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 For the past two winters we have rented a house in Coral Bay, the small town on the eastern side of St. John, U.S.V.I. Almost at the exact half way point of St. John's winding steep Centerline Road, which connects Coral Bay to the bustling port town of Cruz Bay, sits a quaint little restaurant called Le Chateaux Bordeaux. It's located on the highest peak of St. John, Bordeaux Mountain. The restaurant is almost no more than a glorified tree house with breathtaking views of Coral Bay and Tortola B.V.I. in the distance. The atmosphere is uber romantic with a dark wooden interior, filled with wrought-iron chandeliers, lace table cloths, and lit candles. Tall crystal wineglasses with solid white china plates sit at each setting, and fabric swags hang from the ceiling. It is fine dining caribbean-island style, and as it should be, the view is the true feast for the eyes. Picture windows surround the dining room looking out towards the east. It's best to dine before sunset to catch the spectacular view. The wine list is impressive, and the food has a French/Caribbean flare with fresh and creative dishes. Try the Caribbean Lobster Crepe, Chilean Sea Bass, or West Indian seafood chowder. Filet Mignon and rack of Lamb are also some of the offerings, as well as an assortment of decadent homemade desserts. St. John is not known for it's fine dining, which is one of the reasons we love the island, but Chateau Bordeaux is one of the exceptions. The owners of the house we rent, Tim and Patty Tacquard, said Chateau Bordeaux was their favorite. On our first visit, we took their advice and made a reservation for the early seating as they had suggested. Our first meal there was great, and only to be topped by our subsequent visits. On our second visit to St. John, we were on a mission to reunite with our friend Frankie. A local St. John native and West Indian, Frankie Smith is known to stop in there regularly around 5:30 for a Pernod or two. Some call him the local mayor, and he was our saving grace one day when we got a flat tire. He knows everybody and can fix anything. Marc Kaye, the manager/bartender of the restaurant, greeted us warmly and helped us get in touch with Frankie. After chatting with Marc, we learned he is originally from Greenwich, CT., but has been a St. John transplant for the past ten years. We ended up going to Chateau Bordeaux three times over the course of our vacation, always enjoying the good food, wine, and company--and let's not forget the view. One night we left the beach early and cleaned up in time for a full course dinner before sunset, and by chance we were actually were seated at the same table we had the year before, only adding to the romance. The next time we went was just to meet up with Frankie for a drink, but we ended up ordering a light snack, and had a great sauteed calamari salad with lemon and capers over baby mache. It was so light, refreshing, and filled with flavor, and so good that we went back for it a second time on our way back from our last day at the beach. Although we still had sand on our feet, Marc did not mind. The calamari salad was the perfect after-beach-treat to have with a glass of white wine or a beer [Carib] with a lime. While sitting at the bar, we started chatting with one of the waitresses and it turned out that she was from the Vineyard and her parents own a restaurant in Edgartown. We felt right at home. Chateau Bordeaux has great service, a friendly staff and amazing food. The a small bar is a great place to pop in after a day at the beach and have a glass of wine or cocktail and appetizers. Dinner is from 5:30-8:45 and reservations are a must: 340.776.6611. Dine before sundown to enjoy the spectacular Coral Bay and easterly B.V.I. view. If you see Marc or Frankie, tell them we said hi. If you get the chance to visit St. John, don't miss dining at the Chateau Bordeaux!  |
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