The best gourmet dining on St. Thomas is found near Mahogany Run Golf Course on the northern side of the island. Old Stone Farmhouse (Mahogany Run, 340/777-6277, Mon.–Sat. 5:30–9:30 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. and 6–9:30 p.m., $32–35) is housed in a restored plantation great house. The chef is Ric Ade, a former navy submarine cook who now creates some of St. Thomas’s most imaginative cuisine. Ric’s wife, Jackie, runs the dining room, a contrast of old and new: The stone walls and antique furniture are set off by modern service pieces and thoroughly trained waitstaff. The menu is always changing, but count on options that spotlight Ric’s bold style and creative flair. Consider the restaurant’s famous chilled mango gazpacho, served over avocado ice cream. A nice way to explore the depth of Ric’s repertoire is to choose a seven course tasting menu ($81).

In addition to the sit-down restaurant, Old Stone Farmhouse offers Nosh, a tapas wine bar that attracts a upscale after-work crowd. Its Sunday brunch is also popular, and offers choices ranging from the exotic (Japanese tea noodles) and to the familiar (strawberry-stuffed French toast).