Hello Maria,

I would say call back, ask for the manager and explain that you want to make reservations. If they still say no ask why. It may be that they hold out to see if they get private parties or bookings. Not sure. If they won't budge then make a big red mark on Dec. 15 in your calendar and call back to make reservations.

Chris do you have any insight on why Asolare (and perhaps other restaurants on St. John) don't do early reservations?

--Islander

I am actually back working with Consolidated Restaurants again. They are Asolare, Paradiso, Chateau Bordeaux, and Chloe Bernards. I would personally tell you to call 340-779-4078 or 340-779-4747 Call before 4pm during the day, we are an hour ahead of eastern time, right now. At night they only carry books that go two weeks, so you had a host that may or may not have known that we do take reservations further in advance. If you want to tell them that you are my friend and that I said it was ok, then please do. I personally dont know if it is a prefix menu or regular menu for that night but obviously you wont mind either way, right? This is definately not to early to get your place at one of the premier places for the busiest time of the year on ST. John. Another great spot is Chloe and Bernards. for New Years. The Westin puts on a great fireworks show and our diners get to enjoy that as well. If you have any more trouble, contact me on my email and I will personally help you.

Thank you so much!!! This helps out a ton!

I have been to Asolare for New Years around 2 years ago. I went with my family, including my two younger sisters (then around 14 and 12). The menu was fixed- I remember this because we all payed the same expensive rate and my picky sisers ate almost nothing on the exotic menu. I don't know if this relates to you, but it hopefully answers your question about the fixed menu.

I just got the head chef job at chloe and bernards. We will be running a very nice menu for New Years. We will throw some traditional dishes in there. I havent set it yet but if no one objects, I can post it here when it is finished. Im excited and hope anyone will come visit to see what I can do!

Haven't been on island over New Years for a few years but I might suggest you look into Morgan's Mango. They seemed to do a pretty good job when we went.

Chris

Are you going to be working on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. We also have picky daughters and an expensive gourmet dinner would be a waste. Where would you suggest, and should we make reservations now for either of those days?

Deb, I'll be working at Chloe and Bernards on Christmas and Christmas Eve. You can make reservations for those, anytime. Are they special need people? Like vegetarian or anything? When I get reservations, I like to get notice on special needs like no dairy, vegan, vegetarian, or such. If they are picky, I am willing to change the entree a little but I try to discourage guests from changing my menu items too much because the dishes are put together with alot of consideration and mixing alot of stuff might not be very good. But I really work hard to make sure everyone is happy.

My view on picky people is that they are hard to please wherever they go but if they like good food, I usually dont have too much trouble with them.

Those nights are tough because it is one of the few nights of the year where the people almost outnumber the restaurants.

Chris, what are the hours on Christmas Day?Is there a brunch, or is the menu (and the price) the same all day? Also, is there a "kids" menu and what sould we expect to pay per adult for a complete dinner? We have never dined at the Westin on our previous trips to SJ and we would love to try it on Christmas Day.

Also, (and I'm asking you this because you seem to be THE food expert on SJ) what do you recommend for enxpensive dining on SJ? I've read this board for a few months now and I hear a different opinion about every restaurant.

Thanks for all your help and I really look for your comments on this board. You and Marty seem to be the local celebs. HAHA

You are definately laying out the honey!
I am not an expert. I just come on here to help when I can and give a little self promotion here and there.
It is dangerous for me to be to too critical of anyone since its a small island and every goes full circle very fast. But I can give you my honest opinion on the scene.

I am a part of expensive dining. Look at www.stjohnrestaurants.com
I am at Chloe and Bernards at the Westin. They have the old chefs menu on there. I am producing my new menu very soon. We dont do brunch and we open at 6pm. We will probably do a four course menu on Christmas and it will be in the 60-70 per person range. We will offer half price for children for half portions. We will probably have lobster in some form but I havent wrote it as of today. We have no problem filling up for Christmas and new years and Im sure this year will be similar. We have a great dining room and pretty nice view onto the Westin poolside and beach or into the lobby from the second story. We have a baby grand piano and live music available on a few nights. Did I mention the parking is great at the Westin?

As far as other places.

The best of the best(everything is expensive on st john!!!)
I say to most people that the price of staying here and cost of flights is so high, spend the extra money to eat at the best of St John which is pennies on the dollar in most cases. In my opinion, the food on this island is pretty good for a 12 mile island and it is one of the island experiences.

Tage has great food but it is overlooking the road.
Paradiso is pretty good.
Stone terrace is also good.
Ten Tables as little view and is overlooking the road but the food is up at the top.

Morgans mango is overrated....fine dining prices at casual service standards.
Rumbalaya is overrated....I wanna like the place but it always disappoints.
Panini food is ok, but like I said, spend a few more and you can go to one of the others.

Honorable mentions to Asolare(Euro-asian), Chateaux Bordeaux(strong french menu), and Zozo's(american-italian) and they have a great view and good service and wine selections.

There are a few in the range where you will pay 15-25$ per entree depending on what you want to order and the food will be nothing to shout about but its not too bad. Lime Inn, Rumblines, and Banana Deck are some of the better ones in that category. Spend a little more and you can eat at the islands best.......

My thing is, I would rather eat out at one nice place a month than ten average places. I like to enjoy the nice bottle of wine and be pampered, who could argue that?

Chris...Thanks for all the info. You have been very helpful. My husband and I would love to try Chloe and Bernard's on a night that we can leave the kids at the house. A romantic dinner for two sounds much better to me than taking my two girls to an
expensive restaurant only to listen to them complain that there are no chicken tenders and fries on the menu. I'm thinking places like Duffy's and Margarita's will be more there speed for most dinners out, and we'll save the best restaurants for mom and dad.

That still doesn't solve my problem about what to do for Christmas dinner. I guess it wouldn't be to motherly to leave them at home with leftover pizza.haha......(by the way,
who has the best pizza? and do they deliver?) I think I'll make some calls and see who is doing what for Christmas.

Thanks again for all your advice.

Funny, we do have chicken tenders for the kids......

but yeah, there are tons of places for pizza.....Senorita Pizza, Ronnies, Roma....ok so three....

I like Roma the best but you cant eat it except at the bar.

If you will serve chicken tenders on Christmas day for my 12 year old we'll be there.

I promise!
We even have pizza or pasta, also.
Does that help?

Thanks Chris.......I'll make reservations as soon as possible. I believe they told me they wouldn't take reservatiions until 2 weeks before Christmas. Can you request a table location, and if so where should we request? See you soon.

Fun reading about Chloe & Bernard's. Thanks, Chris. We LOVED it there last year.
Son #2 moved to St Thomas from PA a few months ago to be the sous chef at Bolongo Bay. It took over a year to find a good position in the Caribbean - he's a '97 Johnson & Wales graduate & a D.C. Relais & Chateau restaurant chef - too bad nothing was posted from the Westin during his search. But, he seems to be happy so far and is adjusting even though St Thomas is a bit more busy than he had anticipated. Recent pics prove such! Moving to warm waters has been a longtime dream......

Chris, one more question and I promise I'll stop bugging you. Is it correct to assume the proper dress for Christmas night is coat and tie? Need to know how to pack.

It is casual. You can wear suit and tie and not be out of place but you can wear a nice dress and your significant can wear nice shorts and a button and it would be perfect. Dress however you feel comfortable. We just discourage beach attire. Reservations can be made at 340-779-4078 for all four places until 4pm then you can call chloes directly to the Westin at 340-693-8000 and ask for Chloe and Bernards, they will connect you and I have seen both Christmas Eve, Christmas, and all the way up to New Years in the book. I dont mind being bugged! 😉