About
Stones Throw is a romantic dinner spot, open from 5 PM to 10 PM from Tuesday to Saturday and closed on Sunday and Monday. The ambiance is moody and smooth, which I suppose is a little bit because they play R&B plus a little bit of pop thrown in for good measure. They keep the lights down low after dark, which is when my date and I went to dine. During the early part of the evening it has a very different vibe, more of a casual place. But at night it kind of “lights up” and it gets noisy with all the chitter chatter of the other diners. Most of our fellow diners had dressed up a bit; but the term “dressing up” is relative to being on an island.
The Owners and Staff
Our waitress informed us that the owners were also the chefs, which I think is a bit unusual. I liked that the chefs were so vested in the success of the dishes, and I think that it really shows in the quality of the food. I wish I could remember her name, because our waitress was so knowledgeable about all the wines. She knew which ones would pair well with the entrees that we chose, and even told me where on St. Croix that my fish and our vegetables had come from. Apparently, the chef/owners are passionate about sourcing locally as much as possible, to help support the local fishermen and farmers. Honestly, I was blown away by the service and the way that our waitress treated us as her personal guests.
What’s Good on the Menu
The menu at Stones Throw is a bit limited. But considering that one of the owners/chefs (Ryan) previously worked at a 2-Michelin star restaurant and the other owner/chef, Michelle, worked under famous molecular gastronomist Grant Achatz at “Next” restaurant, I was still a little bit in awe of the menu offerings. Many of the dishes were taste combinations that I could never have dreamed up myself, and I couldn’t wait to try them. I wavered between the steak with truffle pork waffle, pickled red onion and grilled asparagus and the catch of the day, served with whipped potatoes, grilled wok shot and charred lemon sauce. I went with the catch of the day just so I could find out what charred lemon sauce tasted like. It was rich, creamy and somehow had a flavor like it had come off the grill. My date ordered a crispy cauliflower appetizer, which came with mango glaze, pickled peppers and toasted cashews. I can vouch for any of these dishes and, judging by the happy vibe in the restaurant, the other menu items don’t disappoint, either.
The drinks menu consists of a few well-chosen speciality cocktails, a handful of beers and quite a few wines and champagnes. An example of the imaginative cocktails is the “Ruby,” which is made with chili-infused Rye whisky, maple syrup and bitters. Beer choices include island-brewed Leatherback IPA, Blonde and Lager, Heineken and Bud and Bud Light. If you do decide to come here with your date, know that they have some top quality bottles, such as Veuve Cliquot, Prosecco and whites and reds at varying price points.
What’s Nearby
Stones Throw is in the same Pan Am pavilion as Purple Papaya gift shop, but on the other side. There are other gift shops nearby, such as Life in the Left Lane. There’s a very nice art gallery a few steps away, Peachcan Gallery, too. After our meal, we headed down to the Christiansted Boardwalk, which is also just a few steps away. This is a nice way to end the evening, especially romantic on a clear night, with the waves gently crashing on the pier.