Sweet Plantains (340/777-4653, 6–9 p.m., $18–25) delivers an imaginative menu with fresh flavors and style. The menu was crafted by owners Rose and Prince Adams, who are very much present in the kitchen and behind the bar. Entrées include braised short ribs, fresh fish, roti, and fantastic West Indian and East Asian curries. Many meals come with the namesake sweet plantains.
Set on a quiet bay a few miles south of Coral Bay [1],
Miss Lucy’s (Friis Bay, 340/693-5244) is one of the best places to go for a plate of authentic local food. Sit under the sea grape trees or inside the screened dining room looking out over the ocean. Lunch (11 a.m.–3 p.m. Tues.–Sat., $7–16) consists of burgers, chicken and fish sandwiches, or local dishes like roti and fried fish, served with peas and rice. Dinner (6–9 p.m. Tues.–Sat., $18–30) is more upscale with a menu that leans heavily toward seafood, prepared in both local and international styles. On Sundays (10 a.m.–2 p.m.) brunch is served with live jazz creating a very mellow atmosphere, perfect for nursing a hangover or just to chill out. Choose from eggs prepared many ways (including Benedict and Florentine), French toast, piña colada pancakes, or crab cakes. Miss Lucy, a taxi driver, gifted cook, and all-around supreme human being, died in 2007, and her presence is missed. But the restaurant she created is still a favorite place for good food.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/virgin-islands/st-john/sights/coral-bay