St. Croix’s cherished dining spot, Cheeseburger in Paradise, is embarking on an exciting new chapter with the announcement of its grand reopening. At the forefront of this culinary renaissance is Executive Chef Matt Thole, who brings over a quarter-century of refined culinary expertise to the table. Under his guidance, the restaurant is set to unveil an innovative menu that marries the rich flavors of Crucian/Caribbean cuisine with the comforting essence of Southern/Lowcountry cooking.

Anticipated additions to the menu include mouth-watering burgers, succulent barbecue pork ribs, and jumbo fried shrimp, positioning the establishment as a refreshing culinary destination on the island.

A Charleston, South Carolina native, Chef Thole has an impressive resume, marked by tenures at esteemed AAA four-diamond restaurants and extensive experience in laboratory operations management. His connection to both Charleston and St. Croix has fueled his excitement about infusing the menu with a taste of his home, enriched by the island’s vibrant flavors.

Chef Thole is committed to using only the freshest ingredients, crafting all sauces and dressings from scratch, and enhancing the dining experience with a special late-night menu and enticing discounts on food and drink specials post-10 p.m. Additionally, guests can look forward to unique culinary events, including pig roasts and spatchcock chicken prepared over hardwood charcoal, that promise to elevate the gastronomic journey.

Theron Sandy II, the proud owner of Cheeseburger in Paradise, has expressed his utmost confidence in Chef Thole’s vision and culinary craftsmanship. He anticipates that the new menu, infused with Thole’s signature Lowcountry flair, will captivate patrons, alongside the timeless favorites that have long been adored.

Since its inception in 1989, Cheeseburger in Paradise has stood as a cornerstone of St. Croix’s dining landscape. Operated by Sugar Mill Hospitality, LLC, this family-run gem reaffirms its commitment to celebrating the island’s rich culinary heritage. Diners eager for a taste of the revamped offerings are encouraged to stay tuned to the Cheeseburger in Paradise website for the latest updates and information.

After a three-year break due to the pandemic, “A Taste of Two Islands” marked its return to the Virgin Islands’ cultural scene. The event, in its 16th iteration, was hosted at the Mark Marin Center of the Antilles School, drawing a significant crowd eager to indulge in the Virgin Islands Public Broadcasting System (WTJX)’s celebrated culinary showcase.

The event featured a variety of culinary delights from renowned establishments such as Pesce, an Italian eatery at American Yacht Harbor, and The Pressure Spot, a vegan hotspot on Norre Gade, among others. Patrons enthusiastically cleared The Pressure Spot’s offerings, with Carol, a volunteer for the evening, highlighting the popularity of their pumpkin butternut squash soup and lion’s mane mushroom balls.

Participants like Barbara LaRonde, co-owner of The Pressure Spot, embrace the event for its marketing potential and its support of WTJX. Ms. LaRonde expressed her lifelong admiration for the station, praising its educational content and unique local programming.

Tanya Marie Singh, WTJX’s CEO, emphasized the station’s integral role in the community. She cited the broadcast of the opera “Champion”, about St. Thomian boxer Emile Griffith, as an example of the station’s commitment to delivering culturally rich and educational content.

Despite the event’s rescheduling from its traditional Veteran’s Day date, Ms. Singh was thrilled with the public’s robust turnout. Calvin White, the Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation Commissioner and one of the evening’s judges, commended the high-quality dishes, particularly highlighting a few favorites like pumpkin soup and shrimp with grits.

Mr. White, reflecting on the event’s history, noted the eagerness of the community for its return. Looking ahead to 2024, he encouraged more residents to experience the culinary prowess of local chefs at the event’s next edition, set to revert to its November scheduling.

The St. Croix Foundation extends a warm invitation to culinary enthusiasts as Tiffany Derry, celebrated for her stellar performances on Top Chef, revisits the region to grace the annual ‘Wine in the Warehouse’ event as its star chef.

Initially captivating audiences in the seventh season of Bravo’s acclaimed Top Chef, Derry quickly ascended as a fan-favorite, clinching a spot in the top four contenders. Her culinary journey didn’t end there; she further showcased her prowess in Top Chef: All-Stars, and made remarkable appearances in other televised cooking face-offs like Chopped, and Beat Bobby Flay among others.

Beyond the screen, Derry is a seasoned restaurateur managing two esteemed eateries: Roots Chicken Shack and Roots Southern Table. The latter notably clinched a nomination as a 2022 James Beard Award Finalist for Best New Restaurant, underscoring its eminent standing in the gastronomic realm.

The return of such an illustrious chef and entrepreneur to St. Croix is a source of immense enthusiasm, remarked St. Croix Foundation President Deanna James. “Tiffany Derry isn’t just a remarkable chef, but a staunch advocate for social justice, equity, and food accessibility,” James expressed.

Further applauding Derry’s commitment to honoring her heritage and fostering community bonds through her culinary ventures, James hailed her as an “inspirational ally” for the Foundation’s endeavors.

Come December 8, the ambiance within the Bohlke International Aviation hangar will morph, as usual, into a haven for gourmands and wine aficionados. This signature soiree by the Foundation aims to meld community spirit with philanthropy, promising an unparalleled gastronomic voyage.

Prospective attendees are urged to secure their tickets promptly via www.stxfoodandwine.com. For inquiries regarding tickets, upcoming events, or sponsorship, individuals can reach out to the Foundation’s office at (340) 773-9898.