Banana Tree Grille

08/04/2020

As the world responds to the issues caused by COVID-19 I want to draw attention to this wonderful organization who has done their best to help those most in need on St. Thomas, Virgin Islands..... Their passion to give back to a community that has been through so much already is inspiring....As I continue to grow with my photography(Layman's Lens) I will continue to build in my funding to donate to them.... It may not be immediate but I hope that I can continue to spread good vibes through my photos and those who purchase my art can know they are helping spread hope and love to others.....

02/01/2020

What's your New Year's resolution?

Welcome to the New Year! Out with the old and in with the new... we must focus on what is truly important to us. Each new year we have the opportunity to change our focus and priorities and give ourselves a new opportunity for growth. A new beginning to how we want our future life to be.... 10 years ago I was just fine with the day to day happiness but over time I find myself digging deeper in the investment of long term values. I challenge myself this year to not be so inclined to care for instant gratification (Facebook Likes, Instagram Followers, Shopping for stuff just to pile on more stuff) but to hold onto and appreciate the things that are more priceless in value (Quality time with friends-family-girlfriend, Being thankful for what I have, Not wishing for what I don't have, encouraging others in their path of life, love myself more and carry on with my passions, spread love not hate, being more conscious of what I say and how I say it). I also challenge myself to continue to be positive in all things. Even in hard times there is always something to be thankful for. This is my year for self growth and I look forward to road ahead. Layman's Lens Photography has been a long time idea and I'm so thankful to have made it my reality and to keep the wheel rolling. CHEERS TO 2020!

"Life is like a camera, focus on what's important, develop from the negatives, capture the good times, and if things don't work out take another shot."

29/11/2019

14/11/2019

As we look back on AWESOME times we've had in AWESOME places with AWESOME people, we ask you to share with us your Banana Tree Grille treasure!

06/11/2019

Chris volunteered at MBW Cafe and Bakery after the 2017 storms and has since launched his photography business where he donates a portion of all proceeds to MBW! Be sure to check out his work at https://laymanslens.smugmug.com/Charity. Thank you Chris and Ashley for taking the time to come see us today and for your continued support!

26/10/2019

By supporting Layman's Lens you can give back to the beautiful island of St. Thomas!

It's HERE!!!! Finally all the hard work is starting to show.... I'm excited to share with you all my NEW photography portfolio :) I will post new photos on here periodically with updated content as I create it.... laymanslens.smugmug.com will have all features to buy and create what photos you may want to hang on your wall, have as a coaster or some other type of memorabilia.... The awesome thing about all this is that I've found a way to give back.....I will donate 40% of my net profit over this next year to My Brother's Workshop along with the Long Path Community Center Camp (in St. Thomas, USVI) that help kids and young adults becoming thriving citizens within their community! I can't thank everyone enough for your ongoing support and encouragement to get me to this point.... I hope you continue to love, share, and cherish the moment's I've captured in an image!

ALSO make sure to follow LaymansLensPhotography615 on Instagram!

10/09/2019

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES...
With gratitude, we thank you for forty years of a most amazing experience. We began as Entre Nous Restaurant in 1979 and we moved to Bluebeard's Castle in 1984. We then re-created ourselves as Banana Tree Grille. It has been our honor and our privilege to offer excellent service, fare and memories to all who joined us.

It was always our intention to re-open Banana Tree Grille and Cabana Bar after Hurricanes Irma and Maria. But like many others in our community, circumstances beyond our control made it impossible.

Bravo to a most astounding gathering of staff whom we will deeply miss. Like theater you have long, hard hours of rehearsal and a short time to create a hit.

As the curtain comes down, we hold these years close to our hearts.

Liz and Jerry Buckalew

Chris Layman will continue to maintain our page. Please feel free to share your memories or photos with us on that page.

Banana Tree Grille,
In the Company of the Finest Restaurants on St. Thomas!

11/01/2019

"It is with great sadness to inform you Chef Patrick Bellantoni passed away on Christmas Night. His "gift of the hands" made him an exceptional chef and his passionate heart touched so many who will miss him deeply."

With much love, Liz and Jerry.

For those who don't know he was the executive Chef who helped open Banana Tree Grille back in 1997. He was the backbone to many of our menu options that we still have to this day. He was always full of life and had a contagious smile. This man will truly be missed.

02/01/2019

Happy New Year to everyone! We are excited as we roll into the new year because this may be the year we could look at reopening our doors! We have missed everyone dearly and thankful to all those who have reached out to us lately. Make sure to keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we continue on with our rebuilding process. We will have updates as time goes along and we look forward to seeing everyone again soon!

20/12/2017

As we celebrate our 20th Anniversary as Banana Tree Grille we are grateful to our Amazing Friends and Families, Honored Patrons, and all of the wonderful people who make Banana Tree the amazing place it is!

We had so many exciting things planned for this season, but Hurricanes Irma and Maria felt we needed "a makeover"! We are all safe and working hard to re--build. Your loving and encouraging notes and emails keep our hearts strong as we move toward re-opening.

Cabana Bar is also having a makeover! And Bernie the Cabana Cat is anxious to see you.

We will update you on Facebook and our website as we progress.

We miss you and hope you will celebrate with us when we return.

Liz and Jerry

Executive Chef David Benjamin

The entire staff - whether waiting to come home or beginning a new chapter

PS...... Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year :)

01/12/2017

We hope everyone had a wonderful tummy-filled Thanksgiving! We are still working on being able to reopen and will continue to update you as we have more information..... The lineman are doing a wonderful job at restoration of power island wide....we are patiently waiting for when we may be next :) continue with sending good vibes and prayers....

17/11/2017

Post-hurricane update:
We are still undergoing repairs to the property and with delays on hotel guests we won't be able to open until further notice..... Thank you to those who have reached out in concern and for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers..... We miss all our loyal guests dearly and looking forward to reconnecting when the time comes...