Chef Michael Bennett awarded Best Restaurant in the Virgin Islands

2008-06-06T09:16:00.000-07:00

February 2008

The sky’s the limit for great food at Divi Carina Bay’s Starlite Grille!

When it’s time to step out and really make a night of it, nowhere says “night on the town” better on St. Croix than the Divi Carina Bay Resort. With the elegant Starlite Grille for dinner overlooking the romantic Caribbean Sea and an exciting, glamorous casino for some after dinner gaming, there’s no need to leave the property for a night of island-style sophisticated fun.

When it comes to ambience, the Starlite Grille has a lot of panache, with the starry theme reflecting the starry skies from the panorama of windows overlooking the beach. If you’re looking for a romantic atmosphere, Starlite Grille is a lovely choice. “It’s nice coming out here at nighttime, with the tropical feel and the big blue ocean,” said Executive Chef Michael Bennett. “What could be better?” He’s got a point!

The stars that shine the brightest at the Starlite Grille are the talented chefs! Michael spent most of his life in the Miami area. He had restaurants in South Beach and cooked at the Four Seasons in Palm Beach. It was in Miami that Michael nurtured his love for exotic flavors, a taste he brings to the Starlite Grille. Camisha Lynch, Chef D’ Cuisine and Sous Chef for the hotel, is also making a name for herself in St. Croix’s culinary circles. Together they offer a blend of international cuisine with a Caribbean flair that will satisfy just about any palate. “With the hotel we get a wide variety of people and all expect something different, from lower Alabama to Milan,” said Michael. “It’s not a challenge to make it successful. It’s easy to do good quality with a good crew.”

Don’t skip the appetizers at Starlite Grille. You absolutely can’t pass up the Carina Bay conch, Camisha’s own award winning philo cups stuffed with plantain and conch, with a tomato-based chipotle for bit of zing ($11). The jumbo lump crab cakes with nickel-sized lumps of crab have a delightful hint of cilantro and pickled ginger complimented by a passion fruit beurre blanc ($16).

Entrees are equally as tasty. I sampled a wonderful blue cheese crusted Filet Mignon drizzled with a sauce with a touch of tamarind for that island tropical flavor over roasted potatoes ($34). New on the menu is a double-cut grilled pork chop in a tamarind marinade and topped with a demi-glaze ($27). You can also opt for Chicken Marsala ($26), roasted rack of lamb ($38) or one of several pasta dishes.

The fresh fish dishes are always the best sellers, and if you really want an incredible meal, go for the Caribbean lobster ($39). “Our double- stuffed Caribbean lobster is huge, a great value, day in and day out,” said Michael. “The lobsters are caught right off the point just out the window. You can’t get fresher than that!”

The Starlite Grille also offers nightly specials, pastas, seafood and soup. Look for their brand new menu with even more creative dishes. If you still have room for dessert, try the traditional old-fashioned bread pudding with chocolate and caramel sauces. Mmm!

Those who have guests on island, be sure to plan a Thursday night at the Starlite Grille’s barbeque on the beach (25.95). Choose from a selection of ribs, chicken, lobster, macaroni and cheese, corn on the cob, multiple salads, seafood pasta, local stews, rice and more while enjoying a Carnival-style show with a glass walker, mocko jumbies and steel pan. There is something going on almost every day of the week, including karaoke and crab races.

Starlite Grille was just awarded the Best Sunday Brunch in the Virgin Islands for 2008 in the Daily News readers’ poll. With a large selection of salads, eight or nine hot dishes, a carving station, an omelet station and a huge dessert station, it certainly deserves the accolades! You may want to plan on treating your loved ones for the Easter, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day grand buffets. And don’t forget that the Divi is host to the annual Taste of St. Croix in early April, one of St. Croix’s biggest events.

As a part of the resort, the Starlite Grille is available for banquets, weddings and other private parties. They offer 30 different breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner menus that can be customized to fit your needs. There are also several banquet halls beneath the casino.

If you’re there for a day at the beach, you can also get a casual bite at Al’s Dockside Restaurant, a casual eatery serving beach shack food such as burgers, panini sandwiches and salads. There is also a coffee shop with ice cream and sweets on the property.

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Chef Michael Bennett best restaurant in the VI

Chef Michael Bennett awarded Best Restaurant in the Virgin Islands