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Friendly place in Surly’s spot

If you can get past the idea that the popular Mexican food eatery, the Surly Cantina, has moved on, there's a tasty treat waiting for you in the old, small space.



So say Karin and Bob Schlesinger. By day they run Tropical Focus Photography, specializing in "Extraordinary images with an island flair."  (www.TropicalFocus.com).  By evening, they're out and about.

Zack_2 This week they stopped by Wharfside Village  just in time for the soft opening of Wharfside Café – Love City’s Cantina. It's owned by Zack Williams, a former chef at the Stone Terrace restaurant.

Here's the Schlesingers' report.

"As hardcore fans of the Surly Cantina that recently closed on the same spot, we were skeptical anyone could follow in their footsteps. But, since we’d tried Surly’s during its opening, we decided to give the new folks a try.
 
"Let’s just say that surly has been replaced by friendly and we’ll gladly stand in line for a bite from now on. Yes, we predict there will often be a line.
 
"The Cantina is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with no siesta. Their goal is great fresh food served simply and inexpensively. A basic Taco Pastor with re-fried beans is only $3 or $6 for the pulled pork version.

Read moreFriendly place in Surly’s spot

Hinds Restaurant wants to know

Just before Valentine's Day, the man behind Cruz Bay's top-rated Hinds Restaurant is asking, "What is the perfect first date 'scenario'? 

Walter Hinds suggests it might be picnicking in Central Park, eating at the sushi bar at Nobu in NYC, dinner for two at your pad, sharing a hot dog & a Snapple on the street or dim sum in Chinatown?

Read moreHinds Restaurant wants to know

Real estate market update

While temperatures headed down on the mainland, interest in real estate heated up on the island. 

Islandia Real Estate's Merry Nash says last week was a good one for Realtors. 

One of her customers toured a dozen properties in one day.  Islandia's blog can be seen at http://www.islandiarealestate.com/blog/

Surly Cantina is #1 even tho closed

Surly Cantina, the fast-food Mexican place that used to be at Wharfside, and which is no more … is the best in the Virgin Islands. 

On the Cantina's blog, it's reported the place got the Virgin Islands Daily News nod, again, for the Best Mexican food in the Territory.    "Now we just need a restaurant," Craig and Suzanne said in reaction

"Now we have 2 Best Of's in the VI and we were only open for 15 months," they added.
"We have a few things in the works regarding locations. We want to
re-open as soon as possible."

Read moreSurly Cantina is #1 even tho closed

Super party at St. John Brewers

The Tap Room at Mongoose Junction was just one of many places hosting a party for The Big Game Sunday night.  But what was notable for the St. John Brewers guys was that their new kitchen was in full swing serving up great bar food.

Banzhaf Gallery has two exhibitions

Lily-Pad-Necklace-600w  The centerpiece at Michael Banzhaf's gallery this month is his own work.  An example of the goldsmith's art is "Lily Pad," an 18 karat gold necklace which carries a small diamond on each "Pad."

Monica-rios_128_bigBesides his own work, Banzhaf is also featuring the paintings of Monica Rios. Her work is inspired by dreams and tropical scenery and often includes cats. So it's not surprising that 10% of the proceeds of the sale of her work at the Cruz Bay gallery will be donated to the St. John Animal Care Center.

Surf’s up

Surf_1 So, while you may have been freezing in the dark along the mid-Atlantic coast over the weekend, some lucky dude was catching the waves.Surf_2








Shelley, a long-time NewsofStJohn.com fan, who also calls herself Island Girl is a frequent island visitor. She snapped these photos at Cinnamon Bay. Some people said the north shore swells were 'awesome.'

Read moreSurf’s up