The Galleon
Nestled among the yachts of Green Cay Marina lies the Galleon Restaurant, one of the oldest on St. Croix and a local favorite for fine dining for over twenty-five years. The history starts with Dick Pelton who purchased land in 1979 in order to moor his boat and decided to build his own marina! It took five years for the dredging and to set the building for the restaurant on pilings. Frank Blaydon was then brought in as the architect of the restaurant. The original restaurant name was to be The Keyhole under first owners Bernard and Gail Lougot, serving classic French cuisine. Since the ceiling of the restaurant was designed to be a replica of the hull of a galleon ship they decided to change the name to The Galleon.
In 1984, the marina was opened and people started mooring their boats. The restaurant was opened as well in 1984 making it one of the oldest on St. Croix with only two different owners since then. Lesley Morrison, the current proprietor, moved to St. Croix twelve years ago. "Having been in the restaurant business since I was 17, and restaurant management since I was 20, and having worked the business through both Europe and Hawaii, I never thought I would have the opportunity to purchase my own until The Galleon came along," she says. Lesley has taken the fare from classic French to a more eclectic style with a slight Asian flare, as well as island inspired and classic dishes.
The Galleon's signature dish is an 8-ounce Filet Mignon topped with a lobster medallion with a bearnaise sauce and shiraz demi glace (pictured). Other delicious items on the menu are sure to satisfy, such as classic Osso Buco with a Parmesan Risotto, Duck Confit, and Escargot just to name a few. The Galleon still prepares Caesar Salad tableside and Chateaubriand for Two carved tableside just as Bernard did 25 years ago.
The Galleon is open seven days a week, including a fantastic Sunday brunch featuring such items as Grand Marnier French Toast, Eggs Benedict and Smoked Salmon Fettuccini with a Frangelico Cream Sauce. "We're very fortunate to have two chefs--Patrick James and Craig Butler--who have been with us since the beginning," says Lesley. "Patrick, as a Crucian, injects indigenous food ideas into the menu while Craig, a chef's school graduate, concentrates on our "modernized" old French classics."
Working on her passion for good wines, Lesley went about creating one of the best wine lists on the island. In 2009, The Galleon received recognition for this from Wine Spectator Magazine by receiving their distinguished "Award of Excellence." The Galleon also hosts numerous wine dinners featuring famous winemakers such as Dennis Cakebread and Chris Benziger. "Under my management, I feel I make a difference with my hands-on approach to everything including the food, wine, decor, and service."
We welcome all our island visitors to stop by and meet and mix with the locals. Guests will enjoy expertly crafted cocktails in the cozy Piano Bar featuring some of St. Croix's favorite local musicians. The classic fine-dining atmosphere, fantastic creations of the kitchen staff, and superb service are sure to leave a lasting impression.
For reservations or more information, call 718-9848.
