Above: Chadicia and Alisha Mellow, proprietors of Surf N’ Turf Bistro, pose in the main dining area of the attractive new eatery.
The latest news in dining on St. Thomas is the newly opened Surf N’ Turf Bistro — and Flamboyan On The Bay is pleased to give the restaurant a five-star toast to continued success.
Unique in every way, this charming downtown eatery is housed in an historic structure boasting old fashioned stonework, brick walls and thick-walled staircase leading to the second floor entrance.
Inside, the vibe is an intriguing mix of a club style bar with bistro tables balanced beautifully by an elegant dining area where oversized tables and dining chairs provide divine comfort.
Owned and operated by Alisha and Chadicia Mellow, the two sisters were born in Dominica, raised on St. Thomas, and for the most part have worked together at various restaurants since the age of 16. “We worked at Kokopelli for ten years,” said Alisha, adding, “Also, we were at Hook, Line & Sinker for two years.”
Both sisters graduated from the University of the Virgin Islands. Said Chadicia, “I have a management degree. Aisha has a degree in accounting.”
Armed with a solid education and an impressive amount of on-the-job-training for their young ages, it became obvious the next step was establishing a business to call their own.
Above: Surf N’ Turf Bistro offers daily specials like this Lobster-based risotto with grilled scallops, grilled shrimp and steamed mussels
Above: Surf N’ Turf features a full bar with specialty cocktails such as the refreshing Watermelon Martini.
Above: The signature dish at Surf N’ Turf is a 14 oz. grilled ribeye, tempura lobster tail, mashed potatoes, veggies with a ginger beurre blanc.
Above: The newly renovated location was a labor of love with help from friends and family.
After hurricanes Irma and Maria hit the islands in 2017, Chadicia advised the duo looked into taking over Kokopelli. When that idea didn’t pan out, they researched opening a food truck operation. “We couldn’t get the location we wanted for a truck,” she said.
When the duo discovered Seaglass Properties had the former Sharky’s sports bar available for lease, it sparked their interest and they ended up signing on the dotted line.
That’s when extensive renovations began — including flooring, restroom fixtures, ceiling fans and all new kitchen equipment.
The sisters gave special kudos to friends and family who pitched in to help make their entrepreneurial dreams come true including David Sweeney and Charley St. Louis.
Said Alisha, “Uncle Charley is an electrician and he did all our electrical work.”
For all their hard work, the end result is a totally attractive restaurant designed to offer everything from casual bar seating to fine dining — and takeout, too.
Said Chadicia, “Because of all the years we’ve been in the industry, it made it easier to hire the best staff,”
The menu at Surf N’ Turf Bistro offers a wide range of pricing and items to suit everyone’s taste and budget. Selections include salads, gourmet pizza and complete entrees. Local dishes are available as specials and might include whole fish or oxtail. Vegan options are available, too.
Fresh local lobster is a speciality and it comes as no surprise, the Mellow sisters have a long-established rapport with local fisherman.
As the restaurant’s name implies, diners may order fresh Caribbean lobster, a grilled filet mignon or the signature dish — a classic surf and turf combo.
Above: Flamboyan On The Bay General Manager Lori Baskin and Administrator Tracy Wayman give a toast to Surf N’ Turf Bistro.
Surf N’ Turf Bistro is open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 10 p.m. for dinner. Closed Wednesdays and Sundays. On weekends, the bar stays open ’til midnight.
Located across from Virgilio’s, you can find them on Google Maps by clicking HERE.
For additional information, visit Surf N’ Turf on Facebook or Instagram.
For reservations or to order takeout, call or text 340-998-2058.
COCO BITS
A BIT ABOUT FLEETWOOD MAC
In the 1980s, iconic rockers Fleetwood Mac were long-term renters of the distinctive multi-level white house built into the rocks atop Sapphire on the East End of St. Thomas. During that period, group member John McVie owned sailing vessel “Challenge.” A Sparks & Stevens design, 65′ in length built by Burger Yachts in 1963, the first owner who commissioned the vessel was a Commodore of the New York Yacht Club. He participated in the America’s Cup in the 1960s. The second owner was one of the owners of Universal Studios. The third owner was John McVie who had the boat for more than 25 years.
Good morning,
Another great issue! We are always proud to read about improvements at Flamboyan on the Bay and STT in general. The new, vibrant attitude at Flamboyan can be credited to Lori and the Team she has there. We always say if we hit the lotto big, we would buy Flamboyan but only if Lori and the Team signed on to stay. And seeing Lori and Traci at Surf N’ Turf Bistro was a real treat.
We love the K-Mart there and remember the days when that was the only place to shop. K-Mart was a life saver.
Keep publishing these great articles – we love them! Enjoy paradise and know we miss ya’ll.
Hey to everyone and our love to all,
Lee & Jim Duncan