This staunch fashion head was recently thrown into a world of another style. Along with other journalist of note from Canada, Chicago (The Chicago Sun-Times…if you will) Miami and St Lucia, joined a group of Spirit Airlines officials for “Taste of Twin City – Food Tasting & Cultural Tour” through downtown Christiansted, St Croix, US Virgin Islands….and I didn’t even need my passport. We were joined by the Spirit Airlines crew who were on the island to celebrate their Inaugural, direct, non-stop service from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, to St Croix.
HISTORY
The lovely Anquanette Gaspard of “Taste of Twin City Food Tour” (www,vifoodtours.com) conducted our tour. She first gave a brief history of the island which was owned formerly by the British, Dutch, Danish, French, Spanish, Knights of Malta and now America. Authentic Cruzian tastings, paired with a rich narrative on St Croix’s history and culture, were the order of the day and our knowledgeable guide, Anquanette, took the reigns of what turned out to be a deliciously, informative walking tour through the narrow cobble-stone streets of downtown, St Croix.
Government House
ROTI & DOUBLES TO GO
Our tour started at the popular SINGH’S FAST FOODS on Company Street. Better known as Singh’s Roti Shop, they boast the best roti on St Croix. We sampled their delicious `Doubles’ a mini-roti stuffed with curried chickpeas and potatoes. Opened and owned by the Singh’s family that migrated from Trinidad, it’s become a popular fast food spot for Curries, Meat and Chicken dishes, Fried and Baked fish and of course their Roti’s.
A FUSION
A short walk up-hill brought us to the historical Lutheran Church which was established in 1734, one of the oldest churches on the island. A few steps downhill, opposite Singh’s, we crowded into GARY’S BAKERY & DELI for coconut buns and savory `Bush Tea’ an island staple. This spot is also owned and run by Trinidadian immigrants who came to St Croix, back in the day. ZENY’S RESTAURANT was our next stop. A typical Caribbean `Corner Shop’, the owners migrated from Puerto Rico and they serve meals from their own backyard, and local farmers. We snacked on yellow rice and beans, stewed chicken and sweet yellow plantains. Their menu is noted as `Cruzian-Rican Cuisine’ fusing the two Caribbean cultures.
Lutheran Church
ALEXANDER HAMILTON
We stopped by Lots 7 & 8 King Street, a grand historical building which used to be the workplace of Alexander Hamilton. He worked as a clerk for the import/export firm of Nicholas Cruger, which was located in this building. It was there a young Hamilton learned the complexities of international trade and finances. He would later say; “This was the most useful part of my education.” Afterward he became the Secretary to the Treasury under George Washington…and as they say, the rest is history.
Lentil Balls
COBBLE-STONE & LENTILS & RUM
Our cobble-stone stroll brought us to ITAL IN PARADISE; an all-natural, vegetarian restaurant up a flight of stairs at the back of Government House, and, ideally perched opposite BES CRAFT COCKTAIL LOUNGE, a well-known lounge for exotic drinks made with unusual natural spices and herbs of the island. So, Ital in Paradise serves natural juices to go with the healthy foods. We enjoyed some fabulous Lentil Balls freshly made from the dreadlocked chef/owner. A photo op with our group on the stairs of the historic Government House was facilitated. We finally made our way down Company Street to the waterside where the tour ended with a legendary Rum Punch tasting at RUM RUNNER STX, a popular watering hole on the island that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a spacious open-air /covered situation right on the water at the St Croix harbor.
