Walter Hinds, the award-winning executive chef who made Stone Terrace the talk of the island, has opened his own place in the former Tage space, along the street across from the Sprauve School. Lousy location. All the traffic noise and thumping audio shrieking out of passing SUVs you could want, and more.
The menu, courtesy of On-StJohn.com, looks very artsy and skillful. And expensive. Appetizers average $15; entrees (including Ahi Tuna, Maine Scallops, and Lobster Polenta) are near $40. Start with a beer, share a bottle of wine with dinner, and you’ve got a bill for $170, plus tip.
The self-titled Hinds Restaurant is sure to come in for heat about those prices – especially since the place is also “temporarily” cash only.
But no one, and no business, is immune form the rising cost of living on St. John. Food costs, at the supermarket and in the restaurants, are soaring thanks to rising utility and transportation costs from sea to shining sea.
Hinds’ restaurant is opening in the slow time on St. John, a good idea – so long as he has a lot of operating capital to carry him to December. No reviews on the place yet – you’ll know when we know.
(Since this was posted, several satisfied diners have posted reviews. Click here to see them and add your two cents.)
Hinds photo, courtesy of Virgin Voice, which also wrote an item about him when he was at the Stone Terrace.
I have eaten at Hinds and the atmosphere isn’t at all compromised by their location. The same (thumping SUV’s) can be heard here just like LaTapa just yards down the block. He has done a wonderful job redecorating the dining area and his staff is very friendly and accommodating. The prices may be a bit high but what isn’t these days on St. John. I would say his largest competition would be the recently opened Waterfront Bistro which also has comparable prices but a much smaller range of creative dishes on the menu. Me and my girl friends often stop into Hinds for cocktails after dinner somewhere else in town (not much is open this time of year) or stay late after enjoying his 5 choice Tapa sampler he is now offering. I feel that Walter made a great decision opening his own restaurant and the location won’t stop diners from joining him. By the time season rolls around he will have already captured the palates of many locals and be able to entice visitors who may have dined at Stone Terrace in the past. I for one was a dedicated diner at Stone Terrace and will continue to indulge myself at Hinds. If you do get a chance to visit Hinds try the Escargot Shortcake very non conventional but equally delicate and delectable.
I too have dined at Walter Hinds new restaurant. It was excellent. We all had different entrees, and all got rave reviews. The location, is as mentioned above, comparable to La Tapa, which is one of the premier restaurants on island. If you do not have the view, then you MUST have good food. Which he does. I hope with the coming season, all will give it a try. You will not be disappointed.
Branzini fish was spectacular (Walter said it was flown in fresh from Greece). Salad was better at Waterfront Bistro (a little heavy and salty at Hinds). Freebie appetizer was not seasoned at all. Stick with the entrees here. Branzini was the best entree hands down on the island.
Well—-Walter is talented, but I think it is all context. When he was surrounded by the incredible staff at Stone Terrace, the wine list by David, and superior location it was worth the $$$.
It isn’t now for me, and the menu offerings are just too expensive.
Frankly, “Hinds” at the old Zozo’s and Tage suffers same problems of location, noise, ballpark lights, on coming glare of headlights and most important, it lacks the top flight service, wine he enjoyed at Stone Terrace, in my opinion.
The article linked by Virgin Voice gives basic background about Walter, and is well done….but I will wait for Virgin Voice to revisit Walter and re-review him before I go back there…I’d rather spend $150 elsewhere…in fact I’d rather spend $80 at Fishtrap, get Aaron Willis’ extraordinary fare, perfectly priced wines and dinner specials, and a FAIR prices with great location and parking anytime.
We ate at Hinds last week. Awesome food and service. He lowered his prices and he now takes credit cards, MC and VISA. This is one of St.John best restaurants………….Hands down.
I HAVE FOLLOWED THIS WONDERFUL, CREATIVE AND GIFTED CHEF FROM ASIA D’ CUBA NYC, CONSCIOUS POINT SOUTHAMPTON NY, 75 MAIN TO HERE AT ST. JOHN…IF YOU VISIT ST JOHN IT IS A MUST TO EXPERIENCE HIS CUISINE….AND IF YOU DO NOT…SHAME ON YOU