Vieques Island Blog

Blood Drive / Ven a Donar Sangre

2012-01-29T22:30:00.001-04:00

Ven a donar sangre! (Blood Drive)
Miércoles, 1 de febrero, 8:00 am a 2:00 pm
Jueves, 2 de febrero, 7:30 am a 1:30 pm

At the NUESTRA ESCUELA, frente a la Plaza (school across from Plaza)

--kg

At VCHT- Seahorses

2012-01-29T22:27:00.000-04:00

Exhibition Opening: Glen Wielgus

2012-01-29T16:08:00.001-04:00

At the Siddhia Hutchinson Gallery

In its NEW location on the main street in the old Hotel Carmen in Isabel Segunda!.

Thursday, January 26, 6PM-8PM

Clases de Conversación. Aprende Ingles ou Español! / Spanish and English Conversation Classes

2012-01-28T10:34:00.000-04:00

Se ofrece Clases de Conversación al Fideicomiso en Esperanza.
Aprende Ingles! Aprende Español! Dos grupos juntos!
Los sábados de 10am a 11am.
Todos invitados.
Gratis! (o se puede dar unos pesos de donación al Fideicomiso, si quisiera)
Fácil, divertido, y hay oportunidades de reunirse otros días para practicar!

También hay clases de Ingles privados: $25 por hora.
La profesora es Margo Cheney, de Coco Loco en Esperanza
787-741-8293
ENGLISH:
English and Spanish Conversation Classes at the Trust in Esperanza.
It is about 10-15 minutes in Spanish, and about 10-15 minutes in English,
etc.
This is for people learning English, and also for people learning Spanish.
The emphasis is on conversation, meeting other people, creating
opportunities for further "get-togethers". It's free, but donations are
gratefully accepted.
Please come, bring friends, spread the news, invite everyone and anyone...
Also, I am still doing my Spanish class at 5-5:30 pm on Thursdays for $5.00
at Coco Loco). Or private lessons for $25 per hour.
Margo Cheney, 787-741-8293
-- kg

Film in the Plaza this Saturday.

2012-01-27T20:51:00.003-04:00

Fiesta de Cine
"Mr. Popper's Penguins" con Jim Carrey
Sábado, 28 de enero de 2012, 8 PM
Plaza Pública, Isabel Segunda
~kg

Grand Opening of the Gran Parada

2012-01-27T20:51:00.001-04:00

Gran Apertura de La Gran Parada / Grand Opening of the Gran Parada
Restaurant
Barrio Monte Santo Playa
Sábado, 28 de enero de 2012

Con la música de Los Intocables (live band)
Comida hasta las 2 AM (food until 2 AM).
~kg

New show at Gallery Galleon!

2012-01-27T10:02:00.001-04:00

"Women of Vieques Photography"

Karen Edelstein, Alba Hollister-Ruiz & River Karmen
Inspiring work from Vieques, Morocco, Turkey & Bali
Friday, February 3rd. Previews at 5:30pm. Reception 6-7:30pm.
Live classical guitar by Brandon Bannister.
Treats from Buen Provecho!
Cape Cod Artist's Show continues through February 1st!
Gallery Galleon
La Hueca
Check out more of Vieques Island at www.Enchanted-Isle.Com

Winter Winds

2012-01-27T09:17:00.000-04:00

It actually is a bit cold this morning. A bit rainy also, although the radar, which is working today, shows clear skies heading in. The christmas winds are apparently stuck here and it is a good idea to bring something with sleeves when you go out at night.

Bananas is opening "Afterglow", upstairs. They are opening on February 2 and will have sunset cocktails every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 5-8pm, although the shut down time is somewhat flexible. The second floor of Bananas is a cool spot to watch the water in Esperanza harbor and the goings on along the Malecon.

The Humane Society Garage Sale Store in Isabel is having at 25% off sale on all clothing this Saturday the 28th, 10-3pm. The store has received some great clothing donations. Stop in and find something with a label for short money and feed an animal or two at the same time. Kudos to Karen for all her hard work in setting up and running the sale.

There has been some communication from visitors regarding petty crime at Blue Beach. Yes, we have it and no, it probably won't stop. As in any tourist area, there is petty crime. The best way to protect yourself is to be a smart tourist. The thieves want cash, so bring an emergency $20 and stick it somewhere. Use it as a bookmark or put it inside your beer koozie. Bring one credit card and do the same thing. Make a copy of your driver's license to bring with you. The police here are understanding about this, and will just ask you to produce the original later. (or you can buy waterproof containers at Trade Winds gift shop). Grab a disposable camera for those beach trips where you will be snorkeling. Do not bring things like all your credit cards, passports, airline tickets, etc. The thieves don't want that stuff, but if it is in your bag, they will grab it. Although chances are pretty good you will find it with all those things still inside, avoid the stress of having to search through the underbrush. About the bag.....empty it. Put your phone in the pocket of your chair, or inside a magazine, put sunscreen, hats, etc on your towel. Thieves want something easy and quick to grab. If your stuff is loose it is harder to snatch and grab.

The Historical Society and Conservation Trust is having its annual dinner on Wednesday, February 8 at El Quenepo. For reservations call the Trust at 787-741-8850. This is a good time and for a great cause, not to mention that the food will be awesome.

VCHT Celebrates Vieques

2012-01-25T20:37:00.001-04:00

Breakfast @ Bananas

2012-01-25T20:32:00.002-04:00

News from Gallery Galleon

2012-01-21T22:42:00.001-04:00

Cape Cod Artists Show is on through February 1st!
Women of Vieques Photography

Opening Friday, February 3rd, doors open at 5:30PM
Group Show, Friday, March 16th, doors open at 5:30PM
Gallery is open Tues-Sat 11am-5pm
Rt. 201 in La Hueca
787-741-3078

Food, Glorious Food

2012-01-21T09:13:00.001-04:00

Just about every day, my friend Chef Michael, sends out info on what new food he and Sean have created at Kiosko #37 in Liquillo. Just stop it!!!!! When ferry boats are this mythical thing that everyone hopes will show up, seeing sumputous food a mere 12 miles away, but might as well be 12 million miles, is just so unfair. However, in the spirit of making lemonade, if you are trapped on the big island while waiting for one of those mythical boats, stopping in at FoodSpace is just the thing to do. Checkout Michael and Sean's facebook page for all the info you need. When bringing back food from there, keep it under your hat, otherwise there might be a mugging in your future.

Buen Provecho, located just before you get to the main street in Isabel, is a another stop for food. Chris and Beth have managed to outwit the transportation system and have cheese, meat, fish and produce to die for. I got some local spinach the other day that was super. They will be moving to main street soon. We thought soon was going to be around Thanksgiving, but with island time..........

Joe at Taverna is dishing up more than pizza, although the pizza is really good. Taverna is the go to spot Monday thru Friday in town. Coconuts is venturing to Puglia tonight. Puglia is the region of Italy that forms the heel of the boot. Unfortunately, since I am working, someone else is going to get to enjoy the pork tenderloin that is on the specials menu. For a southside feed, Orquideas has re-opened as a steak house. Simple fare, on the grill. Open every night except Wednesday.

After eating all that food, shopping for anything except shoes and jewelry can be a disappointing experience. I would suggest checking out Myrna's seaglass jewelery at the Funky Beehive in Isabel, or online at Etsy.com. She made me a gorgeous pair of earrings. I promise to wear them to work at Trade Winds every night.

Maggie moved the Emporium from Esperanza to the old laundromat building across from the Mar Azul. After eating too much, you can drink too much at the Mar Azul and go across the street for some after beer shopping. It all works.

FW: VERITAS This Week

2012-01-20T11:54:00.001-04:00

Dinner Features
Pan Blackened Mahi over shrimp, coconut & ginger risotto
Grilled Red Snapper over wild mushroom & sun dried tomato
Friday Night: Prime Rib
Pizza Saturday (while it lasts)
Seafood Trio -Shrimp, scallops & mussels
Cajun Chicken & bourbon BBQ glaze.
Seared Rib Eye Steak

VERITAS Restaurant
787-741-0011
www.veritasvqs.com

Grand Opening - Lulu's Ceramic Gallery

2012-01-15T18:46:00.001-04:00

Saturday, January 21, 2012, in Esperanza
Featured on opening night will be a new group of plates mirroring a SCUBA
experience with fish emerging out of the murky depths to a sudden,
surprising specie-to-specie encounter, bubbles all around. Among the smaller
tiles are portraits of our uniquely Viequense Sato dogs. Among the
sculptures, watch out for the large rollicking fish flipping up from the
deep with
their sharp teeth!

Hope to see you there, Lulu

Posted by
jts www.enchanted-isle.com

Ferrys, Ferrys, No Ferrys

2012-01-14T09:44:00.001-04:00

Once again the ferry system has tripped, fallen and skinned its knees. There are boats broken, boats without Coast Guard certification, senators calling for resolutions to study the system(again? really?), constituents calling for the removal of the maritime directors and on it goes. Bottom line is the boats are a tough way to travel right now. There is an online petition located at https://www.change.org/petitions/basta-ya-el-abuso-de-atm-y-gobierno-de-pr-con-la-transportacion . Go to the site and sign. It can't hurt. Hopefully, those with the power to improve our transportation system can read.

All kidding aside, if you are a seasoned Vieques visitor this is just the same old, same old. There is boat running (usually) but when is the question. You know to bring a book (wow, how many times have I blogged that statement in the last few months), and when the boat goes, it goes. For the first time visitor, this can be quite a turn off, especially if you have only a few days to enjoy the island. Consider flying. It obviously costs more than $2, but worth it to know that your travel day will not be frought with delays. Rest assured that somehow, not sure how, the Medalla always makes it across.

Veritas at the Crow's Nest is offering Saturday night pizza. I have not been able to sample it myself yet, but reports are that is very very good. Since Joe at Taverna takes Saturday night off from his excellent pizza, you can find some at Veritas. Next Course is maintaining its fab food reputation. Casie and Buddy welcomed their son into the world just a little bit ago. Don't forget about Lyman at the airport. Beer is cold and the food is good.

The Siddhia Hutchinson Gallery is hosting an opening on the 26th from 6-8pm, featuring the works of local artist Glen Wieglus. This will be fun. An advance heads up for the Vieques Concert Society gala on February 25th at Hectors by the Sea. The Vieques Concert Society promotes music study for Vieques youth. For more information call 787-413-2450.

Vieques Concert Society

2012-01-13T11:45:00.000-04:00

Please join Vieques Concert Society for a very special performance of the Agbekor Drum and Dance Society which is a group of friends who study, teach and perform the music and dance of Ghana, West Africa. Vieques Concert Society board member Doug Berman, a member of the Agbekor Drum and Dance Society, will be drumming.

VERITAS This Week

2012-01-13T10:29:00.001-04:00

Dinner features:
P.E.I Mussels sautéed in a coconut, basil & ginger sauce, Caribbean lobster
bisque, Spinach salad, Pork Rib Chop, Surf & Turf
Friday
Prime Rib Night
Saturday Pizza Night
   Honey Roasted Chicken
     Pepperoni & Wild Mushroom
      Jerk Chicken
        Shrimp

VERITAS Restaurant
787-741-0011

At Coconuts Saturday night

2012-01-12T17:04:00.001-04:00

REGIONS OF ITALY @ COCONUTS
Saturday, January 14, 2012
"EMILIA ROMAGNA"
PRIMI
Piatto di Salume con Mostarda-Sliced cured meats & fruity mustard sauce
PASTA
Tortelli di Carne en Brodo-Meat stuffed tortelli
SECONDI
Arrosto di Maiale al'Alloro-Roasted pork tenderloin w/ bay
Salmone con Capperi y Olive-Salmon fillet with olives & capers
Petti di Pollo Scallopini on linguine
DOLCE
Ciambella con Crema Pasticcia
THANK YOU! From Coconuts
59 Calle Benitez Guzman, Isabel II
OPEN FRIDAY-TUESDAY 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

"What happened to Chef Michael?" . . .

2012-01-11T19:17:00.001-04:00

We located FoodSpace where we give easy access to Vieques residents - whether you arrive via boat or plane... one block up from the Luquillostoplight on the right hand side of route 3. Take any one of the 3 kiosko
exits - we are #37. There's plenty of free and easy parking and ...best part is we're OPEN for Breakfast at 7:00am - HERE to service our Vieques friends as they start their busy day shopping on the big island or headed to San Juan.

Save room in your coolers for Dietz & Watson Cold Cuts, Frozen Edamame, Angus Steaks, Ducktrap Smoked Salmon, Vermont Cultured Butter and so much more including great coffee! We look forward to make life easier for our Vieques friends and customers!

Happy New Year everyone!

The New Year

2012-01-07T10:27:00.000-04:00

As I am sure many of you are already aware, we lost Steve Fulwider to cancer a few days ago. Known to many as "car rental Steve", he has been part of island life for a good twenty years. During my first few years of visiting Vieques, I borrowed a car from Steve. If it had a battery, it did not have a starter. If the starter worked, the battery was dead. This taught me every spot in town, on every beach and in Esperanza to park so I could roll start the Suzuki. This information is still important today. He is missed.

Coqui Fire Brunch is tomorrow beginning at 10am at the Mar Azul. Still trying to figure out what champagne goes best with huevos rancheros. Coconuts is offering up food from the Veneto region of Italy tonight. It is the birthplace of Tiramisu, so that makes it a must do for me.

Weddings in Vieques has launched a satellite business called Flowers in Vieques. Weddings in Vieques has also changed locations. By the end of the month, you will see some paint changes at the Chinese restaurant building across from the GE plant. They will moving both businesses there. Sandy will also be offering cut stems every Tuesday at the vegetable market. With Valentines Day just around the corner, it is timely. Flowers in Vieques is a full service floral business, so check it out.

Speaking of Valentine's Day, Vieques Baila will once again be hosting the Valentine's Dance. More details will be available closer to the date.

This month's edition of Vieques Events is all about Vieques going green. As you can imagine, recycling is a bit of a challenge for us, although it is getting better and better. A big change would be for everyone to limit use of disposable plastics. ie. Bring your own cup. Now that does not mean you bring one of those 66 ounce models and expect your bartender to fill it up with rum and coke for the regular price. It means get a refillable water bottle or several of them. It means bring a koozie and drink your beer from the can or bottle. It means bring a reasonable size cup and don't complain when it is filled with the standard twelve ounce cocktail. If we all do this, it makes for a greener, cleaner Vieques.

Flowers in Vieques

2012-01-06T17:50:00.001-04:00

Announcing the launch of FLOWERS IN VIEQUES, sister company to Weddings in
Vieques and Weddings in Culebra. Owner Sandy Malone says, "The full service
floral company was born out of a need to provide more flower and decor
services to a broader range of clients, where previously we'd only offered
flowers and décor services to our wedding clients."
Flowers in Vieques will be a full-service flower and décor company, serving
the floral needs of weddings, hotels, restaurants, residents and visitors on
Vieques Island.
787-667-8478 or email info@flowersinvieques.com

Coconuts Regional Italian Dinner Saturday January 7, 2012

2012-01-06T09:52:00.000-04:00

REGIONS OF ITALY @ COCONUTS
Saturday, January 7, 2012
"VENETO"
PRIMI
Insalata di Aragosta
Lobster, orange and fennel salad with lemon basil dressing
Farfalle con Prosciutto, Carciofi e Patate en Crema
Bow-tie pasta with prosciutto, artichokes and potatoes in herb cream sauce
SECONDI
Soglie con Pesto di Carciofi y Riso Arborio con Salvia
Sole fillet with artichoke pesto and sage-scented Arborio rice
Capesante en Tecia
Seared sea scallops with parsley, herbed bread crumbs, garlic and white wine
DOLCE
Tiramisu
THANK YOU!-the Coconuts Staff
787.741.9325 for Reservations & Information
59 Calle Benitez Guzman, Isabel II
OPEN FRIDAY-TUESDAY 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Happy New Year

2012-01-02T09:25:00.001-04:00

We made into 2012 in fine shape. The plaza in Isabel was rocking late and the fireworks were spectacular. In Esperanza on New Years Day, we were treated to a piece of what we had hoped was Vieques history......the lack of water and lights. Several years ago, like clockwork, during the holiday weeks, we would lose power and water for inexplicable reasons. These reasons were not temporary, but often lasted several days a clip wiping out cisterns left and right. I can remember buying out the mop bucket supply at the Green Store so that we could provide a means of flushing for the house guests at Bananas. This year, my neighbors were returning stateside and we lost power in the middle of their last load of laundry so I said I would finish it up. I went next door, turned on the washer since the power had come back and within ten minutes the water went out. Back to the house to shut the washer off. A few hours later the water came on, so into the house I go to start things up. Just get out the door and the power goes off. This is island living at its best.

Speaking of Bananas, I just learned that they are using John Towne's hand thrown hamburger buns. These are so good that it really doesn't matter what the burger tastes like, although the burgers at Bananas are super. Speaking of John Towne, he and Judy have Beach Doggies up and running, open Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings. They have an eclectic collection of homestuffs and artwork, rescued and sculpted from recycled items. It is way, way cool.

More Later.

Gas, But No Gas

2011-12-30T09:56:00.001-04:00

Gas arrived, but the lines are really long. Don't forget that the stations will be closed on January 1.

Bananas has opened the upstairs smoothie and light breakfast bar. Wednesday thru Sunday from 8am-12 noon you can grab an all natural fruit smoothie or fresh fruit juice, and a light bite. They are offering good coffee as well and the view cannot be beat.

One driving note; in front of Duffy's in Esperanza there is now a dip in the road to help with water run off. Go slowly. Hitting that at even 15mph will cause a head/roof of car collision.

No gas, but good food

2011-12-29T09:18:00.000-04:00

As per usual during the Christmas/New Year's holiday, we are out of gas. I haven't checked yet today, but with any kind of luck the trucks will come in. The north side winds seemed a bit calmer last night which makes the ferry crossing just a little easier.

Belly Buttons is now open 6 nights for down home good food. Here's the schedule, Tuesday is Italian Night with spaghetti and meatballs, baked ziti, etc. Wednesday-Paella by Waldo, Thursday-Marge's Famous Mexican Night, Friday and Saturday are Grill Nights and Sunday is Rib Night. The food is reasonably priced and you get alot of it.

Kris and Barbara have opened up Vieques SeaFari offering snorkel trips. They have a good sized inflatable boat that can get you to some great snorkel spots in a short period of time. It is by reservation only, 787-600-7020. Snorkeling around the island is fabulous and they offer it to you at a great price.

If you are looking to experience some local food, La Nasa has started to serve things like pastillos. The music on the weekends is great for dancing and the beer is cold.

Black sand beach is back. After Irene, the beach had washed a bit and was only streaked with black sand. Mother Nature is starting to put some of that black sand back. The way to get there is to go through Esperanza to the end of the road. Turn left and just a few feet up is a bridge over an arroyo. Head toward the sea from there and you will end up at Black Sand Beach.