what do you think is late. I always bring a cooler of meats with me. but don't tap into them the first night But we are on island by 6 most of the time we just stop at uncle joes or candies for BBQ to take to the villa.

I'm thinking you might consider frozen pre-made lasagna packed in your cooler and checked as luggage. Though, my meats are usually still frozen by the time I get to the house/Water Island and unpack. So, not sure if that will work. Or, pack a large bag of frozen chicken breasts from Sam's Club that you can grill. Chicken breasts are not too much trouble to thaw/defrost in the microwave (gotta keep an eye on them so they don't get too much 'radar love' around the edges and become rubbery).

We like to bring things from Trader Joe's that are not perishable and don't weigh much. One favorite is their "Indian Fare" food that comes in sealed packages in a very small box and a small bag of rice. Easy to cook after traveling and very yummy! No worry about spoilage!

Lots of options for you to consider - depending on how extravagant you want that dinner to be. Here are just a few:

No Cooler Needed:
*Dinty Moore Beef Stew - Open the can heat on the stove and poof - dinner
*Tuna Helper and a couple cans of tuna. Sure you'll need to stop by the market for milk and butter though.
*Big B barbecue - comes in a jar - not sure if it's available where you are.
.... basically just go through your local grocery store and look for things not currently refrigerated and bring it along.

Cooler Needed:
*Leftovers! Okay maybe not yesterday's meal, but make a batch of pasta with your favorite sauce and some chunks of grilled chicken. Refrigerate overnight then pack in a cooler with ice packs. It will stay cool, and you can carry-on a soft sided cooler.
*As mentioned before - any frozen foods can be brought if packed properly in a cooler - those possibilities are endless.

We just came back and took frozen chicken breasts and Rib-eye steaks, some dry pasta and jar of sauce, some sliced turkey deli meat, and some broccoli and asparagus. Made 3 evening meals in, dined out 3 times, and ate leftovers from those visits a couple of times. Made most of our lunches at the condo and took the cooler to the beach to save time and money.

Good Luck! Have Fun!

After spending my whole day in airports, cabs and boats, when we got there, we went to Woody's and grabbed a sandwich.

Once I got my bearings and saw what the kitchen had to offer, then I rocked it out with the cooking.

follybeach1, you may also wish to consider asking your island manager or rental agent whether they can recommend someone who can deliver ready-made meals to your villa in advance! that way you can go straight to the villa, unwrap, and enjoy!

↑

we will be arriving in st john late saturday and do not want the hassle of trying to find dinner,any suggestions on what we could bring with us besides cold cuts for dinner. our flight is only 4 hrs any suggestions for something that will travel well. thaks

RE party arriving late (9:42pm instead of 8pm) on St. Thomas, needing to feed a family late:

Tap n Still (basic but good burgers, fries, wings, sandwiches, etc) in Havensight and Red Hook is open until midnight; the location in Cruz Bay is open until 11pm. 

For more interesting fare, the XO Bistro in Red Hook serves full menu until midnight. 

I believe the Easterly, also in Red Hook, serves until 11pm. 

Dolphin Market in Cruz Bay is open until 11pm.

If you're staying at Emerald Beach (which we love) overnight, they have full breakfast service, and an all-day menu, otherwise. 

Dominoes Pizza in Nisky Center (just 5 minute drive from EB) delivers until 10pm. You could order (pay and tip on the phone, from the plane the minute you land, ask them to leave order with front desk. We live on St. John, stay over in St. Thomas for "staycations" because we can't leave our restaurant for more than 2 nights, and the staff at Emerald Beach are SO gracious, we always feel so at home with our little dog, who loves their pretty little garden area on the "land side" of the buildings, not being particularly fond of beaches!