Beach Bar kitchen gets a Viking
Nope. Not a stove. A real, live, genuine Viking is in charge of the kitchen at the Beach Bar now and he’s shaking up the daily specials.
Don “Red” Hauge has just returned to St. John after a three year hiatus in Boston. Red has places like Chloe’s, Asolare and Aqua Bistro on his resume, but this time, wanted to try something different.
“I’ve been in fine dining most of my life and I love doing it, but who wants to work at a place that does 15 tables a night in season? This economy isn’t about $42 steaks,” he says. “My goal is great, fast and moderately priced local flavor with inspiration from all over the globe.”
So look for new specials at the Beach Bar like Lobster Rolls, calamari baskets, tuna melt wraps, pot pies and Greek salad. And Fridays are now “SlideDay” at the Beach Bar. Sliders, Red’s way, means four mini burgers with toppings that change every Friday.
Red, who is a Minnesota native, also calls himself “the loudest and purplest Vikings fan on island.”“I am aware of my Scandinavian heritage, and who knows…maybe Lutefisk and Lefse might grace the specials board come Christmas.”
October 13th, 2008 06:47
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don’t get rid of the tuna down now! I dream about that stuff and the thought of my fav place on earth NOT having my fav appetizer…….I just might have to have another painkiller to ease my sorrow!
October 13th, 2008 06:56
Red did a great job at Aqua Bistro when they first opened! Beach Bar patrons get a great addition for their dining pleasure. Being married to a Swede though, I ain’t eating no stinkin’ lutefisk!
October 13th, 2008 07:39
Sounds great, but I hope he leaves some of the standbys like buffalo wings!! The Beach Bar can’t get too fancy now!
October 13th, 2008 08:05
Please keep the grilled burrito on the menu!
The sliders sound really good!
October 13th, 2008 09:15
Sliders are “White Castle” burgers here in Ohio!! Yuck! They look better at the BB!! Love lobster rolls, can’t wait to try that!! Hope they don’t change the fare too much at the BB!!
October 13th, 2008 10:41
Good Luck Red!! Look forward to the new items but please please please do not get rid of Tuna Down Now!!
October 13th, 2008 11:26
Save the Tuna Bites, please!
October 13th, 2008 13:22
Please don’t change the french fries either. They are a late night staple for us…bushwackers with legs and an order of fries…back to the villa to watch the stars. Sometimes the fries make it all the way back to the villa before being eaten all up.
October 13th, 2008 14:59
I saw this guy all over Cruz Bay during our trip last week. He’s easy to spot with the red beard. Sounds like a nice addition to the BB. It’s one of my favorite places to eat on the island for less than $100 a couple (waaay less) and it sounds like the menu is about to get better. Changes are good.
October 13th, 2008 15:15
I think he can add all those yummies he mentioned, but I am pretty sure if he gets rid of tuna bites, I will cry real tears right into my painkiller.
October 13th, 2008 17:49
The Beach Bar is lucky to have him. His food is real good.
Good Luck to “Red”.
October 13th, 2008 20:53
We met Red a couple of weeks back on our most recent visit, then ran into him at Island Blues on Sunday. He was all in purple waiting for the Viking’s game to start. The food at The Beach Bar is second to none and we wish we were there now have a late supper no matter how much rain your getting. Keep the great food coming.
October 14th, 2008 08:18
Like NCSue, my first thought was don’t mess with the Tuna Down Now!! Everything else sounds great. Good luck and wear lots of sunblock with that fair skin. I look forward to trying the new offerings. After the Tuna Down Now.
October 14th, 2008 19:35
No worries, your favorites are safe with me. Double bonus is that you will get some new favorites as well..
eat well,
red
October 25th, 2008 05:53
Oh great! Lobster Rolls coming to The Beach Bar. I’ll never be able to peel my wife from the bar on our next visit. Doug & Boo please make sure you have plenty of Patron for May 2009.
Good luck Red!