This is the lady that writes this column every month and to whom I am extremely indebted.
Please stop in at Tuesday Happy Hour at the Crow's Nest to say ¡Hi! and have some free snacks. the webmaster

Again it's a little late. I could have had the text part up on the first, but I was waiting for the Vieques Events to get to me, so I could add the calendar items to it.

In case you haven't guessed yet, I am not Judy. I'm not as good looking or as young and I don't have her winning personality, but I have been in Vieques this past month, so I have a pretty good idea of what is going on. I am Jim Starke. For those of you who don't know me, I am the owner of Enchanted-Isle.Com and I'm on one of my extended work/vacations on this bit of paradise. I also had the first hot sauce company in Vieques, but that's another story.

I arrived around the first of June to the aftereffects of our neighbor to the east, Monserrat, followed closely by the Sahara sands, so being here you have the surreal feeling of being on the only island on a large ocean. For much of the stay the surrounding islands have faded in and out, reminding me that Vieques is the third leg of the Bermuda Triangle and that we could disapear from radar at any time. Fortunately that hasn't happened, but it does pose some interesting scenarios.

But back to What's Happenin' in Vieques. Since I've been here, I've visited Side Street Bakery in Isabel Segunda numerous times and sampled of Colleen's wonderful pastries and her 8 grain bread and sour dough, both of which are to die for. I've also dined at Mamasonga's where you can get a sandwich, which I guarantee you will have to take part home for a snack later. Uta also serves great breakfasts all day long. One caveat: Don't park in front of the coliseum. Even though the curb is not painted yellow, you will be ticketed. I stopped in to say Hi to Al at Mar Azul and he was out of town, but he's back now and rarin' to Ta-kill-ya. As always, they have the best sunsets and a great deck to enjoy them on. Also, Lyman at Coconuts is open for business and Mike is back in Vieques from a down-island sail and is cooking for Lyman four nights a week. He's doing wraps and salads and they're excellent. I haven't figured out how he gets a medium rare cheeseburger into a wrap, but he does and I enjoyed it. He also has shrimp and other choice options. I've also been hearing some great things about the new restaurant Topacio, which is just over the bridge in Santa Maria, on the left before the high school.

While I was there I dined with friends at bbh and have to recommend their food. In the couple of years since they've taken over from Chef Michael (don't be mad, if you're reading this Michael), they're tapas have been great , their wines, top notch and their Jack Daniels quite to my liking. While you're there, if it's Friday or Saturday, visit Reenie Ray at The Palms around the corner in the courtyard and have a nightcap and take a dip in the pool, no extra charge.

As always, Bananas is going Bananas. It is the place to be in Esperanza, and if you want to mingle, just walk across the street to La Nasa and party down. While you're there, if you don't want to see La Nasa moved to a new location, pick up a bumper sticker or tee shirt from them to support their legal defense of La Nasa's right to stay where it is fund. While down there on the strip, walk to the western end to Trade Winds for the "Every Friday Night Lobster Bash". Chef David does great things with Langosta (Caribbean Lobster) and the other delicacies from the sea. You will be happy you did.

Also, West of Esperanza the Inn on the Blue Horizon is serving up great food and Live Music and Dancing on the Starlight deck unobstructed on the roof of of the main Dining Room late into the night on weekends. Food in the Blue Moon Bar is real tasty, the drinks are copious, and the dancing will keep you young and crazy.

Coming up this month at Mar Azul is the Coqui Fire Cook-Off, so come early and get burnt! Also, If it's July it's time for Patronales, so put on your best Guayabera and join in the festivities.

By the way, have you been to www.LaTiendaVieques.Com! It's the new On-line store for gifts about Vieques.

I'm sure I've missed something, but if I have I'm sure Judy will set me straight. I miss you, my dear one. The island is not the same without your smiling face. Hurry back.

In Peace and partying,

Jim for the ASK JUDY TEAM

Thanks for reading and have a great visit!

July Calendar
By the Date
Sunday, 2nd	CARIBES TO HUMACAO, if interested in attending the game or for more information call 741-2999
Tuesday, 4th	US INDEPENDENCE DAY
Friday, 7th	"TASTE OF THE ISLANDS" - Welcoming Cocktail Party for all Chefs, Ticket Holders, Press Hosted by Ileana & Roberto Cacho @ Mbar/Uva Brava's DJ Jorge Salgado. 8pm. Tickets required, all Vieques Residents buy one ticket - get one free. For tickets call 741-1128
Saturday, 8th	PET FOOD DRIVE to be held at Vieques Health Food Store. 10am-12noon. Canned Foods and other donations gratefully accepted to benefit the Vieques Humane Society. Door prizes 11am and noon" TASTE OF THE ISLANDS" at Bravo Beach Hotel: Doors Open/Welcoming Reception, 6pm, Restaurant Stations Serving Guests, 7pm, After Party Champagne Kick-Off, 10pm; Tickets required, all Vieques Residents buy one ticket - get one free. For tickets call 741-1128
Sunday, 9th	CARIBES TO GURABO, if interested in attending the game or for more information call 741-2999
Wed -Sun., 12th-16th	FIESTAS PATRONALES to be held on the western end of the island. Live music, food, carnival games. Usually starts around 6pm weeknights. No definite schedule available at press time
Saturday, 15th	OPENING OF PHOTO EXHIBIT "HORSES OF VIEQUES" by Dave Kruger at Fuerte Conde de Mirasol. 7pm
Sunday, 16th	CARIBES TO DAGUAO, if interested in attending the game or for more information call 741-2999 "COQUI FIRE HOT CHILI PEPPER TOUR" 4th Anniversary Party and Cook-off! Appetizer, Main Course, Dessert and Professional Chef Categories! Prizes. All recipes must use one of the "Çoqui Fire" hot sauces. Begins at 8pm at Al’s Mar Azul
Monday, July 17	LUIS MUÑOZ RIVERA BIRTHDAY CLEAN UP VIEQUES! Join the monthly cleanup of the roads of Vieques. Meet at the Green Store. 7:30-9:00 AM. Bags, gloves, water provided
July 21	Graduating Class of 1980 from German Rieckehoff High School in Vieques, PR will celebrate their 25th anniversary
Sunday, 23rd	CARIBES TO CEIBA, if interested in attending the game or for more information call 741-2999
Tuesday, 25th	PR CONSTITUTION DAY
Thursday, 27th	JOSE CELSO BARBOSA BIRTHDAY
Weekdays
Daily	VINYASA YOGA at Hix Island House, 9:30 am, 435-6850
Mondays	MEDALLA NIGHT Medalla beer for $1, from 4pm, at Bananas MOVIE NIGHT at the Blue Moon Bar & Grill at Inn on the Blue Horizon. Giant Screen T.V. Various Snacks! 741-3318
Tuesdays	HAPPY HOUR at the Island Steakhouse, 5-7pm, chance to win free tab; 741-0011 TAPAS NIGHT at BMB & Grill at Inn on the Blue Horizon from 5 - 10pm EL JARDÍN SUPPER CLUB at The Crow's Nest; complimentary glass of wine with dinner from 5-7pm
Wednesdays	VYLI CULTURAL ARTS- Youth 10-18 making handicrafts, 3:30-5pm. at Conch House in Isabel II TAPAS NIGHT at BMB & Grill at Inn on the Blue Horizon from 5 - 10pm WINE NIGHT at El Jardín at The Crow's Nest: all wines at half price POKER NIGHT at Doghouse Café in Esperanza. 7:30pm on the deck
Thursdays	MARINE LIFE EXHIBIT guided tours at VCHT, 1-3 pm EL JARDÍN SUPPER CLUB at The Crow's Nest; complimentary glass of wine with dinner from 5-7pm DOCUMENTARY FILMS -Vieques History and Peace movement, 8 pm. On the balcony of Casa de Kathy, 367 Calle Bromelias, Esperanza, free. 741-3352 SCIENCE OF MIND, interfaith meditation, 7-8pm; call 741-0321 for info
Fridays	MARINE LIFE EXHIBIT guided tours at VCHT, 1-3 pm MOFONGO NIGHT at Carambola Restaurant at Inn on the Blue Horizon. 741-3318 PASTA at Martineau Bay Resort, includes soup, salad and deserts, 6-10pm LOBSTER SPECIALS at Trade Winds, call 741-8666 for reservations EL JARDÍN SUPPER CLUB at The Crow's Nest; complimentary glass of wine with dinner from 5-7pm
Fridays & Saturdays	POOL PARTY at the Palms! 5-9pm, bring you suits, cool off in the pool or with drink specials!
Saturdays	AY, CHIHUAHUA! GO MEXICAN at the Blue Moon Bar & Grill at Inn on the Blue Horizon. Sizzling fajitas, delicious nachos & more! 741-3318 MARINE LIFE EXHIBIT guided tours at VCHT, 2-4 pm PRIME RIB NIGHT at Paso Fino restaurant, at Martineau Bay, 6-10pm KARAOKE at Mar Azul, 9pm
Wed., Sat. and Sun.	YOGA CLASS at Sun Bay: 9:00 am 435-7510
Sundays	RADIO VIEQUES, 10-11am on WALO radio, 1240 AM, by the Rescue and Development Committee; participate by telephone by calling 741-0716 MARINE LIFE EXHIBIT guided tours at VCHT, 1-3 pm LIVE MUSIC at Topacio, 2-6pm GUEST CHEF NIGHT at Doghouse Café in Esperanza. Call 741-0341 for "ethnic" menu of the week and reservations PAELLA SPECIALS at the Trade Winds, call 741-8666 for reservations PRIME RIB at the Island Steakhouse, call 741-0011 for reservations
Mondays & Wednesdays	YOGA CLASS at La Casa de Yoga: 4:30 pm 741-1378
Mon.-Wed.-Fri.	SPINNING CLASSES at Utopia Fitness, 6- 7pm, call 741-2805 for information
Through July 23rd	Between Abuse and Dignity: Filiberto Ojeda Ríos…. Photos by Farrique Pesquera, at the Fort

If any of you would like to see something specific in this newsletter please contact the webmaster and I will do my best to investigate for you.
Email: whats_happenin@enchanted-isle.com

July

2006

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