Named for the legendary pirate, historic Bluebeard’s Castle has been a hub of activity on St. Thomas since the 1600s. Strategically located, the hilltop complex offers breathtaking panoramas of the harbor, cruise ship dock and downtown Charlotte Amalie.
Today, in addition to going back in time at the on-premise museum inside Bluebeard’s Tower, residents and visitors have the opportunity to wine and dine at several new restaurants. What a “best of all worlds” experience!
After hurricanes Irma and Maria decimated the island in 2017, the Bluebeard’s hotel operation went into rebuild mode. Meanwhile, business partners Jeff Lemen, Jason Slocum and Adrain Hale — of Greengos Caribbean Cantina and Smoking Rooster fame — took over all storm-ravaged restaurant properties including Banana Tree, Cabana Bar, and Room With A View. The visionary trio set to work redesigning each restaurant facility at Bluebeard’s with a fresh outlook.
The result? Sunnyside Cafe and Pool Bar features daily brunch, lunch, light evening fare and Happy Hour delights. Check out tasty pizza options; try a locally brewed craft beer. Signature cocktails include the Castle Mai Tai made with Cruzan mango rum. Or how about a refreshing Da Greengo Cucumber Margarita? Frozen concoction choices range from the classic Creamsicle to Root Beer Float, Choc-Covered Strawberry, and Pistachio Grasshopper.
Above: Daily brunch entrees at Sunnyside Cafe include the Country Skillet featuring eggs, ham, bacon peppers, onions and green chili salsa with choice of a side dish.
Top of the page: Restaurant manager Janee Tune and executive chef Earl Elrod pose by a fascinating undersea mural at Bluebeard’s Castle.
Above: Executive chef Earl Elrod brings a wealth of talent to the gastronomic scene at Bluebeard’s Castle.
Above: Aptly named, Sunnyside Cafe on the pool deck at Bluebeard’s Castle offers a spectacular view, tasty food, and friendly atmosphere.
Deck With A View offers evening meals with creative salads and luscious appetizers such as mussels prepared with Spanish chorizo, FTB Rooster Brown Ale, and served with warm ciabatta loaf. In addition to fresh catch specials, entree choices include oven-roasted chicken, porterhouse grilled pork chop, grass-fed New York strip, pan-seared shrimp ’n scallops, or fresh pasta.
Keep in mind, The Castle Coffee & Deli is a convenient spot to enjoy beverages and deli items. Seating is available in the adjacent outside courtyard.
The arrival of 2022 means The Castle Gastropub will be up and running — offering chef-inspired pub fare.
When it comes to inspired chefs, Bluebeard’s hit the jackpot. The culinary talent at the helm of this appealing complex of gastronomic eateries is Executive Chef Earl Elrod.
Originally from Indiana, Chef Earl’s introduction to island life began in 2004 with an invitation to work at the iconic Craig and Sally’s restaurant in Frenchtown. “I came to St. Thomas on a one-way ticket to take the job,” he recalled.
The restaurant closed in 2012 but Elrod retained his formidable presence in Frenchtown as a chef and entrepreneur at Pie Whole before transitioning to Smoking Rooster in Havensight — and on to Bluebeard’s.
The newest addition to the Bluebeard’s restaurant team is manager Janee Tune.
Formerly an executive chef at Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, her culinary studies brought her to Provence in France and the Piedmont region of Italy, as well as New Orleans and the Caribbean.
Commented Chef Elrod, “Janee really knows her way around the kitchen and that’s invaluable.”
For more information, follow them on Facebook, email SunnysideCafeVI@gmail.com or call 340-643-8366.
By the way, Frenchtown Brewing Company soon will be expanding with a second location at Bluebeard’s Castle.
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