Buzz Flashback @ Hooters

It’s a party dedicated to the decade that won’t die. The 80′s!

Free ice cold Bud Light to the first 104 people through the door.

80′s cover band THREE MATES

May. 30, 2009
8:00 pm
Cover Price: FREE
Hooters St Thomas

As we reported over a week ago Old Stone Farmhouse closed and managers Rick and Jackie moved all their employees to Indigo. Today Rick and Jackie are without a job as Indigo has closed. A new restaurant will be opening in it’s place in 2-4 weeks.

I’m told by reliable sources that this new restaurant will be somewhat more upscale in appearance but not too expensive. There will be an all new menu and Executive Chef.

Good luck to the new restaurant and management staff, hopefully they can rejuvenate that popular spot!

To Magens Bay Authority and the USVI Government.

Why do you only allow one bar and restaurant on Magens Bay? It’s a private company which basically gives them the monopoly. I think tourists and especially locals would love to have some competition and variety. After all the beach is a mile long.

I’m not saying add too many but one or two more spread out would be fantastic. Imagine a place you could go to right around shed #3 that served lunch and drinks and a nice dinner at night. Outside tables overlooking Magens Bay at night would be romantic and fun.

Imagine the revenue in rent alone? You think renting out those sheds at $100/day is going to come close to the revenue you could make from another restaurant/bar?

I certainly don’t want to take away from Magens Bay but walking a mile to get a hot dog kinda sucks. So the only other option is sitting up near the bar with all the cruise ship people who will throw a towel down on top of you.

Does anyone know how this one lucky guy got exclusive rights to food and booze at Magens Bay? Or does anyone know why they don’t allow someone else in?

See those big blue bins in the picture below?

Welcome to trash disposal island-style. These bins are located in specific areas around the island just waiting for you to drive up and unload pretty much anything. And I do mean anything. There’s not a whole lot of recycling going on down here (if I’m wrong on that please enlighten me!). Pulling up and tossing out a bag of trash (and any random beer bottles that may be rolling around in the car) will become a part of your daily routine; tying up the bag and leaving it in your house to ‘take care of later’ will end the minute you realize how quickly the heat can stank up your rubbish when it’s left at home during the day. Leaving it outside is also not an option, unless you want to host critters late at night. We learned both of these lessons during year one.

Last year we finally picked up on another activity going on at the trash bins – recovery! Scott had a foot-bootie (post-injury on his left foot) that he no longer needed; at the same time we gathered up some roomba docking stations that were no longer working right, and on our way into town we pulled over and dumped all of these things in a bin. An hour later we came back the same way and as we passed the bin we saw our docking stations carefully lined up on the edge of the bin along with Scott’s bootie. Inside the bin a person was knocking things around looking for more treasure…and probably the matching bootie (unfortunately there was only one…). We told a couple of people the story and found out it was a pretty common occurence, “That’s why people leave certain things leaning up against the bins’, they told us, ‘someone will always be by to grab it and make it theirs”.

Ah…it all made sense now…each time we saw random appliances, chairs, beds, mattresses displayed flea-market-style by the bins we had wondered why people didn’t just toss it in, and now we knew why. A month after figuring this out we lost one of our TV’s to a power surge (take note people, surge protectors are your best friend down here) and once we determined it was truly dead we took it up to the bins along with some other trash. Scott carefully balanced the TV next to a bin and tossed the rest of our crap inside. As he was doing this I watched the guy next to us toss out a bag of trash and then start circling his pickup truck sort of kicking the tires while glancing over at us. Scott tossed our last bag in, got in the car and we pulled away. I looked back and saw the tire-kicker dart over to our TV, pick it up and toss it in his pick-up. Good luck dude!

For the record we’re pretty sure the trash people would prefer all the trash be left in the bins…

Next up – how to jockey for position when four people are already pulled in tossing bags out, another is trying to pull out into oncoming traffic, there’s a safari taxi hot on your heels full of tourists, the chickens are hopping all over the place trying to scurry away from the madness, the only place left to pull in is covered in a huge god-only-knows-what’s-in-there puddle but you absolutely have to squeeze in and stake out a spot because you won’t pass another bin unless you go out of your way and the stench from the back seat is getting riper by the minute and you might just pass out if you don’t get the trash out of this car RIGHT THIS MINUTE!

We know times are tough, but don’t let it ruin your vacation or life here on St. Thomas. There are some fabulous St. Thomas restaurants to consider and put on your plans. Here are a few that we think you should visit:

1. Craig and Sally’s: The food here is consistently spectacular. And here’s the thing, it’s not as expensive as you might think. Most dishes are in the $20 range and you can get 3 of their Tapas for $14.00! What’s that mean to you? Superior food and dinning experience at a tremendous value. Best steaks, prime rib, lamb shank on the island. Oh, and best wine selection on the island as well. Make a reservation tell them the St. Thomas Blog sent you.

Telephone: 340-777-9949

email: craigandsallys@yahoo.com

Visit Craig and Sally’s Website here: http://www.craigandsallys.com

Join Craig and Sally’s Facebook Fan Page here:

2. Enkai Sushi Bar: hands down, without question the very best Sushi you can get in St. Thomas. Of course that’s pretty subjective, but that’s how Nicci and I feel. And here’s the thing, they’re now in a big location with lots of seats. Of course they’re booked most nights so make a reservation! The service here is spot on but the biggest draw here is how FRESH the food is. If you like Sushi this spot is a must. Make a reservation tell them the St. Thomas Blog sent you.

Telephone: 340-774 Maki (6254)

3. The Grill Room at Mahogany Run Golf Course: Nicci loves the Reuben Sandwich for lunch and one of our friends had an awesome Filet Mignon there. Lately it’s become the talk of St. Thomas and seems to be busy all the time. The prices are very reasonable and the service is good. I can’t personally vouch for the Grill Room so your feedback on their quality and service would be helpful. But word on the street is very good. I couldn’t find a website or any contact info on them other than the golf course, maybe it’s time they contact me to make them a website

Mahogany Run Golf Course Website: http://www.mahoganyrungolf.com

Telephone: 340.777.6250

Email: info@mahoganyrungolf.com

4. Sib’s on the Mountain: Okay, Sib’s is one of those spots you’d ride by and never stop at. And by their own admission they have some pretty interesting characters that frequent them. The best line I’ve heard is that it is the “Star Wars Bar” of the island. Here’s the thing, their food is awesome. They have a killer NY Strip, ribs, meatloaf, chicken fried chicken and Nicci dies for their French Dip (Sundays only). The draw back is that it’s smokey in the bar but they solved that problem by adding an outside deck for dinning. If you’re looking for great food without the frills this is a great place to eat. Service here is outstanding, you’ll be treated like a local.

Telephone: 340-774-8967

There you have it, go spend some money!

St. Thomas has many things I like…warm weather, relaxed attitudes. It is, however, lacking in one thing that I love.

Care to hazard a guess? No, it’s not shoveling snow…

A good ol’ amusement park! Big rollercoasters, silly carnival games, big rollercoasters, a water park…the rollercoasters… Yes, I do LOVE thrill rides, and other than the fair rides that are shipped in for Carnival – there ain’t any on this island, or any other nearby island that I know of.

I know at least two things about rollercoasters: most of the good ones seem to be in Ohio, and there’s a club you can join – American Coaster Enthusiasts. Do I want to join? Nah. Do I think it would be cool to research the best travel deals and spend a couple of months riding the gnarliest coasters in the world? Um…secretly yes, but will I? Chances are…no.

I  believe the first coaster I ever rode was at Lake Quassapaug in CT, and the first upside-down coaster I ever rode was at Riverside Park in MA, now a Six Flags. It was called the Black Widow, and it was so imposing to me until I bit the bullet – and after that ride I was HOOKED.

On our next visit home I’ll have to get in a day at Six Flags; until then I’ll have to make do with the hilly island roads we drive everyday!

Enjoy your picnics and BBQ’s…your friends and family…your hot dogs and hamburgers.

We’ll be doing the same at Magens Bay today

Recently we’ve had some comments and emails from people wondering how much it really takes to move and live in St. Thomas…in one example a reader is wondering if she can make it on $1900/month. It’s near impossible to answer without knowing an individual’s lifestyle, wants and needs but I thought I could toss up the following post to shed some insight into grocery costs, if nothing else. Clearly this will be one of our most riveting posts yet…

Prices from Cost-U-Less as of early May 2009:

15pk Bounty 2ply…$15.99

Charmin toilet paper, 16 jumbo rolls…$13.49

6 pack kitchen sponges…$4.95

90-oz Joy concentrated dish soap…$5.49

Tide - 64 loads…$15.99

Tyson chicken breast (five breasts) 3.60lb…$14.36

Tyson drumsticks 5.04lb…$8.52

Tyson wings 5.36lb…$11.20

Yellow onions…$.69/lb

NY Strip steak 1.31lb…$13.09

Tail-on shrimp 2lb…$11.89

Yellow bell peppers…$4.19/lb

Cantalope…$1.09/lb

Granny Smith apples…$1.09/lb

Red Delicious apples…$3.99/lb

Cucumbers…$.59/ea.

Tomatos…$1.89/lb

Fresh broccoli…$2.59/lb

Head of lettuce…$1.99

Bananas…$.79/lb

Pork chops 3.23lb…$10.63

Ground meat xtra lean 1.85/lb…$7.38

Filet Mignon .81lb…$7.38

Talapia fillet 1.08lb…$4.31

Kraft shredded mexican cheese 2lb…$9.99

Large eggs 18ct…$2.99

Gortons crunchy fish 4lb…$11.99

Tropicland Mixed Veggies 5lb…$7.99

Snapper fillet .62lb…$5.57

Velveeta Slices 20ct…$3.99

Kraft singles 4lb…$13.99

State Brand sharp cheddar 2lb…$8.99

Frozen broccoli 5lb…$8.99

Sara Lee sliced wheat bread 200z…$2.49

All natural beef patties 15ct…$16.99

Tyson Honey BBQ wings (frozen) 5lb…$19.99

I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter 15oz…$2.69

Philadelphia cream chesse 2pk (32oz total)…$7.49

Butter 1lb…$3.29

Milk 1% - 1 gallon…$6.99

Tropicana Pure Premium 128oz…$8.99

Sara Lee Whole Grain Muffins 6pk…$2.99

Egg Beaters 2 8oz cartons…$5.29

La Yogurt Singles…$.79

Soda cans 12pk (Coke, Diet, Sprite…etc)…$4.39

Ball Park hot dogs 100% beef 28ct…$9.99

Coleman bacon 12oz 3pk…$11.99

Coors Lite case…$20.99

Ocean Spray CranApple 2 64oz…$5.99

Minute Maid orange juice 29 15.5oz bottles…$27.59

Apple & Eve juice boxed 36ct…$12.99

Crystal Lite 32qt…$6.99

Hamburger Helpers lasagna 128oz…$3.99

Ragu sauce 66oz…$4.59

Prego sauce 2 67oz…$8.99

Ronzoni spaghetti 16oz…$1.19

S&W cut green beans 8 14.5oz…$7.59

Uncle Ben’s Original rice 10lb…$15.99

Starkist Tuna lite 10pk…$9.99

Uncle Ben’s brown rice 2lb…$3.89

Kraft Mac n Cheese 5pk…$3.99

Kraft Real Mayonnaise 32oz…$3.79

Heinz Ketchup/Ketchup/Relish/Mustard 4pk…$9.99

Ramen noodles 24pk…$5.59

Hidden Valley Ranch dressing 52oz…$7.39

Wish Bone italian 24oz…$3.99

4C seasoned bread crumbs 46oz…$3.49

McCormick Seasons 18-20oz…$6.79-$8.99

Skippy creamy peanut butter 2 40oz…$9.99

Walls strawberry preserves 46oz…$5.29

Betty Crocker cake mix 4pk…$5.49

Log Cabin syrup 64oz…$6.49

Bisquick 96oz…$6.49

Gold Medal flour 5lb…$2.89

Bertolli Extra Virgin olive oil 2liter…$18.99

Splenda 700ct…$17.79

Sugar 8 5lb packs…$23.92

Rice Krispies 34oz…$7.69

Cheerios 37oz…$7.29

Malt o Meal Frosted Mini wheats 43oz…$5.99

Kelloggs assorted cereal boxes 30ct…$10.99

Tasters Choice coffee 12oz…$13.99

Maxwell coffee 39oz…$8.29

Quakers quick oats oatmeal 42oz…$4.49

Frito Lay variety pack 50ct…$12.99

Nature Valley granola bars 30ct…$9.99

Planters peanuts 56oz…$13.29

Emily’s Mixed Nuts 35oz…$13.49

Snyder’s tortilla chips 16oz…$3.79

Tostitos salsa 12oz…$4.69

Triscuits 40oz…$7.49

Crest toothpaste 2pk…$6.59

Listerine 1liter…$6.79

Speed Stick deodorant 4pk…$9.99

Whew. There ya go.

So, is Cost-U-Less the only store on the island? No. Might you find cheaper prices elsewhere? Sure. More expensive? Yes. Better variety? More inventory? Smaller sizes? Less crowds? Yes, yes, yes…and yes. You can check this previous post for information on other grocery stores on the island. Maybe I’ll take a walk down the aisles of the other stores and scrawl down food costs for you…or maybe I won’t. When you move here you’ll make a decision of where to shop – most likely a decision based on what part of the island you end up living on.

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St. Thomas Mountain Top fire – Sad news from St. Thomas as world famous Mountain Top, home of the banana daiquiri and the St. Thomas Blog’s  “Best View, 2008” award has apparently been completely destroyed in a 3 alarm fire.

“The whole place has just gone up,” said Police Commissioner James McCall, who said he had spoken with Chief Rodney Querrard, who was at the scene.

Gov. John deJongh Jr., speaking from the scene later, said, “It is definitely gone.” He continued, “They are just trying to control it at this point and to mitigate any damage to surrounding property.”

The blaze started around 8:30 p.m., Greaux said. By 10 p.m. an eerie orange glow silhouetted the surrounding hills and could be seen from Peterborg and Hull Bay reports Shaun A. Pennington of the St. Thomas Source.

This is certainly a blow to the dedicated employees and family of Mountain Top. Nicci and I send our thoughts and prayers out to them.

You can read more here.

A benefit for Virgin Islands veterans is scheduled for Sunday, May 24 from noon – 7:00 pm at Mini Mango’s, Havensight Mall. The public is invited, admission is free.

The fundraiser will feature a motorcycle show, barbeque chicken, hamburgers and hot dogs, prize raffle and commemorative T-shirt sale. Live music will be provided by “So High, So Low” and Puerto Rican classic rock band, “The Evidence”.

Virgin Islands veterans are invited to attend as honored guests and will be given a complimentary lunch and souvenir T-shirt (while supplies last).
All proceeds will go towards providing direct support to needy veterans in the USVI in the form of food and clothing vouchers. The event is endorsed by the Office of Veteran’s Affairs.

Sponsors include the Carib Riders Motorcycle Club, Buzz 104.3, WZIN, Mini Mango’s and Budweiser/West Indies Corporation. Supporters include Merchant’s Market and Westline Productions.

For more information, call 340-344-1901

WIN THIS ST. THOMAS VILLA FOR $100!

No, not beach…or baby…or, um (fill in the blank). B as in Budget. As in how much for groceries, bills, necessities and – if there’s enough leftover – fun.

Yes, fun. Family fun. Couple fun. Something to keep a smile on your face even though people have lost jobs, face debt counseling and our country is trying to dig itself out of it’s current economic situation.

Wow. Really uplifting post huh?!

There are whispers down here that next year could be pretty bad as far as tourism goes. And you know this island, as well as St. John, St. Croix and all the St.’s, depend on tourism. What do you think - is there some family vacation budgeting going on out there? Or is that on hold for now? I like to think positive, I believe there’s a way to budget in some good…or maybe that’s too Pollyanna-ish for the moment.

We’ll have to hunt down some great cruise deals and airline prices over the summer to post and hopefully tempt people into island hopping. If you dig hard enough there are deals to be had as hotels and ships want to book up for next year. Our beaches will be waiting to serve your with peaceful weddings, fresh sunburns, deep tans, pina coladas and warm ocean waters. Our shops and restaurants will be stocked with great food, drink and more things to shop for than you can imagine.

The good? You can be here in just four hours with a direct flight out of the northeast. The bad? You haven’t booked it yet. Start digging for those deals people!

When we moved to St. Thomas we knew we would enjoy visits from friends and family. My parents never had an island trip on their itinerary until we we moved – and they happily make the four-hour flight every year to spend time in the sun with us. Of course it works both ways; my parents live on Cape Cod and we take full advantage! (By the way guys I’m hoping to have some friends up there over the summer…just an FYI. We’ll discuss the details later…)

One of my college buds recently found me on Facebook, turns out they’re living in SC, near a few North Myrtle beach resorts. That raised an eyebrow as we’ve never spent time there and some of these North Myrtle beach resorts look pretty sweet!

I’ve yet to pay a visit to San Francisco to see my old college roomate – however she is taking advantage of our location and coming out here in June for her first St. Thomas visit. Along with the Cape Scott and I are planning to take advantage of our friends in ME when we pay a visit to Old Orchard Beach this summer during our couple of months back home…that’s definitely going to be a rowdy visit! Oh, and of course we’ll be knocking on the door of my relatives in England for our London Olympics Plan of 2012

I’ll have to hook up with my college bud and barter a St. Thomas visit for an oceanfront North Myrtle beach resort visit…seems like a fair trade, right?

The 9th Annual Minimal Regatta is brought to you by Heineken and Heineken Premium Light and our friends The Buzz 104.3 FM.

What’s the Minimal Regatta? I’ve never been but from what I understand you make a sailing boat with duct tape and slabs of wood. Most float and sink, which is what makes it fun to watch. Here’s the “official” guidelines:

Your craft must be made with the following materials:

- One 4×8’ ¼ inch sheet of plywood.
- Two 2×4×8” boards
- One 2’ wide, 60’ long roll of duct tape
- One pound of fasteners (nails, screws, staples.)
- No adhesives. No caulking.
- Painting is optional; only latex or enamel paint is allowed. No resin-based or polyurethane paints.
-No paddling devices allowed, other than those made with the above materials.
- All craft inspected for compliance on day of race.

Inscription is $20 per boat Call for rules and registration 340-777-4220.

$4 Grand Marnier shots and $2.50 Heineken and Heineken Premium Light all day long.

May. 16, 2009
12:00 PM
Cover Price: FREE
The Beach Bar, St John

We’re almost halfway through May (can you believe it??), which means summer is knocking on the door for our friends in MA who are probably still thawing out from a ridiculously snowy winter. Warm temps are coming their way, with trips to the beach, bbq’s out on their deck and perhaps a vacation.

I grew up in CT and my family took a trip to Cape Cod every summer. The Cape, of course, is a HUGE draw in the summer months…if you’ve ever been to Hyannis in July and waited in line for either lobster or mini-golf then you know what I’m talking about. If you’ve never been then it might be time to check out some airline tickets and grab those sunglasses…those lobster & golf-lines can also be found at pretty much any seashore up the coast of New England…along with ice cream, fried clams, cheap t-shirts and sunburns

Summer on St. Thomas, in contrast to the busy shores of MA and ME, is quiet and peaceful. It’s also HOT, as in…HOT. The ocean heats up, the winds slow, cruise ships stop calling (for the most part), traffic lessens, souvenir stores shorten their hours (or close completely) and snowbirds shutter up their island homes and fly back to the mainland. For people looking for a quiet vacation on the shore St. Thomas in the summer would be the place for you. Traveling to the island during the low season means savings across the board…from cheap flights, to lodging…and there’s most likely some sweet deals to be had in the stores that remain open!

My old college roomie and her boyfriend are visiting us in June for a week. She’s flying from CA (she booked her flight just a couple of months ago), so she doesn’t have a snow-hangover, but she is looking forward to some fun in the tropical sun. Nothing beats the island my friends (although I do love that New England lobster…)!