Ruth Ernst; St. John’s Spice Girl

Hot sauces, coffees and teas, spices, and of course Cruz Bay Grill Rub fill the shelves at St. John Spice. (And so do T-shirts, hats, coasters, CDs, cookbooks, pirate flags and even lip balm.) But part of the draw to this Cruz Bay institution is also the proprietors. In On-StJohn’s first video interview, we talk with Ruth Ernst about the business, where those spices come from, why she likes being an ambassador to St. John’s constant flow of dedicated visitors, and who the heck Blind Betty is. But no, she didn’t tell us what’s in that grill rub. (I still think it’s weed.) Watch the interview here!   

9 Responses to “Ruth Ernst; St. John’s Spice Girl”

  1. Pete
    January 6th, 2007 05:53
    1

    Thanks for the piece on STJ Spice. My wife, Marcia, and I have known Ruth and Ron for years and they are great people. We actually have seen Ron without his hat…yup, true story…ask Ruth.

    By the way, I use a MacBook and was able to view the video by downloading Quicktime.

    We followed the Bongo blog religiously and really enjoy the new site. Thank you.

    Pete

  2. wontontammy
    January 6th, 2007 06:09
    2

    I loved the video and I’m really enjoying the new website. You gotta love that Ruth and yes I am a Blind Betty Junckie. Thanks again guys!

  3. mary beth
    January 6th, 2007 06:17
    3

    I heart Ruth and Ron! We spent a great night with them at Sunday Jazz at the Beach Bar. Ruth’s a special person and Ron packs a mean box for shipping!

    My huband loves Jerome (hot sauce that is!)

  4. Margo
    January 6th, 2007 09:24
    4

    What a great interview! Thanks for that! More please! :D

    I’m also loving your new website! Keep up the great work!

  5. Eileen
    January 6th, 2007 13:28
    5

    We love your new website. Great interview with Ruth–and right on with the Cafe Roma comments. Cafe Roma is a terrific ITALIAN restaurant. It was the first restaurant I ever ate at-on my first night-on my first trip to St.John in 1987!

  6. Rob
    January 6th, 2007 14:50
    6

    That was a lot of fun. I can smell the store if I close my eyes.

    In August, we were in the store every day and it was a lot of fun meeting Ruth and getting to know her a little bit .

    I want to go back!

  7. Marcia
    January 7th, 2007 09:44
    7

    Really fun video. Felt like I was watching 60 minutes or something. Extremely professional. I’ve enjoyed the Bongo blog since the beginning and this new site is even better. Thanks you guys!
    Marcia
    p.s. Ruth, you should contact Pitt’s crew, they could definitely use you in their movie! I know, I know, you’re too busy for them :)

  8. Laura of Napa Valley, CA
    January 7th, 2007 10:49
    8

    Thanks for the great interview. It’s nice to see the locals. Ruth is right, St. John is always on our minds! Can’t wait to go back in July!

    Thank you also for the great new website.

  9. Jac W
    January 8th, 2007 07:28
    9

    Great job! It was great seeing Ruth and it looks like we’re not the only family in which running out of Cruz Bay Grill Rub is grounds for divorce.

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