Business After Hours Opens Doors to Success

M.A. Dworkin

The St. Croix Chamber of Commerce’s popular Business After Hours event was held recently at the smash new restaurant, 1756 Grotto, in their beautiful Palm Garden seating area, on the grounds of the historic Club Comanche Hotel in downtown Christiansted.

The turnout was impressive, filling every corner of the newly designed garden, of towering palm trees and gorgeous flora, with business owners, entrepreneurs, government officials and professionals that checked in to meet n’ greet from across the Big Island.

Keep Left LLC, hosted the event, an organization that seems to be destined to take C’sted by storm with their three new downtown establishments: 1756 Grotto, St. Croix Cellars, and the soon to open Ciba Matta.  

It was an evening of meaningful connections and community building with dozens of smartly dressed members of the business crowd turning out to support one another in an evening filled with good cheer, great food and lively music. 

“I want to issue a heartfelt thanks to everyone who has joined us here tonight,” said Davide Caruso, owner of Keep Left LLC. “We are very excited to be in St. Croix, and we are proud to be part of the vibrant network that makes downtown Christiansted such a dynamic place to live, work, and thrive.”

The food was delicious with nationally recognized Chef Stephan Coe, the award-winning Chef best known for his victory against celebrity Chef Bobby Flay in the Food Network’s show - Chopped: Beat Bobby Flay. Chef Coe, the creative force behind the 1756 menu, was showcasing some of his many culinary talents at the 1756 Grotto event, serving up Tuna Tartare with Cajun Spice, and Burger Sliders with Bacon Jam and Gruyere Cheese to the appreciative After Hours crowd.  

Chef Nicole Donaldson was also on hand dishing out some of her magic, representing the soon to open Ciba Matta directly across the street, serving tasty Pear with Prosciutto appetizers with a creamy fondue base.

“Prepare to be captivated,” Chef Donaldson told Yellow Cedar Media, who covered the event. “We will be delivering an unforgettable experience!”  

Akeel St Jean, President of the St. Croix Chamber of Commerce, was his usual friendly and jovial self as he welcomed everyone from the nifty new stage that has been set against an old slate brick wall of the forestry environs. 

“Many thanks to our new St. Croix Chamber of Commerce members, Keep Left LLC Restaurant Group for hosting tonight’s Business After Hours,” Mr. St Jean said. “Be sure to check out their trio of new establishments in the triangle of Queen Cross Street and Strand Street in Christiansted, including St. Croix Cellars, 1756 Grotto and the soon to open Ciba Matta. We are excited to have them as members of the St. Croix community and look forward to their participation in our future island events.”

Mr. St Jean admitted to Yellow Cedar Media that it was in fact a difficult time for business on the island, but it was at events like these where members could huddle together and bump heads to try and invent new ways to bring about positive change.

As the night drew to a close, the klieg lights were hanging off lines and twinkling above the forestry Palm Garden. People were eating and drinking at the bright new orange tables and chairs, chatting it up in the smartest of ways, at what has become the most enchanting spot in Christiansted. The St. Croix Chamber of Commerce delivered another hit night in a long string of hit nights of their highly successful Business After Hours event.