Chris & Christie Powers

New St Croix Restaurants

Nov 22, 2021 | Island News

St. Croix was recently named a top destination for winter travel by Expedia. At the same time, there is a recent ease on restrictions across the territory. We are excited to see and hear about new eateries and cafes opening in the territory, ready to welcome tourists and residents who are ready to dine out. The St. Croix Source featured three new establishments in Christiansted that offer a variety of options and flavors.

Roots-N-Kulchah‘s Chef Kimba Kabaka prepares vegan and plant-based meals in his one-man kitchen. The eatery has courtyard seating and offers rich lunch or weekend dinner.

ParrotFish features gourmet pub food. It is a downtown sports wine bar with wall-mounted flat-screen televisions in the modern, clean dining room and bar.

Virgin Islands Coffee Roasters was opened in June and sells coffee brewed from beans roasted on St. Thomas and concocted in a wide variety of caffeinated beverages by baristas.

Read more in the original article on St. Croix Source.

Photo features Chef Kimba Kabaka and credit to Susan Ellis

#stcroixusvi #stcroix #caribbean #goodeats #food #foodie #gourmet #exotic #restaurant #sportsbar #vegan #islandliving #local

Gwan Mannyé: Contemporary Caribbean Cruisine

Nov 18, 2021 | Island News

The newest addition to the culinary scene on St. Croix has plans to make their mark “in a big way.” Gwan Mannyé is a family run establishment that opened its doors in September 2021. Owners Christopher Monbelly and Dean Baptiste, Jr. are the uncle nephew duo with St. Lucian roots that wanted to pay homage to their family’s homeland when naming the restaurant. Monbelly is the current owner of Ital in Paradise, a vegan and vegetarian restaurant in downtown Christiansted. By teaming up with his nephew, it allowed their offerings to branch out and grow. “We wanted to have something that catered to everyone, regardless of their dietary preference,” said Baptiste. “At Gwan Mannyé, everyone is represented in our restaurant offerings.”

Meaning ‘in a big way,’ Gwan Mannyé offers contemporary Caribbean cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients. Baptiste shared the challenges that come with keeping it local and how the restaurant manages through it. “You can only source so much on a daily basis,” said Baptiste. “This is why our menu changes daily – it fluctuates based on on-island availability.” Whipping up delectable delights in the kitchen are Head Chef Mark Davis and Sous Chef Terrance Bryson. Together, they work on creating a menu that has something for everyone. The daily menu always includes chicken, meat, seafood, vegan and vegetarian dishes. With the fluctuating menu, it is rare to find the same specials appear from one week to the next. When asked how they manage guests wanting a previous dish, Baptiste revealed the level of confidence he has in his kitchen staff. “We have so much faith in our chefs that we know they can create something that would blow you away or surpass your expectations.” This challenges the chefs to be creative on the spot without having to be restricted to a specific menu.

Gwan Mannyé is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast and lunch hours are from 7am to 2pm, dinner 4pm to 10pm. For more information, visit their Facebook page and Instagram page or call 340.715.7979.

Article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty

Photo courtesy of Gwan Mannyé

#StCroix #USVI #food #foodie #caribbeancuisine #caribbean #eatlocal #caribbeanflavors #eat #restaurant

Tech Village on St Croix includes agricultural investment

Nov 18, 2021 | Island News

The Virgins Islands Tech Village project is estimated to cost around $40 Million, and is part of the economic revitalization effort on St. Croix. Senators recently showed support for a bill that authorizes the use of 18 acres of land for The Virgin Islands Tech Village in Estate Lower Love. The University of the Virgin Islands’ Research and Technology Park Corporation said the project proposes 18 acres of farmland, a farmer’s grant program and a first-of-its-kind revenue sharing program among local farmers. During the discussion on rezoning agricultural lands for RT Park development, issues on improving the leasing process for farmers had also been raised.

To read more about this, see the full articles from The Virgin Islands Consortium (click here) and from The Virgin Islands Daily News (click here).

Photo from RT Park and VI Consortium

#stcroix #stcroixusvi #usvi #techvillage #agriculture #farmers #landdevelopment

Beauty and the Beast Triathlon 2021

Nov 16, 2021 | Community Events

The race is on in America’s Paradise! St. Croix is home to one of the longest-running triathlons on record. Since 1988, St. Croix’s previous races such as “America’s Paradise Triathlon” and “IRONMAN 70.3® St. Croix” have been considered must-do events for triathletes worldwide. On November 28, 2021, athletes from around the world will descend onto the stunning shores of St. Croix to compete in the 2021 Beauty & the Beast Triathlon.

This year’s triathlon is led by USAT Certified race directors Scott Fricks and Theresa Harper. The race has partnered with the Virgin Islands Triathlon Federation, a local nonprofit organization committed to improving the triathlon training and racing experience in the Virgin Islands while giving back to the community. Each year, the committee designates local charities that will receive donations from the race proceeds.

The event name is the perfect description of the triathlon course. The “Beauty” can be seen in two parts – the swim in warm, pristine ocean waters and a scenic run route. On the other hand, the “Beast” is in the climb on the bike route. While the rolling picturesque ride rewards triathletes with breathtaking ocean views, a 0.7-mile ascent at 26 percent grade is its own monster for a host of different reasons.

At 6:45am, athletes line up at the start of the course in the heart of historic downtown Christiansted. A spirited swim in the harbor transitions to a demanding bike ride and culminates with the run that travels east from Christiansted. Residents, volunteers and visitors are always on hand along the course to cheer on competing athletes, providing them with water, snacks and other items to keep them fueled throughout the race. Due to the pandemic and construction at the prior location, this year’s course will experience a slight change. The race will begin at Cramer Park on St Croix’s East End and the course will primarily stay on the East End of the island. While the world-famous Beast will be missing from this year’s bike, the infamous hills of St Croix’s East End will still offer a “beast” of a challenge to participants.

There are three race events athletes can choose from: Olympic-Distance Triathlon, Sprint-Distance Triathlon and a Sprint-Distance Aquathlon with relays offered in the Olympic and Sprint Triathlon races. For more information about this year’s race, visit www.stxtriathlon.com.

Article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty

#stcroix #USVI #Caribbean #triathlon #athlete #swim #bike #run #paradisetriathlon #sport

2021 Crucian Coconut Festival

Nov 16, 2021 | Community Events

Coconut lovers rejoice! The annual Crucian Coconut Festival is back from its pandemic hiatus to resume its mission to reignite St. Croix’s economy with the help of coconuts. Since its inception in 2015 by St. Croix Farmers in Action, the cultural display of this cherished Caribbean fruit has been a fun-filled family event complete with educational presentations, cooking demos, activities, games and live local music. Coconuts are one of the few fruits that create a wide assortment of byproducts that are used and enjoyed by people worldwide.

Ms. Yvette Ross, Director for Coconut Festival Committee, shared her excitement of the return of Crucian Coconut Festival. “It’s such a relief to know that we will be able to host Crucian Coconut Festival in 2021,” said Ross. “This year, we are expanding the live entertainment and introducing a fine art exhibit on the days leading up to the festival.” The art exhibit will feature artists from across the Virgin Islands, including woodworkers, painters and steel sculpture artists displaying their works.

This year’s festival will look a bit different due to challenges of COVID-19. For example, a crowd favorite of the festival is the coconut jelly scooping contest. Historically, participants stood shoulder to shoulder racing the clock to determine who could scoop out jelly from coconut husks the fastest. This year will still be based on speed, but participants will be timed individually. Whoever has the fastest time among all the participants will be declared the winner.

Several vendors will be in attendance selling coconut inspired crafts, local foods and treats. The on-site greenhouse will host aquaponic tours that show how produce is grown using this fish powered food production system. There will also be a host of interactive educational presentations about the coconut as well as a family activity center where craft baskets and bags filled with coconut learning activities are given to families to take home. Ross shared her hope for this year’s attendees of the Crucian Coconut Festival. “I want everyone to leave the festival with a greater appreciation for the coconut.” She expressed that the coconut is more than an economical tool; “it can improve your health and offer entrepreneurial opportunities.”

The Crucian Coconut Festival will take place on Sunday, December 5th from 11am to 6pm at Estate Bethlehem Sugar Factory; $10 entry fee for all attendees. The art exhibit, also taking place at Estate Bethlehem Sugar Factory, opens to the public on Friday, December 3rd. From 4pm to 9pm, enjoy live music from the Eddie Russell Band; $25 entry fee for the opening night. The exhibit will also be open on Saturday, December 4th from 10am to 3pm. Vaccination or proof of negative test within 3 days is required to attend all events. For more information, call 340.690.1389.

Article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty

#stcroix #USVI #Caribbean #coconut #coconutfestival #celebration #festival #food #foodies

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