This month we are going to start taking a little different direction with the Caribbean Connection. We here at the Old Town Crier have formed a partnership with the USVI Department of Tourism and will be offering more information of a general nature as well as highlighting some individual businesses and events throughout the year. We hope you enjoy where we are taking you! In addition to picturesque beaches, the U.S. Virgin Islands share a rich history from colonial forts, restored plantations, greathouse museums, and contemporary art galleries displaying the work of local artists. Seven flags have flown over St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix since their discovery in 1493 by Christopher Columbus. The islands have been ruled in succession by the Spanish, English, French, Knights of Malta, French (for a second time), the Danish, and now, of course, the islands are part of the United States. This eclectic historical path has influenced the development of all three islands, particularly during the Danish reign. Street, town and area names, architecture and former plantations all reveal the vast influence on the islands still remaining after 251 years under Danish rule. Today, the U.S. Virgin Islands are leaders in the development of “sustainable tourism” which protects the beauty of the natural environment while allowing visitors to enjoy its pristine wonder. St. John leads in eco-tourism resorts that allow visitors to experience intimate encounters with the natural beauty of the Caribbean outdoors, along with comfort and convenience at an affordable cost. St. Thomas offers a guided kayak tour through its marine sanctuary and mangrove lagoon led by experienced naturalists and biologists. Off the shores of St. Croix, Buck Island provides memorable snorkeling experiences at the only underwater national monument in the United States. Fun and adventure are abundant because of the islands’…
Summer days in the islands often mean hazy, hot afternoons when you long for nothing more than a long swim and a cold drink. The next time I’m whipping up a batch of something refreshing, I’m going to steal a page from USVI Culinary Team Bartender Brandon DeCloux, whose work I recently had the pleasure of tasting. The U.S. Virgin Islands are well known for being home to alabaster shorelines and turquoise waters, and thanks to DeCloux, we’re now getting some love for that other pillar of island life — cocktails. DeCloux, a bartender at Sib’s on the Mountain on the island of St. Thomas, was the bartender for the USVI Culinary Team which recently battled against 10 other countries in the annual Taste of the Caribbean culinary competition. The competition is hosted annually in Miami and the USVI team — composed of nine chefs and pastry chef members from St. Thomas and St. Croix — is sponsored by the USVI Hotel and Tourism Association. The team returned from the competition with a total of three gold medals, three silver medals, one bronze medal and two honorable mentions. DeCloux was named Bartender of the Year with an award winning nonalcoholic beverage and vodka and rum connections as well. DeCloux brought his bartending tools to the USVI Hotel and Tourism Association’s general membership meeting at Turtle Bay Estate House at Caneel Bay recently where he whipped up those refreshing libations for the crowd. For an island twist on the average cream soda, shake up fresh squeezed lime juice with a quality cream of coconut, pour over ice and top with sparkling water. With the lime juice balancing the sweet coconut, this drink is like a combination of a lime and coconut and a lime rickey. DeCloux also demonstrated how to make…