By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
CJ Travel Editor

Christiansted, St. Croix, has no shortage of superb restaurants, and now a new foodie find is preparing to make its debut.

Within the next couple of weeks Crucian chef and culinary ambassador for the United States Virgin Islands Digby Stridiron will open balter (with a lower case b) on the corner of Company and Queen Cross Street. Stridiron and business partner sommelier Patrick Kralik have been working ‘round the clock to prep the space, which will be open for dinner and Sunday brunch, serving a menu of farm-to-table creative, contemporary Caribbean cuisine.

“With balter, we just want to turn out some really good food and have everyone enjoy it, “ Stridiron said.

The centuries-old building has undergone massive renovations, with interiors conceived by Twyla Wilson and brought to life by a crew of local metal smiths and carpenters, who handcrafted everything from the dining room’s sliding barn doors to mahogany serving platters. Ceramic serving ware was custom designed for balter by St John artist Donald Schnell and Sarah Hayes.

When we visited, the pair and their kitchen and service teams were still moving in, having received their permits and keys just the day before. A soft opening is imminent, and we’re crossing our fingers that they’ll be ready for the annual St Croix Food & Wine Experience, which kicks off on April 8.

But if you can’t wait until then (or if you just want to know what the heck “balter” means!) check out this CJ exclusive sneak peek.