crucian traditions Archives | My St Croix Travel Guide Virgin Islands Vacation Blog

November 10, 2015 Filed Under: Points of Interest, Where to Play St Croix Tagged With: crucian heritage, crucian traditions, cruzan rum, St Croix Vacations, things to do, travel tips, What to do on St Croix

Cruzan Rum Distillery

Don’t Hurry

When you tour the Cruzan Rum Factory, you’ll be literally stepping into St Croix History. The Nelthropp family has been producing rum on St Croix since 1760. And likely when you visit the factory on St Croix, you’ll bump into one of the Nelthropps – after 8 generations, they still run the show.

Rich in heritage, the Cruzan Rum distillery is “the world’s most honored rum distillery in the world”. The hand-crafted rum is not only the basis of Cruzan Rum ®, they are also the largest supplier of American private and distributer label rum. With their well earned place in American History, the Cruzan Rum Distillery is one of two rum manufacturers included on the American Whiskey Trail.

While the Captain Morgan Distillery annd Experience Center is state-of-the-art, the Cruzan Rum Tour will take you on a personal journey through the making … and tasting of this piece of Virgin Islands history and culture. Take your time, enjoy, don’t hurry… it’s the Crucian way!

Hours :: Mon – Fri 9a – 5p | Sat & Sun 10a – 3p
Adults $8
Children $4

Hint: This is the best place to purchase rum to take home with you. Cruzan offers great deals on 6-bottle packages (each adult returning to the US can bring back 6-bottles of alcohol duty-free as long as one was distilled in the US Virgin Islands). The great folks at Cruzan Rum will pack your rum safely into a travel box for you to take home. And the best part is that it doesn’t count as one of your checked bags (so you don’t pay to fly it home). You can thank the USVI Government and Dept of Tourism for that!

A colonial Sugar Mill is appropriately the landmark that hails the entrance of the Cruzan Rum Distillery on St Croix. Proudly standing by are the Seven Flags of the nations that have all flown over St Croix through its history.

The tour takes you to the top of the vats of fermenting rum.

Steam rises during the rum making process

Cruzan Rum is aged in oak barrels that previously held Jim Beam whiskey!

Following the guided tour (or before while you wait), you can relax in the open-air Hospitality Pavillion.

But the real action happens at the “Don’t Hurry” bar where you can spend the afternoon sampling the many flavors of St Croix’s world-famous Cruzan Rum!

Don’t forget to take some rum home with you!

July 3, 2015 Filed Under: Crucian Heritage, Featured, Holidays on St Croix, Island Life, St Croix Events, St Croix History Tagged With: crucian heritage, crucian traditions, St Croix, St Croix Events, Virgin Islands, What to do on St Croix

Emancipation Day: A Truly Crucian Story

While many across the United States and it’s Territories are preparing for the 4th of July and American Independence celebrations, today July 3rd, marks a very important holiday here in the US Virgin Islands – Emancipation Day.

One of my favorite books is Island Beneath the Sea by Isabel Allende which tells the harrowing saga of Zarité from her slavery on a sugar plantation in Saint-Domingue through her escape and participation in the uprising and successful slave revolt in Haiti to her eventual arrival in New Orleans. It is historical fiction, but offers insight into a dark time and the struggles and strength associated with survival amidst such brutality. Here on St Croix, there’s a very similar and equally heroic story.

70 years after the revolutionists in the thirteen colonies rose up from tyranny in 1776 and 14 years before slaves were emancipated in the United States, the enslaved on St Croix banded together and coordinated an uprising. They were the second island in the Caribbean after Haiti to demand their freedom and set the precedent for emancipation throughout the Caribbean. Often it is said that Danish Governor Peter von Scholten abolished slavery. And while it is technically true, it was actually a slave uprising on July 3, 1848, that prompted him to do it much earlier than he had planned.

Appointed Governor-General in 1827 by King Frederick of Denmark, von Scholten was an advocate of the gradual emancipation of the slaves. Undoubtedly, his mistress and confidante, “free-coloured” Anna Heegaard, had an influence on his philosophies. The trans-Atlantic slave trade had ceased in 1803, but the brutality of forced slave labor on the sugar plantations continued on St Croix and throughout the Caribbean. In 1839, von Scholten began building schools to educate enslaved children. And it was in 1847 that Governor von Scholten put forward his 12-year plan to emancipate the enslaved. A plan that was quite unpopular with local plantation owners.

John Gottlieb (General Buddhoe) a skilled, freed slave was not about to wait 12 years. Buddhoe along with his Admiral Martin King organized the plantation slaves on the West End of St Croix and coordinated a gathering in Frederiksted at the blowing of the conch shell on the morning of July 3, 1848. A large group of slaves and free-coloureds stormed and took Fort Frederik and demanded that by noon the slaves be declared free or they would burn down the town. They sent the ultimatum to Governor von Scholten in Christiansted. Some hypothesize that von Scholten and Buddhoe may have had a previous clandestine agreement. Other stories have it that von Scholten was en route to the slave school at Mount Victory just outside of Frederiksted to oversee an exam when he received the word and was diverted. Either way, the deadline was extended slightly and by 3 pm von Scholten declared the slaves free avoiding what – knowing the history of the Haitian rebellion – undoubtedly could have been a very bloody battle with many casualties.

Ruins of the von Scholten School at Mount Victory Camp

Freedom for the slaves didn’t mean true emancipation and many of them still toiled in unfair conditions earning meager wages that kept them impoverished. In October 1878, labor organizers rebelled again … led by three rebel Queens for the “fyah burn” but that’s another story for another time.

St Croix and many other influential Crucians have had a significant impact on the United States and it’s history. West Indian-born Alexander Hamilton spent his formative years working for an accountant on St Croix and it was his Crucian benefactors that paid for his education in New York. He later became Chief Staff Aide to General George Washington, the 1st US Secretary of the Treasury and holds an esteemed place on the US $10 bill.

“The history of labor organizers and the long term impact of our history and how it ties into US history is significant. Many of the labor organizers in the early 1900s’ in New York were Crucians. Hubert Harrison is referred to as “the foremost Afro-American intellect of his time” and the “father of Harlem Radicalism.” – Frandelle Gerard, Director Crucian History and Nature Tourism (CHANT)

To learn more about the incredible history of St Croix and the US Virgin Islands while on St Croix, book a walking tour or a hike with one of the many knowledgeable guides at CHANT. You can also visit Estate Whim Museum, a part of the St Croix Landmarks Society to learn more about life on a working sugar plantation.

March 31, 2015 Filed Under: Crucian Heritage, Featured, St Croix History Tagged With: 7 flags, america's paradise, crucian heritage, crucian traditions, Island Life, organic act, tiphanie yanique, transfer day

Transfer Day in the Virgin Islands: Seven Flags Over St Croix

Living in the Virgin Islands it seems like every other week there is a holiday. Particularly because we celebrate all the traditional US Holidays, but there are also some important and historical USVI holidays in the mix. Each March 31st we celebrate Transfer Day in the US Virgin Islands.

So what the heck is Transfer Day anyways?

Since Columbus encountered and named the Virgin Islands (he landed on St Croix on his second trip in 1493 at Salt River), many countries have planted their flags on our shores. St Croix switched hands the most of any of the Virgin Islands and has a rich cultural past having flown seven flags over the island: Spain, England, Holland, France, the Knights of Malta, Denmark, and finally, the United States. In 1733, France sold the islands to the Danish West India Company and Denmark ruled the island colonies for almost 200 years. Because of the many different influences on the peoples of St Croix, you’ll find a rich tapestry of cultures woven together and reflected in Crucian food, customs, the local patois, and the beautiful historical architecture of downtown Christiansted and throughout the islands. The strong Danish influence is still celebrated with many Danes visiting throughout the year and the “Friends of Denmark Society” holding annual festivities. The WDY Cultural Dancers are often seen across the island sharing this joyful melange of culture through traditional dance.

On March 31, 1917 the Danish West Indies were officially transferred to the United States for $25 million. Ceremonies were held simultaneously on St Croix and St Thomas at 4pm on the date to commemorate the transfer. The negotiations began almost 50 years prior during the Civil War when the United States recognized that the islands provided a strategic outpost for the navy (fueling ships and protecting interests in the Panama Canal). The St Croix Landmarks Society posts an interesting and in-depth background of the historical significance of Denmark’s allegiance to the Union during the Civil War.

Today, because of the transfer, the United States Virgin Islands benefit from several conveniences for travelers from the US. We use the US Dollar $, the official language is English and US Citizens do not need to carry a passport when visiting the USVI. All persons leaving the territory via plane will pass through US Customs, so if you have a passport – we still recommend carrying it to make the process that much faster.

U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR’s) who travel directly between parts of the United States, which includes Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), without touching at a foreign port or place, arenot required to present a valid U.S. Passport or U.S. Green Card. However, it is recommended that travelers bring a government issued photo ID and copy of birth certificate. – U.S. Customs & Border Protection

During the transfer of the islands to the United States, an agreement was put together called the Organic Act which allowed the US Virgin Islands, as a territory, to retain some autonomy and control (this was replaced by the Revised Organic Act of 1954) and also afforded residents of the islands United States Citizenship. One of the perks of the Organic Act is that our goods are allowed to be sold duty-free. Today, visitors are also allowed to carry back with them 6-bottles of alcohol (spirits are much cheaper here, especially since our world-famous Cruzan Rum and Captain Morgan are both distilled on St Croix) as long as 1 bottle was distilled in the Virgin Islands. Because rum is such a part of our culture and economy, our Department of Tourism has a deal with the airlines and though you’ll check your box of adult goodies, it won’t be charged as a checked bag nor count towards your bag allowance.

There are many reasons to celebrate America’s Paradise, the US Virgin Islands, every single day – but today is the official one!

Read Virgin Islands acclaimed author, Tiphanie Yanique’s epic generational saga of a Virgin Islands family Land of Love and Drowning: A Novel. This intriguing, almost mythological, tale is woven with historical moments like the Transfer of the Virgin Islands and the creation of the Open Shorelines Act of 1971 that allows for all beaches in the USVI to be accessible by everyone. It’s a great read that I highly recommend!
Tiphanie has also authored a delightful children’s book I am the Virgin Islands that celebrates the kaleidoscope of people and places found in the Virgin Islands. Guaranteed to make you smile!

December 13, 2013 Filed Under: Featured, Holidays on St Croix, Island Life, St Croix Events, Vacation Tips Tagged With: boat parade, crucian christmas, crucian traditions, Family Friendly Events, St Croix, St Croix Events, st croix holidays

St Croix Christmas Boat Parade

I still remember my first St Croix Christmas Boat Parade in 2001. I had just moved down to the island the week before and was feeling a bit sad about missing Christmas in New England. That all changed the day I experienced the Boat Parade and realized that St Croix truly is Christmas Island! I remember standing at the Deck Bar on the board walk with a few friends and thinking – Yep, this is where I am meant to be. It was magical.

Follow the My St Croix Facebook Page for Live Coverage

Started in 1999 as a volunteer effort and celebration of the boating culture here in the VI, the St Croix Christmas Boat Parade has become the largest boat parade in all of the Caribbean and it just keeps growing! Volunteers work tirelessly for months putting things together, acquiring sponsorship for the fireworks display and host numerous meetings to ensure that the boat captains know all of the rules and put safety first. Then the boats pull their crews and friends together to go overboard decorating! There are boats with DJs and bands and they really go all out.

Nowadays, its a day-long celebration in the historic town of Christiansted. There are festivities for the kids and and fairs where you can find local made crafts and other goodies for gift-giving. Shops are open in town and there are festivities on the boardwalk throughout the day.

The real show kicks off at dusk when the parade begins with boats decked out in a spectacular display of lights and holiday cheer.

Don’t miss this fantastic Crucian Christmas celebration – be sure to be in town EARLY so you get a good spot!

If you’re not here this year, start making plans for a St Croix vacation next year built around this terrific event.

Find more Crucian Christmas Festivities on our St Croix Events Calendar

August 22, 2012 Filed Under: Featured, Island Life, Rum, Travel Tips, Vacation Tips Tagged With: crucian traditions, family fun, Island Life, Rum, St Croix, travel tips, vacation tips, What to do on St Croix

Keep Calm and Drink Rum

Tropical Storms and Hurricanes are a part of life in the islands. They aren’t something to be particularly fearful of and most often they aren’t much more than an inconvenience. However, they should be taken seriously and preparing ahead can avoid a lot of stress and frustration. Here are a few of my tips for preparing for hurricanes in the Virgin Islands:

Stay tuned. Monitor the weather forecast during hurricane season and particularly when impending storms are announced. The weather conditions can change quickly!

I like to monitor the National Hurricane Center. They update the forecast at 8, 5 and 11 (am and pm) and as storms intensify and approach land they often add a 2am/pm update. This is the source that most other weather services use to create their reports. And we are certainly blessed on St Croix to have the NOAA Hurricane Hunters use our island as their Caribbean base… so when we see those super brave souls in their flight suits, we know there’s a storm brewing.
WeatherUnderground.com is my favorite source for daily and extended weather forecasts, radar and they also have great storm maps that are easy to read.

Click for weather forecast

Stay in touch. When storms are about to hit the islands, WAPA (our Water and Power Authority) turns off power for safety purposes. So power outages are inevitable. Have a battery operated radio to get updates and keep you company during the storm – and be sure to pick up fresh batteries for it and your flashlights. Be sure to fully charge your cell phones, laptops and iPads prior to the start of the storm. While you’re at it, download a few movies onto your laptop or iPad to keep you occupied when the power goes out. Or like me enjoy your time “unplugged” and grab that book you’ve been dying to read.
Be prepared. Have propane for your grill or lighters for your gas stoves. Think of the days without power as “camping” in the comfort of your own home. Stock your pantry with enough non-perishable and canned food for you and your family for several days. (And don’t forget a hand-operated can opener). Have enough water for each family member for 3-7 days. I keep my French Press handy so that even when the power goes out, I can still enjoy a nice cuppa Joe. It’s the little things…

French-Press — My tea kettle and French Press keep me happy.

Unplug. As soon as the power goes out (or if there has been an announced time that the power will be turned off) I completely unplug all major appliances including my fans, TV and computer battery backup system. I leave one light on in my bathroom so that when the power finally comes back on, I’m aware. Of course, if you have a reliable generator to power your home, you may not need to take this step. But, I find it has saved a lot of my electronics from power surges.
Keep your cool.I always pack my freezer with as many gallons of water as I can fit ahead of the storm. These freeze solid and help to keep my freezer cool longer when the power goes out. A couple hours after the power goes out, I put anything in the refrigerator that I need to keep cool (like mayonnaise or yogurt) in the freezer and use it as a super cooler. If I have a lot of food, I pack an actual cooler using one of the frozen water jugs. By keeping the freezer closed and putting things I want to eat in the cooler for easy access, I have a better chance of preventing spoilage over a few days. And when the ice melts, its still usable drinking water.
Frozen water jugs keep essential food cold longer when the power goes out.
Love your Pets. Don’t leave them outside in the storm. Remember that many pets, particularly dogs, can experience severe anxiety due to thunder. We see many pets get lost after storms because they were frightened and left outside. Be sure your pet has tags with your contact information and a microchip as a precaution. But, bring pets inside where they can be safe from the elements. Dogs feel secure in cozy, den-like places under tables or in kennels. Be sure they have plenty of water. If your dog experiences anxiety from thunder and loud noises, consider a Thundershirt for Dog Anxiety Treatment it has worked wonders for my dog!
Keep Calm and Drink Rum! Once you’ve got your property secured and your supplies in place sit back, relax and soothe your nerves with a nice cocktail. Gather your friends together in a safe place and have a hurricane party. That’s half the fun!

Enjoy this recipe from Cruzan Rum as the wind and rain kicks up:

Cruzan® Mango Hurricane

1 part Cruzan Mango Rum
1 part Cruzan Aged Dark Rum
Orange Juice
Splash of Grenadine

Do you have a favorite Hurricane Preparedness tip you’d like to share? Post it below!

May 8, 2012 Filed Under: Featured, Island Life, Photography, St Croix Events, St Croix Food and Wine, St Croix Night Life, St Croix Restaurants, Taste of St Croix, Travel Tips Tagged With: crucian heritage, crucian traditions, Island Life, St Croix, st croix calendar, St Croix Events, st croix food, st croix food and wine experience, St Croix Night Life, St Croix Vacations, travel tips, Travel to St Croix, What to do on St Croix

St Croix One Taste at a Time

A Taste of St Croix isn’t just a gastronomic competition featuring A-list celebrity chef judges each April, it’s a journey through the many flavors that make up the cultural, agricultural and culinary map that is St Croix. It’s a time to celebrate the dining establishments that not only bring in locals and tourists, but bring them back time and time again. And it’s a time to explore new wines, dance and party along a stunning palm-tree lined Caribbean beach.

This year’s “Taste” at Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort was, in my opinion, one of the best I’ve seen yet! There were so many enthusiastic participants, the decor was fun and fab and the list of celebrity judges was nothing short of impressive. I’d had the chance the day before to briefly meet Chef Govind Armstrong at his book signing at Undercover Books and was excited to catch him before the festivities for a brief interview. When asked what things about St Croix that he liked most so far, he mentioned how wonderful our local growers were at establishing a network with the local restaurants. Earlier in the week, celebrity and participating chefs had a chance to browse a special St Croix Food & Wine Week Farmer’s Market to purchase local produce for their menus. Chef Armstrong was particularly impressed at the abundance, diversity and quality of our fresh local produce and especially in that many growers had asked the restaurants and chefs, prior to the planting season, what they would like to see harvested. By working together the chefs and farmers are creating a new market on St Croix that not only benefits the restaurants, but also visitors and locals (like me!) who frequent our wonderful farm stands.

Chef Armstrong, who grew up in Costa Rica and has traveled extensively throughout the Caribbean, also mentioned that he really loved the landscape and the warm people of our island. He’s looking forward to a return trip with his family where he can take more time to explore St Croix and especially visit and hike through some of our lush green spaces like those at the Virgin Islands Sustainable Farm out West in the rainforest or simply lime on one of our beautiful beaches.

But this night, it was all about the FOOD on St Croix and there’s plenty of it! So enjoy my delicious journey through the event and then go visit some of these great chefs in their natural habitat – find them by exploring our

St Croix Dining Guide

St Croix Lime Editor, Trevor Clendenin, enjoys a taste at the wine bar following the press conference.

The lobby at Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort was transformed into a chic lounge
by Michele Marquis of Dream Island Events

The event spans the entire beach at Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort.

A real Caribbean celebration featuring palm trees, turquoise waters and blue skies.

One of my favorite restaurants on the island, Salud! is known for their savory, Mediterranean and North African-inspired dishes. If you are visiting St Croix – don’t miss this great dining experience.

Another one of my personal favorites, Dashi offers creative Asian/Caribbean fusion specials on a nightly basis, and of course, the freshest sushi often featuring local caught, fresh off the boat fish.

Everybody loves the Brew Pub! The only micro-brewery in the Caribbean featuring
some of the best live entertainment and a great pub-style menu!

Prestige Wine Group, one of the event sponsors, offered up a wonderful selection of wines for tasting.

The judges begin the arduous task of tasting the night’s competition.

Celebrity Chef judges like Govind Armstrong and Ana Sortun feasted on
competition categories of appetizers, soups, entrees, desserts and cocktails.

Every girls needs a “Little Black Dress”

… and Palm trees.

The Bistro, my daily haunt, was just getting set up as I went by (judging started before the event opened to the public), but I knew I’d be back later in the evening for a hot cuppa joe!

I was so excited to see an abundance of local produce featured throughout the event!

Nate Olive of Ridge to Reef Farm at the VI Sustainable Farm Institute describes the food that Chef Tahira is dishing up. They ended up with First Place in the “Local Fare” category!

Local bok choy (one of my favorite veggies) was used in dishes served up by caterer Shanti Shawa

Schooner Bay Market entered twice as “Schooner Bay Every Day” representing their great Christiansted market and as “Schooner Bay Catering”. I met up with them as they sent food to the judges tent. Looked yummy!

It was now time to hit the beachside Captain Morgan lounge and begin my quest to find the swashbuckling hottie who I’d spent so much time with in college. That guy got me in a lot of trouble back then!

I didn’t find the Captain yet, but I did find some really tasting Captain Morgan spiced rum punch!

Local restaurants and caterers continued lining up to present to the judges

Local celebrity Chef Joseph Stiles, an ambassador for the event, chats with
visiting celeb Chefs Eric Greenspan and Chef Roberto Trevino

Guests were starting to head in and the People’s Choice ballot box was open… so it was time to start tasting some food!

The Galleon Restaurant ended up taking First Place for their entree!

West Indies Corp was pouring luscious wines from
2011 Winery of the Year recipient Williamette Valley Vineyards

Bluewater Terrace, famous for Lori’s downhome country fried chicken was serving that and
a really decadent neapolitan of lobster, ham and other yummy goodness.

Bumping into good friends at fun events is Reason #127 why I love St Croix

The events of the St Croix Food & Wine Experience offer a great opportunity for the youth in local high school culinary programs to spread their wings. The kids from St Croix Complex High School’s “Good to Chew’ catering class made a really great showing with their prawn and scallop dish. The St. Croix Central High School Culinary Arts Class took Second Place in the Dessert category and The Afterschool Cooking Class took First place in the Vegetarian dish category. I’m happy to say there’s no shortage of great up and coming chefs in our island’s future!

Local radio personality and restaurateur, Kim Jones, was keeping her tawdry crew in line as they served up some might tasty margaritas and AMAZING hand-made pork and local pumpkin tamales. In fact, Pirate’s Tavern won Second Place Best Appetizer and First Place in the dessert category. (I missed that – dang!)

Eat@Cane Bay‘s owner and chef Frank Pugliese served up some delicious sliders

And really decadent dessert!

Cruzan Rum was well represented with their “Love Potion #9” featuring Cruzan 9 spiced rum.

The wine kept flowing as the sun went down!

Stafish Patisserie didn’t disappoint, offering up cake bites with flavors like mango, guava and keylime.

Juggling all of this food and wine can be tough work, but event admission includes these handy plates with a spot for your glass.

Art Farm was serving up an INCREDIBLE dairy free icecream that was like a cross between sorbet and gelato with a coconut milk base. They sell it at their weekly farm stand. I can’t wait to bring some home!

Another of my favorite restaurants, Savant, known for their Asian/Mexican/Caribbean fusion and super fresh fish was offering a Thai style soup …

… And rockstar chef “Dreads” dished up scallops with fried wontons and a to-die-for wasabi cream sauce.
(Tip: try their casava crusted fish of the day at Savant, it never disappoints!)

Then it was time to head over to the (soon-to-open in the old STIXX location)
John Eddie’s Low Life Bar & Refuge to find out what bartender Jesse Card was concocting.

His hand smoked “Bonfire Old Fashioned” ended up taking First Place in the Beverage Category!

Joe & Vic of Tavern 1844 were defending their “Best Burger”‘s 2011 First place win in the Entree category. They didn’t take first this year, but they place 2nd with their now named “Second Best” Burger: a delicious combination of fried goat cheese, whiskey-glazed apples, caramelized onions & truffle honey on a hand-crafted Tavern burger. Decadent!! Oh, and they serve it with a side of duck-fat fries.

I had a few more bites left in me, so I headed over to yet another favorite joint on the island….

I knew Rowdy Joe’s would be serving up some of their “Good Mood Food”.
The lamb empanada was scrumptious. Rowdy’s took second place in the Vegetarian category.

Boardwalk favorite RumRunner’s once again claimed the “People’s Choice” award, BUT this year,
they shared it in a tie with The Carambola Golf Club!

I finally caught up with Captain Morgan and his Morganettes. He’s always leading the party!

The party in the Captain’s lounge was in full swing and I got a chance to catch up with Gov. DeJongh for an interview. He – along with Captain Morgan – was excited for the grand opening the following Monday, of the Captain Morgan Experience Center on St Croix.

Somehow I made room for one more delicious bite – my friends at Ziggy’s Market
were serving up the perfect late-night snack – Cubanos!

After the long, grueling day of tasting and reporting, I needed a shot of caffeine and knew
I’d find it at The Bistro’s table. Proprietor Clint Simon was still serving it piping hot with a smile!

On our way back to the lobby to cover the award announcements, I stopped by Tutto Bene’s table and I was so glad I did! They had an adorable ducky pond incorporated with their famous antipasto. They ended up taking first place for “Best Presentation”.

Bellies were full and the crowd was anxiously awaiting the award results. It was an amazing evening that wasn’t over – following the Awards Ceremony guests and participants danced it all off in Divi’s Starlight lounge at the Moet After-Party.

For a full list of 2012 results visit A Taste of St Croix’s website.

If I’ve convinced you that you can’t possibly miss the 2013 Taste of St Croix – visit the St Croix Food & Wine Experience website for updates on 2013 events and travel packages!

Tell us about your favorite St Croix dining Experience!

Leave a comment below by Wednesday May 30th and you’ll be entered to win a signed copy of St. Croix Food & Wine Experience: A Culinary Guide to the Island Featuring More Than 100 Recipes from Island and Celebrity Chefs. Pages have been autographed by event founders Katherine Pugliese & Kelly Odom, and local and celebrity chefs like Govind Armstrong, Ana Sortun, Roberto Trevino, and more!

Winner will be selected by random drawing on May 30th and announced on our Facebook Page. When posting a comment, your email will be submitted to us and we’ll contact the winner for shipping details! All comments are moderated and approved by the editor before being posted online.