hook!

Off the Hook Restaurant is a very popular dockside location in Red Hook.  It's always extremely busy, so I suggest dinner beginning at around 6 – 6:30 pm to miss the rush.  I was given prime seating on the lower deck, close to the edge where I was able to view yachts in the harbour and relax in the breezes that whispered through.  All of the tables around me were filled with guests, laughing and chatting amongst themselves.  Off the Hook is also popular with locals, and several had dropped in to partake of the freshly caught lobster and fish on the evening's menu.

Our gracious waiter expertly flitted from table to table, making sure that glasses were filled and orders  were taken, even commanding the lower level with great ease.  After placing our drink orders we went right into ordering the appetizers and entrees of shrimp and tuna, both delicious!  Fresh Mahi-Mahi was grilled and lightly seasoned for another meal - again another great choice on the menu.  We were too full for desert so we passed on the offer;  surely next visit!   For great service and excellent menu, Off the Hook is a "must".  Thanks to Katya and her team for all that they do.

   -- August 2008

Visit Off the Hook's web site

Perfect party at Agave Terrace, St. Thomas

Angela St. Hilaire planned a very special birthday for a very special person... her son Dorian.  Agave Terrace on St. Thomas proved tp be the perfect space!

It was [my son] Dorian’s birthday and I wanted to take him somewhere that was kid-friendly, yet offered a menu that would be appealing to his palate.  Of course, the Agave Terrace satisfied both requests!  We were seated at one of their great tables overlooking the ocean and in the background we enjoyed the sounds of live steel pan (accompanied by saxophone) by local musician Aben Marrero.

Our server Kevin was bubbly, enthusiastic, and on point throughout the evening.  After taking our drink of orders of cranberry juice and fruit punch, Kevin recited delicious menu options and special... everything sounded so great, it was all too overwhelming to make an immediate decision!  He politely retired so that we could mull over our choices.  After a few minutes, he returned and offered his expertise on what he thought we would enjoy... so I went with his choice of  the Coconut Fried Shrimp with Tropical Fruit Chutney, and Dorian selected the Agave Salad of mixed greens, feta, fresh grapefruit and croutons tossed with cream-embossed sundried tomatoes. 

When our food arrived, I found the jumbo shrimp done to perfection, and the chutney enhanced the taste with what I would describe as fruity and tangy in one bite - or should I just say, "Simply delicious!".  Dorian’s studied response as he dove into his meal was, "Great salad, mom!"   

Entree Chef Nakata’s Jerk Chicken and the Char Grilled Filet Mignon, both chicken and beef, were well seasoned and not too spicy for those of a more delicate sensibility, again two great choices from the menu. 

For dessert, I had brought a customized birthday cake, which was presented at the table followed by 6 of the staff heartily singing the Happy Birthday song to Dorian, which he enjoyed immensely.

Agave was full to capacity that evening; the staff worked hard all evening.  Even during this extremely busy night, they delivered like the true professionals they are... it was a great job by Sharon and her team.  Keep up the good work!

   -- From McLaughlin Anderson Luxury Villas' Guest Concierge Angela St. Hilaire, August 2008

Visit the Agave Terrace web site

The Cellar - Excellent!

St. Thomas Villa guests, Ventana.  June 2008

These seasoned, longtime repeat renters enjoyed their Ventana vacation, as well as the dining delights as suggested by our Concierge!

We all would like to thank you and the team once again for your great service and support during our recent visit. As I mentioned, we really enjoyed Ventana, and, at your suggestion, we left the owner a note indicating so.

Regarding the restaurants, your suggestion of the Cellar was excellent. The food was very good and well prepared and the decor was nice. We enjoyed Romano's as we always do, and Old Stone Farmhouse continues to be the overall best on the island, in our opinion. Inga always likes Herve's and did again on this trip, and my favorite for a comfortable setting, informed staff, and variety of offerings is Bella Blu.

All the best. We'll look forward to receiving your latest catalog when it's available and being with you again soon.