on-stjohn Archives | Page 17 of 18

Surly Cantina’s back

February 24, 2010 by News of St. John

"Anyone in need of a steak asado taco/burrito?," asks Suzanne Schlessinger, co-owner of what was the Surly Cantina at Wharfside. "We're back!!"

(Co-owner) Craig Sullivan is taking over the kitchen at Crazy Cracker's. We open on Saturday. With the Surly Cantina menu plus some other new bites."

A few weeks ago, a dispute with the landlord forced Suzanne Schlessinger and Craig Sullivan out of their Wharfside location the street even as a new eatery opened up in their place, using a similar name and the same chef, she said.

Hawksnest, out with the old

February 24, 2010 by News of St. John

Hawksnest is one of the best beaches on the north shore. And it's getting some buffing thanks to new signage from the National Park Service. These picture's show the difference between the old (The Inquiring Iguana took the one at the bottom) and the new one, above, was (taken by a real pro, Janet Simonsen (http://www.stevesimonsen.com/).

It's been good beach weather for several weeks, even hot, say locals. AccuWeather forecast today is for Real Feel of 90. No rain for several weeks, either, which is putting a lot of pressure on cisterns. (That roaring sound you may hear is a water truck on the way to your villa!)

Where the money for Gifft Hill repairs came from

February 23, 2010 by News of St. John

CNN reports … "The U.S. Virgin Islands are riding a wave of federal tax dollars these days."

CNN estimates Gov. John de Jongh's administration has the territory in line to receive $130 million dollars.

Construction projects benefit parking, roads, fishermen

February 18, 2010 by News of St. John

Nearly $20 million dollars worth of government-financed construction, excavation, ferry boats and consulting are being spent on the island this year, according to an article in the Virgin Islands Daily News. Most of the work is being financed by an $87 million government bond issue

Reporting on a statement from the Department of Public Works, the Daily News said the largest project is the $6.9 million Cruz bay Roundabout which is 90% complete and due to be finished in June.

Other projects:

A marketplace for local fishermen and a parking lot at the Enighed commercial port costing $2.2 million. Commissioner Darryl Smalls is quoted saying the lot is "temporary" until land can be found for a parking garage.

St. John music video on YouTube

February 17, 2010 by News of St. John

The island's multimedia guru, Steve Simonsen, has completed production on a music video featuring the work of a London-based rock group. Elspeth Rose, lead singer for The Awe Kids, asked him to produce the video.

"Elspeth contacted me through Facebook months before her trip," Simonsen said. "She asked if I would help her create a music video."

Her parents and brothers live on St. John. Her mother, Helen Lalich, is an artist (www.heleneltis.com).

The Awe Kids were founded just about a year ago. Within a few weeks, they were playing clubs and heard on the radio.

"Just in it for the Music" is their motto. All their music is produced by 19-year-old James Rockhill who also plays keyboards. They are touring the UK now.

Click to watch "Love Spell" by The Awe Kids

Island Notes for Tuesday

February 16, 2010 by News of St. John

Live de Life Living

More St. John Fun

St. John Life

Film Society event Thursday

Yelp

Tap Room gets 4 star review

Meet Me in Cruz Bay

February 15, 2010 by News of St. John

The island's best known 'mainstream' singer may be Kenny Chesney. But a sextet from Mill Valley, California also deserves some love from Love City.

The Cow Bay CruzBoys were a hot 'house band' on the island in the '80s. Tom Funkhouser and Whistler Doug Van Nostrand first ran into Dore Coller in Coral Bay in 1979.

After years of being 'big fish in a small pond', the Cow Bay CruzBoys headed back for the mainland. Now they're on the west coast, playing private parties and festivals.

They've released one CD, Island Time. You can hear tracks from it, and learn more about the group at http://www.songpeddler.com/CowBayCruzBoys/index.asp