"Hey, made any New Year resolutions yet?" This inquiry from my good buddy Freddy. "No, not as yet. Why? Do you have a suggestion for me?" I replied.
"Well, yeah. I remember your mentioning you wanted to become more health conscious. Especially with what you were eating. So, I think you and I ought to have dinner at Hartwell's American Brasserie. I can introduce you to some of the foods I enjoy, ones that are healthier choices than you have been used to, and the tastes are up to your gourmand standards."
"What's so special about Hartwell's?" I asked.
That's when I got the lowdown on one of St. Thomas' recently opened owner/chef restaurants.
Here's the gist of what Freddy had to say. And believe me, if Freddy says it's healthy, he should know. He is a local alternative medicine practitioner and a vegetarian, so I generally trust his judgment.
Tom Hartwell and his wife, Terry Rahm, took over the Old Stone Farmhouse, and after remodeling the kitchen and dining rooms, opened for business on Dec. 4.
According to Terry, the menu is composed of "Good country farmhouse food. In keeping with the name of our place, we offer classic service in an unpretentious atmosphere. Along with the standard American fare of fish, fowl and meat dishes, we serve a wide selection of vegetarian meals. Thus the name, Hartwell's American Brasserie."
Tom Hartwell has been a chef on St. Thomas for the past seven years. Some of you may know him from Randy's Bistro or the Ritz-Carlton, among others. He was also on the 1995 Caribbean Culinary Olympics Team which won seven gold medals, the highest score ever in this competition.
His training took place on the mainland, with externships in Europe. Terry, who is a vegan herself, says that the vegetarian items are indicated on the menu as being vegan or regular vegetarian dishes.
Since I didn't know what a vegan was, I asked Dr. Freddy.
"It is someone who does not eat any food made from animal products. No dairy, no eggs, etc. Strictly plant or plant product-based foods."
"But I don't know if I want to change my eating habits that drastically," I told him.
"Not to worry. They have a great rainbow trout entree I know you would like. Fish is usually your first choice, right?"
"Sure, but I like meat and potato delicacies too," I reminded him.
"These they do with the same elegance of preparation as all their dishes." he assured me.
"Including pates, shrimp or escargot?" I inquired.
"Yes, all their offerings are outstanding."
"So Freddy, what you're saying is that this restaurant offers a variety of choices so neither of us has to compromise our preferred favorites?"
"Exactly what I'm saying. Shall we call and make a reservation?"
"What? You haven't dialed yet?" I asked.
Hartwell's is available for dinner Wednesday to Sunday only, from 6 to 10 p.m. Prices for appetizers range from $7 to $10, and entrees from $15 to $22.
One recent special that most likely will become a regular choice is an excellent eggplant caponata (vegan style). This entree preceded by a stuffed pepper of grilled, marinated tofu should delight any palate.
As yet, they do not offer any entertainment, but will do so in the future.
If you call 777-6277 for reservations, you just might find Freddy and me dining beside you. It looks like a happier and healthier New Year after all!

"Hey, made any New Year resolutions yet?" This inquiry from my good buddy Freddy. "No, not as yet. Why? Do you have a suggestion for me?" I replied.
"Well, yeah. I remember your mentioning you wanted to become more health conscious. Especially with what you were eating. So, I think you and I ought to have dinner at Hartwell's American Brasserie. I can introduce you to some of the foods I enjoy, ones that are healthier choices than you have been used to, and the tastes are up to your gourmand standards."
"What's so special about Hartwell's?" I asked.
That's when I got the lowdown on one of St. Thomas' recently opened owner/chef restaurants.
Here's the gist of what Freddy had to say. And believe me, if Freddy says it's healthy, he should know. He is a local alternative medicine practitioner and a vegetarian, so I generally trust his judgment.
Tom Hartwell and his wife, Terry Rahm, took over the Old Stone Farmhouse, and after remodeling the kitchen and dining rooms, opened for business on Dec. 4.
According to Terry, the menu is composed of "Good country farmhouse food. In keeping with the name of our place, we offer classic service in an unpretentious atmosphere. Along with the standard American fare of fish, fowl and meat dishes, we serve a wide selection of vegetarian meals. Thus the name, Hartwell's American Brasserie."
Tom Hartwell has been a chef on St. Thomas for the past seven years. Some of you may know him from Randy's Bistro or the Ritz-Carlton, among others. He was also on the 1995 Caribbean Culinary Olympics Team which won seven gold medals, the highest score ever in this competition.
His training took place on the mainland, with externships in Europe. Terry, who is a vegan herself, says that the vegetarian items are indicated on the menu as being vegan or regular vegetarian dishes.
Since I didn't know what a vegan was, I asked Dr. Freddy.
"It is someone who does not eat any food made from animal products. No dairy, no eggs, etc. Strictly plant or plant product-based foods."
"But I don't know if I want to change my eating habits that drastically," I told him.
"Not to worry. They have a great rainbow trout entree I know you would like. Fish is usually your first choice, right?"
"Sure, but I like meat and potato delicacies too," I reminded him.
"These they do with the same elegance of preparation as all their dishes." he assured me.
"Including pates, shrimp or escargot?" I inquired.
"Yes, all their offerings are outstanding."
"So Freddy, what you're saying is that this restaurant offers a variety of choices so neither of us has to compromise our preferred favorites?"
"Exactly what I'm saying. Shall we call and make a reservation?"
"What? You haven't dialed yet?" I asked.
Hartwell's is available for dinner Wednesday to Sunday only, from 6 to 10 p.m. Prices for appetizers range from $7 to $10, and entrees from $15 to $22.
One recent special that most likely will become a regular choice is an excellent eggplant caponata (vegan style). This entree preceded by a stuffed pepper of grilled, marinated tofu should delight any palate.
As yet, they do not offer any entertainment, but will do so in the future.
If you call 777-6277 for reservations, you just might find Freddy and me dining beside you. It looks like a happier and healthier New Year after all!

Like me, many of you were probably wondering what was happening down on the Waterfront at the location vacated by CafeSito. Curiosity got the better of me, so I went to find out.
Fagioli, the newest Italian restaurant on St. Thomas, is owned by Chef Patricio Segredo. The first thing I asked Patricio was what the name meant.
In Italian fagioli means "bean." But it also has a colloquial meaning of "make it good." And good he has made it.
Trained by his Italian mother and grandmother, Patricio's recipes have the subtle flavorings of his Chilean homeland.
All of his pastas are homemade, just like his mother taught him. His favorite is Lasagna alla Vegetariana, a spinach lasagne with roasted eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms, yellow squash, broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes and cheese.
His favorite seafood selection? The Pesce del Giorno (Fish of the Day). You see, Sagredo only serves fresh fish. To ensure the freshness of his fish dishes, he prepares them only as daily specials.
His personal choice is Chilean Sea Bass with Crab Meat in a Tomato Ragu, served with pureed carrots and sauteed spinach.
According to Patricio, all portions for dinner are large.
"After working eight to nine hours, people want a big meal," he said.
However his lunch portions are smaller because people are generally in a bit of a hurry to get back to work.
All of his offerings can be complemented with a selection from his medium- priced wine list. He carries wines from France, Italy, Chile, Australia and California. Among his champagnes he lists Dom Perignon.
Fagioli's warm, Mediterranean ambiance is evident from the first step into this charming restaurant. The view of our own harbor only enhances the fantasy.
Fagioli is open Monday to Saturday for lunch, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and dinner, 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Live musical entertainment is on hand during dinner hours on Friday and Saturday.
Lunch prices range from $7 – $14, and dinner from $12 – $20.
For reservations for four or more, call 777-8116.

When she was 12, she moved from her native Haiti to the United States.
At 25 her first novel, "Breath, Eyes, Memory," was published. This was soon followed by Krik? Krak!, a story collection that was nominated for the National Book Award.
By age 30, "The Farming of Bones," her third novel, was climbing the best seller list.
So who is this young woman with such a mature voice? Her name is Edwidge Danticat.
A graduate of Barnard College with a Masters of Fine Arts from Brown University, Danticat was named as one of the 20 "Best Young American Novelists" by Granta in 1996. She is also a recipient of a Lila Wallace-Readers Digest Foundation grant.
After reading two of her books, it is easy to understand how Danticat received such early acclaim. "Breath, Eyes, Memory" begins in Haiti. Sophie Caco is preparing for her journey to New York City, where she will be reunited with her mother. Aunt Atie, who has raised her since infancy, is helping her come to terms with why she must leave the only home she has ever known and live with a woman she barely remembers.
However, Sophie's real journey begins with relearning what it is to be a daughter. As she travels along the road from childhood to motherhood, we shares the secrets of her family and the political violence of the world she was born into.
Along the way we are introduced to the Haitian culture, traditions and to a country that is as beautiful as it is dangerous. We become involved with the conflicts between her two sets of beliefs and her struggle to make them one. Danticat's third novel is also set in this politically scarred, supernatural region. "The Farming of Bones" is a fictional account, based on history, told to us by a Haitian orphan.
Amabelle grew up in the Dominican household of wealthy landowner Don Ingacio as a servant to his daughter, Valencia. Her saga begins just prior to the 1937 massacre of Haitian immigrants by the military forces of President Trujillo.
Through Amabelle's eyes we experience this modern chapter of Caribbean history. We live with her through the indignity and barbarity of one people against another. We also learn about love, endurance and possibilities of a given lifetime. Again, Danticat paints a picture with her words that is intriguing and inspiring. It is a beautiful narrative of survival in a harsh environment. Both novels are a tribute to the strength and wisdom of Haitian women and to her native Haiti.

Lockhart Caribbean Corp. expects to double its revenues with the acquisition of two insurance companies.
Lockhart bought Guardian Insurance Co. Inc., a U.S. Virgin Islands-based insurance company, and Heritage Insurance Ltd., British Virgin Islands company, on Dec. 31 for an undisclosed amount of cash and stock of Lockhart Caribbean, according to a press release from Lockhart Caribbean.
The two acquisitions had been announced previously.
They expand the financial services arm of Lockhart, which also includes Premium Finance Co. (Caribbean) Ltd. and Premium Finance Co. (E.C.) Ltd.
"The purchase of Guardian and Heritage is another important step in Lockhart's diversification into the financial services business in the U.S.V.I and throughout the Eastern Caribbean," said John P. de Jongh Jr., president and chief operating officer of Lockhart Caribbean Corp. Lockhart Caribbean is one of the oldest and largest real estate companies in the Virgin Islands.
Along with increasing revenues, the acquisitions advance Lockhart's planned expansion into the Eastern Caribbean, according to de Jongh.

Gov. Charles W. Turnbull has made no final decisions on Cabinet positions, a person close to his inner circle said Tuesday.
"Nothing's finalized," said this person, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "I believe Charles has put the names out there" — or allowed others to do so — "to get feedback. It's a political litmus test."
Reaction to many names that have surfaced, in print and privately, has been "mixed," this person said.
"But Charles hasn't called any of the people on the list yet, and until he calls you….."
People close to Turnbull expected him to announce several Cabinet-level nominations Saturday. When that didn't happen, they told people to look for them Sunday — including announcements of acting heads of some departments. But Sunday came and went with no announcements, and Monday and today have been consumed by inaugural activities.
Today is a holiday for St. Croix government employees but St. Thomas and St. John workers are supposed to be on the job. Neither Government House nor the Turnbull transition team has announced who's now in charge of various departments and agencies. Most Cabinet-level officials reportedly submitted their resignations last week.
Among those whose names have surfaced for Cabinet positions:
— Ruby Simmonds for Education commissioner. Reaction generally has been positive, including within the department.
— Clement "Cain" Magras for Tourism commissioner. Reaction has been mixed, with concern raised that he has no experience in tourism and, on St. Croix, that he might not be as sensitive to that island's needs as residents expect.
— Iver Stridiron or Arturo Watlington Jr. for attorney general. Reaction has been mixed to both.
— Keith Richards or Brian Turnbull for Planning and Natural Resources commissioner. Reaction has been negative to Richards from the business community, and mixed toward Turnbull.
— Ira Hobson for Housing, Parks and Recreation commissioner and — if Turnbull decides to consolidate departments and agencies — the Housing Finance Authority. Many people see this as a political payoff for his strong and early support of the Turnbull-James team but note that Hobson did not win accolades for his handling of the same post in the Schneider administration before he resigned in June.

The earthquake-prone Virgin Islands-Puerto Rico region reported 622 small tremors in 1998, the Associated Press has reported.
The strongest, on Dec. 7, registered 5.6 and was centered six miles south of Anegada. Most were so small that only seismographs could detect them. Thirteen were strong enough to be felt by residents of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands or the British Virgin Islands.
Most of the 1998 quakes were centered north of the Virgin Islands, in the Mona Passage between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, and in southern Puerto Rico, the AP reported.
The most active month was April with 73 tremors.
The most active year this decade was 1993 with 820 tremors, followed by 1994 with 819.
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands are close to the boundary of two pieces of the Earth's crust, the North American plate and the Caribbean plate, the AP story noted. Pressure between the plates causes tremors.

Dr. Charles Wesley Turnbull was sworn in Monday as the sixth elected governor of the Virgin Islands.
His inaugural message focused on the theme he rode to victory in November: unity, respect, service.
It is a theme that has resonated with Virgin Islanders, as evidenced by his resounding two-to-one victory over Gov. Roy L. Schneider.
But Gov. Turnbull's challenge will be to translate his fine words and excellent sentiments into action.
Virgin Islanders want change.
They want radical change in the way this government does business, something Gov. Turnbull has promised to deliver. They don't want empty promises — we've heard enough of those over the years — and they don't want more studies — we've had more than enough of those — they want action.
They want the reins put on fiscal profligacy. Not mass layoffs, of course, but a systematic reduction in the cost of this government: a reduction in the workforce by attrition and by cutting all that fat at the top; elimination of all frills such as fancy cars and unchecked travel; a halt to double-dipping (including contracts for retirees who are collecting handsome pensions); and the introduction of government efficiencies such as privatized services that work elsewhere but have never been seriously tried here. They want an end to contracts for people who do little or nothing to earn those taxpayer dollars. They want an end to politics as usual.
They want basic services delivered regularly and reliably.
They want potholes filled. They want roadside brush cut and garbage collected and reliable electrical service. They want a competent, trustworthy police force that will protect them, inform them and solve any serious crimes that do occur.
They want more than lip service paid to our children. They want an educational system that educates its students well and doesn't make excuses for failure. They want productive, constructive after-school activities for children that will expand their horizons and keep them out of trouble. They want programs that will ensure that our children develop to their fullest potential — emotionally, intellectually, academically and socially — from birth to adulthood.
They want civility restored to the halls of government, and to our streets. They want an end to the bickering and arrogance and nastiness that too often have become the norm in our daily interactions.
Gov. Turnbull, a true and gracious gentleman, has promised to initiate these changes, and he has asked for the community's help. He seems to understand how important it is for him to set the tone and he says he will do just that.
He has promised to be the most humble and most respectful public servant in the V.I. government so that other workers will follow his example. He has promised to work hard, and to demand that others who collect public paychecks work hard too. He has promised to be open and accountable, and to make sure others in his administration are open and accountable too.
We, like many, many others, fervently hope he will succeed in every area beyond anyone's expectations.

Amidst downpours and dignitaries, Dr. Charles W. Turnbull and Gerard Luz James II were sworn in Monday as governor and lieutenant governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Heavy intermittent showers did not dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd gathered at Emancipation Garden to witness the swearing-in of the territory's sixth elected governor just after noon.
Turnbull's address recalled his campaign promise of a "grander vision."
He reiterated the three pillars of that vision — unity, respect and service. He said that since these islands are home to people from all parts of the Caribbean and the world, we must all work together to achieve our goals.
"We must respect God, ourselves and everyone else," Turnbull said. "We cannot have unity without respect."
Service, he said, is the third pillar: "Service, first to God and then to fellow human beings."
Turnbull referred to himself as the "chief humble servant" and to the lieutenant governor as the second chief humble servant.
He also promised to protect the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment.
"You have freedom to speak against this administration or any other government agency," he said.
He also made a commitment to raise the standard of living for all Virgin Islanders, but said in order to do that we must be prepared to do things differently.
"New economic alliances are being formed around the world," he said, and the Virgin Islands must do the same thing.
Turnbull expressed the hope that when history judged him, it would not be as a great governor, but as a "good governor."
The inaugural ceremony got under way at about 10:30 a.m. when mistress of ceremonies Dr. Gwen-Marie Moolenaar announced the arrival of Gov. Roy L. Schneider and Gov.-elect Turnbull and their entourages to the grandstand.
After viewing the motorcade and military parade, the outgoing and incoming governors and their parties moved to the bandstand.
The Rt. Rev. Elliott G. Thomas, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of the Virgin Islands, gave the invocation. The 666th Army Band played the National Anthem and the Virgin Islands Anthem, which was sung by Lorna Freeman.
Inauguration Committee Co-Chair James O'Bryan introduced visiting dignitaries, including Chief Minister Ralph O'Neal of the British Virgin Islands; Wilma Lewis, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico Gov. Pedro Rossello.
The joint choirs of Charlotte Amalie and Eudora Kean High Schools performed "Lift Every Voice and Sing" and finished, despite falling rain, with "Unity."
Senate President Lorraine Berry then presented the traditional Gubernatorial Memento to Gov. Schneider. Moolenaar surprised the crowd by asking Berry to return to the podium and present the same memento to former Gov. Alexander Farrelly, who never got it when he left office in 1995. The presentation to Farrelly met with some of the loudest applause of the morning.
After the ceremonial presentation of flowers to the first ladies of the territory, Lt. Gov. Gerard Luz James II was introduced by Sen.-elect George Goodwin and sworn in by Territorial Court Judge Maria Cabret.
James promised to work to serve the best interests of the people and to "never let you down."
James recalled being identified along with Turnbull as "the bull and the undertaker" — James owns a funeral home on St. Croix — and said it was the rallying cry for change.
He said one goal of the Turnbull-James administration is to restore economic stability to the territory by training and retraining employees, by encouraging more Foreign Sales Corporations to locate here and by prudence at all times.
The new lieutenant governor brought laughter and applause when he said he would aim to make peace while he was at the top, which would serve him well "on the way down."
Moolenaar made a program change after James' swearing-in, saying that by law the governor must be sworn in by noon — though by then it was minutes after the midday hour.
Dr. Marilyn F. Krigger, a professor at the University of the Virgin Islands with Turnbull, introduced the governor-elect who was sworn in by Verne A. Hodge, presiding judge of the Territorial Court.
After the inaugural address the program resumed with the singing of "The Holy City" by. Jacqueline Harrigan, accompanied by Dr. Lorna Young-Wright of UVI.
Wanda Mills then read an inaugural poem, followed by the rest of the musical presentation. The ceremony ended at about 1:15 p.m. with the benediction by the Rev. Dr. H. Clifton Niles, superintendent minister of the Methodist Church in St. Thomas/St. John.

Dr. Charles Wesley Turnbull and Gerard Luz James II launched their inaugural activities on St. John over the weekend before taking the oath of office Monday.
An inaugural ecumenical service Sunday at St. Ursula's Anglican Church in Cruz Bay was followed by a reception in Cruz Bay Park.
St. Johnians began their celebration of the Turnbull-James inauguration with a ball Saturday night at the Westin Resort. Three balls are scheduled tonight in St. Thomas, a decision that some critics have said sends the wrong message when the territory's coffers are bare.
Inaugural festivities shift Tuesday to St. Croix where Gov. Roy L. Schneider gave administrative leave to non-essential workers. Schneider granted leave to non-essential workers on all three islands for today's inaugural activities.
Turnbull has not yet announced any Cabinet appointments. However, the names of some nominees have begun to surface. Among them:
— Ruby Simmonds, a former senator and University of the Virgin Islands professor, as Education commissioner.
— Clement "Cain" Magras, another former senator and now executive director of the Legislature, as Tourism commissioner. Magras was Licensing and Consumer Affairs commissioner in the Farrelly administration.
— Ira Hobson as Housing, Parks and Recreation commissioner, the post he held in the Schneider administration before resigning in June, citing disrespectful treatment from Scheider. Hobson was an early and fervent Turnbull-James supporter.
Juel T.R. Molloy, who also resigned from the Schneider administration, is expected to be Turnbull's chief of staff, though Rudolph Krigger, a former Finance commissioner, is expected to play a key role at Government House too. Both have been instrumental in the transition process.