For eighteen years Liz and Jerry Buckalew welcomed guests to Entre Nous, their formal dining French restaurant. In October 1997, together with their good friend and your Executive Chef, Patrick Bellantoni, they re-created the dining experience and became Banana Tree Grille, in the same location. The ambience is informal, welcoming and relaxing.

Orginally from Monroe, Connecticut, Liz's Italian and Irish heritage and family background of radio and theatre have influenced her approach to the restaurant business. "A restaurant should be a place for family and friends to gather for luscious food and celebration. Where wine and chocolate abound, how could one not be happy!" Liz envisions the business as theatre. The curtain goes up every evening. You prepare for it, have a few hours to make it a hit and hope everyone loves it as much as you do.

Jerry grew up in Fair Haven, New Jersey and has a nightclub background. After bartending his way across the country and through college, he started his career as a history teacher, but fate led him to hospitality. While Jerry's focus is the "back of the house" and Liz's is the "front of the house", you will see Jerry visiting with guests during the evening, and is always available for a discussion about golf.

Liz and Jerry met in St. Thomas twenty-four years ago and decided to make it their home. They look forward to welcoming you to Banana Tree Grille during your visit to St. Thomas.


Originally from Norwalk, Connecticut you may have met him at his former restaurant, Bay Street, in Westport, or his night club, Back Stage, located behind the Westport Playhouse. You will remember if you've met him, not only because his food is so outstanding, but because he's the kind of guy you remember! "Charming, Italian and talented" we say! Be it his passion for Italian and Mediterranean fare, a pinch of the tropics, a hint of Asia, lobster, seafood or beef, his international cuisine is as luscious as it is beautifull!

Oh, and don't forget, there is nothing like a good scotch, an aromatic cigar and a big Brunello wine!

Chef Bellantoni's latest venture involves big pasta machines, yum! Say "Hello" to Patrick at the end of your evening.

Click on "Indulge" to see our menu.

One of the things we really like about our staff is they want you to have a fabulous evening with us! There is always someone to greet you when you arrive, you will never wonder what to do next.

We are an opinionated lot, we love to recommend food, wine & sweets (the key lime pie is amazing). We like to talk about boating, snorkeling, diving, airplanes, golf and jewelry! We enjoy helping you celebrate birthdays, anniversaries & weddings, as well as romantic dinners for two at "the footsie table"!

When you walk into the restaurant, you can see past the bar into the kitchen; wave to, Jesus, Charlie and Steve. We are not all in these pictures, but everyone hopes you will join us while you are in St. Thomas.